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This Father's Day carries a different meaning for Rene Baterbonia Sr., who is mourning the loss of his son, Rene Clert "Bobet" Baterbonia, the Palarong Pambansa MVP and incoming Ateneo Blue Eagles player who recently passed away.

Speaking about celebrating the occasion without his son, Rene Sr. admitted that the pain remains overwhelming.

"Siyempre Father's Day tapos ito ang nangyari kay Rene, siyempre malungkot dahil magfa-Father's Day, wala na siya. Malungkot, masakit na masakit."

Known to many as "Dodoy" or "Boboy," Rene Sr. is a former local basketball player who introduced Bobet to the sport at a young age and helped shape his love for the game.

As Bobet's first coach and mentor, Rene Sr. played a key role in developing the skills and discipline that eventually helped his son become one of the country's most promising young basketball players.

Amid his grief, Rene Sr. also shared a message for fellow parents, urging them to stay involved in their children's lives.

"Sa mga tatay dyan, ingatan n'yo ang mga anak n'yo nangg maigi. Dapat alam n'yo mga ginagawa nila araw-araw, mino-monitor n'yo."

The grieving father took pride in the values he and his family instilled in Bobet while he was growing up.

"Lumaki siyang may respeto talaga at inarugaan namin siya nang mabuti para maging mabuting bata at magalang."

Beyond basketball, Rene Sr. said his greatest wish for his children has always been for them to finish their education and build a better future.

"Ang pangarap ko sa mga anak ko, makatapos sila lahat ng pag-aaral."

While Bobet's promising basketball career was tragically cut short, his father continues to remember him not only as an exceptional athlete but also as a respectful and well-mannered son whose character made him just as proud as his accomplishments on the court.

For Rene Sr., this Father's Day serves as a painful reminder of a son gone too soon, but also of the lasting legacy Bobet leaves behind.

Rene was an incoming Ateneo Blue Eagles player for the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP), he passed away during a team activity along with fellow player Divine Adili on June 8 at Dipaculao, Aurora.

Video courtesy of GMA News (YT)