MANILA - As calls for justice continue over the drowning incident that claimed the life of Ateneo basketball recruit Rene Baterbonia, coaches and friends on Thursday also shared stories of how he was not only a great basketball player but an even better person, during the final day of his wake in Quezon City before his remains are flown back to Davao.
Jess Evangelio, Baterbonia’s former coach at Ateneo de Davao University (AdDU), said that while the Jesuit institution had long been the teenage athlete’s dream school, he only agreed to be recruited after asking that scholarship opportunities also be extended to his younger brother, Renz.
Evangelio said Renz is set to play for AdDU starting next year.
“Lagi niyang iniisip yung family niya, lagi niyang iniisip yung kapakanan ng mga kapatid niya. Very inspiring,” he said.
Evangelio recalled one of his last conversations with Baterbonia after he left for Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU).
“After ng training niya sa Ateneo de Manila, yung last conversation namin, sabi niya sakin, Coach, hindi muna ako uuwi ng Davao, after five years na. Dapat mayaman muna ako dito para maahon ko sa kahirapan yung pamilya ko. Sayang lang, kasi na-cut short,” he added.
Calabarzon coach says Rene Baterbonia was 'role model' on and off court
Evangelio was also deeply impressed by Baterbonia’s character and humility despite his achievements.
Baterbonia led the Davao Eagles to a championship title at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, where he was also named Most Valuable Player.
“Sobrang bait na bata. Kahit sinong player, wala siyang kaaway. Sa loob ng court, sinusuntok siya, pero siya pa nagso-sorry. Sobrang humble. Wala kang makita na yabang,” said Evangelio.
Baterbonia’s impact extended beyond his own teammates and school, with fellow athletes he met through competitions remembering him not just for his talent on the court but for his kindness off it.
“Si Rene po sobrang bait niya. As in pag may problema, siya yung malalapitan ko talaga,” said NU Nazareth School basketball player Audray Biongcog.
Members of the CALABARZON basketball team, which faced Baterbonia and the Davao Region team in the 2026 Palarong Pambansa, also attended the wake and expressed their sorrow over his passing.
“Hindi ko inexpect na ganun yung mangyayari sakanya. Inaabangan ko rin yung paglalaban namin sa college,” said 2026 Palarong Pambansa gold medalist Dairick Duterte.
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CALABARZON Heroes coach Jasper Magno said Baterbonia also left a strong impression on their team.
“Sa totoo lang yung team namin, yung attitude ni Rene yung laging example kasi grabe ugali ng bata. Sobrang bait,” he said.
Zambales 2nd District Rep. Doris Maniquiz also visited the wake, saying there should be stricter regulations in the conduct of team-building activities at sea.
“Sana wag nang maulit ito. At sakaling magkaroon ng team-building sana lahat ng garantiya para maging safe naman mga bata, kasi pinagkatiwala sa kanya ng mga magulang (ang buhay nila),” she said.