MANILA, Philippines — Grief hung heavy as members of the Ateneo Blue Eagles men’s basketball team and coaching staff gathered on Wednesday to honor the life of their fallen teammate, Rene Baterbonia, during a wake visit at Arlington Memorial Chapel in Quezon City.
In a quiet show of solidarity, players stood side by side with school officials and members of the coaching staff, including UAAP Board representative Em Fernandez and assistant coaches Sandy Arespacochaga and Louie Alas, as they paid their final respects.
But amid the mourning, one notable absence stood out — head coach Tab Baldwin was not present.
The players and staff extended their condolences to Baterbonia’s family, who continue to seek answers surrounding his untimely death.
The wider sports community remains in mourning following the passing of Baterbonia and fellow Ateneo player Divine Adili, who both died during a team-building activity held in Aurora.
