Ateneo de Davao coach Jess Evangelio reflected on the outpouring of love for Rene Baterbonia as the late student-athlete was brought back to his hometown of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.
“Hay Rene, dami talagang nagmamahal sa’yo. Halos lahat ng lugar na nadaanan mo ay ipinagdiriwang ka hindi dahil sa pagpanaw mo, kundi dahil sa napakagandang mga alaalang iniwan mo habang nabubuhay ka,” Evangelio wrote in a post.
He said he will never stop sharing stories of Rene’s kindness.
“Hindi ka lang isang student-athlete. Isa kang tunay na mabuting tao. At hindi ako magsasawang ikuwento sa buong mundo kung gaano ka kabuti, kung paano mo pinasaya at binigyang-inspirasyon ang napakaraming tao,” Rene’s former coach added.
Evangelio also shared how the overwhelming love for Rene mirrors the life he lived.
“Makikita sa pagmamahal ng mga tao kung anong klaseng buhay ang nabuhay mo. Isang buhay na puno ng kabutihan, respeto, at pagmamalasakit sa iba,” he said.
The basketball coach assured Rene he will always be loved and celebrated: “Love na love ka namin, MVP. Maraming salamat sa lahat ng alaala, aral, at inspirasyong iniwan mo sa amin. Habang-buhay kang mananatili sa puso namin.”
In another post, Evangelio said Rene has finally come home.
“Today, Bobet is back where his story began—surrounded by family, friends, and a community that will forever be proud of him and the legacy he leaves behind,” he wrote.
Before he was brought home, Rene’s photo was carried around Ateneo de Davao Senior High School in tribute.
“Every hallway, every classroom, every corner of the campus holds memories of you, brother. As we carry your picture around the school you proudly called home, we are reminded of the impact you made on so many lives,” Evangelio shared.
Jersey No. 2 has also been retired by the school in honor of Rene, ensuring his number will forever belong to his legacy on and off the court.
“Retiring Bobet’s jersey number. No one will ever wear jersey number 2 again here at Ateneo de Davao. It will forever belong to you, Bobet. You were truly one of one, my brother. There will never be another you,” Evangelio noted.
Meanwhile, the basketball coach has also encouraged Rene’s former teammates to continue honoring him by always giving their best.
“To our team, to our brotherhood, always remember to give your best every single day and stay EXTRA motivated. As Chris McCullough said, Rene will never again have the opportunity to do the things that you can still do today. That’s why every practice, every game, every workout, every class, and every moment with your family is a gift,” he reiterated.
Evangelio continued, encouraging others to chase their dreams the way Rene would have wanted.
“Honor Rene not only with your words, but with your actions. Work harder. Be a better teammate. Be a better son, brother, friend, and person. Chase your dreams with everything you have, because that’s exactly how Rene lived. Let’s make the most of every opportunity and never take a single day for granted,” he emphasized.
Coach Jess Evangelio mourns the passing of Rene Baterbonia: ‘Habang buhay na kitang hindi makikita’
Public viewing for Rene began on June 16 at the Talacogon gym, while his burial is scheduled for June 24.
Rene was 18 years old, as corrected by Evangelio.
“Hi everyone. Just to clarify, Rene was born on May 8, 2008, not May 8, 2007. He was 18 years old, not 19 years old. We would appreciate it if everyone could help share the correct information. Thank you for your understanding and for continuing to keep Rene and his family in your thoughts and prayers. My condolences to everyone who loved Rene. Accurate information can be very important when honoring someone’s memory,” he clarified.
Rene and Ateneo Blue Eagles teammate Divine Adili died on June 8 in a drowning incident during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
CIDG eyes possible hazing, homicide charges in deaths of 2 Ateneo student-athletes
According to ABS-CBN News, the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group is investigating the incident for possible homicide, as well as violations of the Anti-Hazing Law.