UST found an emotional source of inspiration just hours before taking the floor against De La Salle University.
On the 100th day since the passing of Rene Baterbonia, his parents, Rovelyn Baterbonia and Rene Baterbonia Sr., visited the University of Santo Tomas locker room before Wednesday’s UAAP Season 89 Collegiate Men’s Basketball Tournament clash with the Green Archers at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
The unexpected visit came at a poignant time for UST, which was looking to recover from its opening-day loss to University of the Philippines.
The Baterbonias were at the Pasay venue to watch UST face La Salle, but their presence took on a more emotional turn when Rovelyn saw UST forward Koji Buenaflor, whom she felt bore a resemblance to her late son.
“First of all, touching yung nangyari kanina kasi yung mother pumunta sa amin, pumunta kay Koji. Kasi si Koji parang look-alike ni Rene,” said UST coach Pido Jarencio after the Growling Tigers’ 80-75 victory over La Salle.
“Naalala tuloy ng nanay yung si Koji na siya si Rene at niyakap at umiiyak yung nanay.”
(C) UAAP Season 89 Media Team
Jarencio then assured Rene’s parents that the Growling Tigers would dedicate their games to their son.
“Ang sinabi ko lang naman sa kanya: nandito kayo; i-dedicate namin lahat ng games namin para sa anak niyo kay Rene. Tuwang-tuwa yung nanay.”
More than three months after Rene’s passing, the tragedy in Aurora that claimed his life and that of Nigerian center Divine Adili continues to generate discussion on social media.
With emotions still running high, Jarencio stressed that UST’s gesture was simply an expression of sympathy and support for the Baterbonia family, rather than an attempt to insert the team into the issues surrounding the tragedy.
“Hindi kami pumapapel o nag-ga-grandstanding o kahit ano,” said the Season 69 champion. “Basta pinuntahan kami. Kami yung pinuntahan at si Koji, naalala nila anak nila. Kami naman, yun lang naman ma-offer ko sa kanila is yung… Is every game dedicated kay Rene Baterbonia.
“We’re not from Ateneo. Basta kami, sarili namin, sa puso namin nanggaling yun.”
The Growling Tigers ultimately turned the emotional afternoon into a much-needed victory, overcoming La Salle to secure their first win of the season.
