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For Rene Clert "Bobet" Baterbonia's family, no amount of money can ever replace the memories he left behind.

In an emotional interview on Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, Bobet's mother, Rovelyn Baterbonia, shared why she would never part with the basketball jerseys her son entrusted to her.

"Sabi ko, ayaw ko, kahit ilang milyon pa 'yan, hindi ko 'yan ibibigay kasi lahat ng mga jersey niya na nag-MVP siya at Mythical Five champion, binibigay niya sa akin pero 'yung iba binibigay niya na sa iba. 'Yung mga memorable talaga ma'am, nasa akin talaga," she said.

For Rovelyn, the jerseys are priceless reminders of her son.

"Ako kasi hindi nangangarap ng one million, memorya ng anak ko, hindi na 'yon mababalik," she added.

The KMJS feature then looked back at Rene's life and the close bond he shared with his family, who continue to grapple with grief while holding onto the memories they created together.

Rovelyn recalled how their family struggled financially, prompting her to look for different ways to earn a living.

"Yung keychain ma'am is isa rin 'yun [na paraan] para mapunan 'yung kulang sa amin kasi 'yung income namin is kulang talaga sa loob ng bahay. So kailangan talaga namin gumawa ng another income para mapunan 'yon. Kaya sabi ko sa kanya na, 'Anak, may mga nakakakilala na sa 'yo, ano kaya kung 'yung mga jersey mo, 'yung mga keychain mo, sign-an mo tapos gawa tayo ng page tapos doon tayo magbebenta," she shared.

Before that, she had been selling fish at a public market to provide for their family.

"Yung isda, madaling araw ka pang pupunta sa palengke, makakauwi ka, gabi na. Tapos 'yung iba kong mga anak, hindi ko na matutukan talaga," she said.

Bobet also helped his family by selling fish and supporting their livelihood whenever he could, while balancing school and basketball.

As his basketball career flourished, Bobet earned 2025 Palarong Pambansa Most Valuable Player, Mythical Five selections, and caught the attention of college recruiters. Despite his growing popularity, Rovelyn said success never changed him.

"Sabi niya, 'Nakilala lang ako dahil sa basketball, pero hindi ako sikat.' Hindi siya feeling sikat," she recalled.

His father, Rene Baterbonia Sr., likewise remembered him as a kind and respectful son.

"Si Bobet, mabait talaga. Kapag pinagsabihan mo, masunurin talaga. Walang problema, napakabait na bata," he said.

While nothing can replace the son they lost, the memories Bobet left behind, including the jerseys his mother refuses to part with, continue to remind the family of the dreams, love, and hope they shared.

As they continue to grieve, the Baterbonia family remains steadfast in seeking truth and justice for Bobet while honoring the memories of the young athlete whose life touched so many.

Video courtesy of KMJS (YT)

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