On the 100th day since the June 8 Aurora tragedy that claimed the lives of Rene Baterbonia and Divine Adili, the families of both players were in attendance for Ateneo’s UAAP Season 89 debut.
While the Adili family addressed the media during a halftime press conference, Rovelyn and Rene Baterbonia Sr. extended their stay at the SM Mall of Asia Arena to watch the final game of the day between University of Santo Tomas and De La Salle University.
Prior to tip-off, Rene’s mother had the chance to meet Growling Tiger Koji Buenaflor, whom fans described as her late son’s lookalike.
“Thank you sa UST, pinayagan kaming makipag-picture sa isang player na kamukha mo. Para sayo ang game na ‘to,” she wrote in a Facebook post alongside photos of herself with Buenaflor.
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Rovelyn was later seen cheering from the stands for the Growling Tigers throughout the game.
Buenaflor finished with five points and five rebounds in UST’s 80-75 victory over La Salle, but emphasized the importance of the little things he contributed to the win.
“Ginawa ko naman best ko. It’s the small things din kasi na nakaka-contribute din sa games. ‘Yung score ‘di naman ‘yan kailangan e, darating yan sa’kin kapag kailangan,” he said.
The 6-foot-7 big man, in turn, expressed his sympathy for the months-long ordeal endured by the Baterbonia family.
Buenaflor reiterated his sadness over the loss of the Ateneo student-athlete and reflected on the impact of the tragedy.
“Actually, nakakaawa rin kasi walang nanay na deserve mawalan ng anak, so I’m just there to support the Baterbonia family,” Buenaflor said.
“Rest in peace kay Rene Baterbonia, such a sad moment for Philippine basketball.”
