Rovelyn Baterbonia could not hold back her tears after receiving a framed portrait capturing what would turn out to be her final embrace with her son, late basketball player Rene Baterbonia.
In a viral video uploaded by layout artist and photo editor John Bryan Tadlip on his Facebook page, JBTadz NeverFades Picture Frames, Tadlip surprised the grieving mother with the portrait as a gift for Rene’s family. Upon seeing the photo, Rovelyn immediately broke down in tears.
The portrait was based on a video showing the mother and son sharing a tight hug before Rene left for Manila to pursue his basketball dreams at Ateneo de Manila University.
As she wiped away her tears, Rovelyn recalled how her son would often comfort her during difficult times. According to her, there was a time when people looked down on their family because of their financial struggles.
Despite their situation, Rene remained determined to change their lives.
“It’s okay, Ma. One day, our lives will get better. I’ll work hard so I can lift our family out of poverty. Don’t pay attention to them,” Rovelyn recalled her son telling her.
She added that there was also a time when people criticized their family because of their debts. But now, she said, people no longer speak about them like before.
In a social media post, Ateneo de Davao University coach Jess Evangelio likewise recalled Rene’s determination to help his family. According to the coach, the young athlete once said he was willing to spend years away from home to pursue his studies and basketball career in Ateneo so he could give his family a better life.
Viral clips shared online also showed Rene helping his mother by signing keychains they sold to help cover his expenses and allowance, earning admiration from many netizens.
Aside from his talent on the basketball court, Rene touched many hearts with his humility, perseverance, and deep love for his family.
In an interview with GMA News, Rovelyn shared how Rene had promised that she would no longer have to worry about money.
“Pinag-usapan kasi namin, pagdating daw ng June, hindi na ako mamomroblema. Kasi, lahat daw provided na,” she said.
She also recalled how Rene wanted most of his allowance to go directly to her.
“Kaya nga nung nag-open na kami ng ATM, sabi niya, ‘Sige lang, Ma, kunin mo ‘yan kasi pipirma ako doon, ‘yung 70 percent sa ‘yo at ‘yung 30 percent sa akin. Pero ‘yung sa akin, hindi ko ‘yun gagalawin. ‘Yung sa ‘yo ikaw na bahala kung anong gagawin mo,'” she added.
Following his passing, Ateneo de Davao University fulfilled one of Rene’s dreams by pledging educational support for his siblings.
Rene died alongside fellow student-athlete Divine Adilli during a team-building activity in Aurora on June 8.
His wake is currently being held in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, where he will be laid to rest on June 24.
