IT wasn't supposed to be happening this soon, but the return trip to Mindanao is underway for Rene Baterbonia.
Late Thursday evening, his remains left Arlington Memorial Chapel in Quezon City heading to Villamor Air Base before being flown to Davao, where the young talent fondly called 'Bobet' made a name for himself in Ateneo de Davao.
He will then come home to Agusan del Sur, his final resting place.
For his family, it marks another painful step in saying goodbye.
But amid the grief, his mother Rovelyn said she has found strength in the overwhelming support that has poured in from across the country following her son’s tragic passing.
Before departing Metro Manila, she took a moment to thank everyone who stood with their family during one of the most difficult periods of their lives.
“Salamat sa lahat ng nakiramay, mga kababayan, kakilala. 'Di mababayaran ng pera ang inyong buong pakikiramay sa amin,” she said in Bisaya.
“Wala na akong ibang masabi. Aalis na po kami ngayon para maayos na ang paghimlay ng aking anak.”
READ: Baterbonia was much more than just Ateneo recruit, AgSur pride
Since news of Baterbonia’s untimely death broke, tributes have come from onetime teammates, coaches, classmates, and fans, many of whom have shared stories of how the Ateneo recruit touched their lives.
Each prayer, message, and gesture of support has become a source of comfort, as the family navigates an unimaginable loss.
As she put it, “Sa inyo ako kumukuha ng lakas ng loob na kailangan ko bumangon.”
“'Di ko maisa-isa, mga kababayan, mga kapitbahay, mga kakilala. Basta nagpapasalamat kami sa buong Pilipinas. Kaming Baterbonia family, salamat.”
Pride of Agusan del Sur
As Bobet begins his last trip to Mindanao, his family hopes to give him the homecoming he deserves.
The journey will include a three-day stop in Ateneo in Davao, where more loved ones and supporters are expected to pay their final respects before he is brought to AgSur, where he was born and bred.
It is a route that mirrors much of the promising prospect's own journey - a young man who left Talacogon town in pursuit of a dream which then began taking shape in Davao until he was recruited to play in the big leagues.
And without a doubt, from today until tomorrow, gone-too-soon Baterbonia will always be fondly remembered by the Philippines and Philippine basketball.
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