MANILA, Philippines — Sen. Robin Padilla and filmmaker BB Gandanghari are teaming up with filmmakers from Mindanao for a film chronicling the life and dreams of late basketball player Rene “Bobet” Baterbonia.
The planned film, titled “Just a Kid With a Big Dream: The Rene ‘Bobet’ Beterbonia Story,” was featured in a presentation during Padilla’s meeting with Gandanghari and filmmakers from Mindanao.
Padilla shared photos from the meeting on social media, including a photo of Gandanghari and a presentation showing Baterbonia in his basketball uniform.
“Assalamu Alaikum! Kahit ginigipit na po tayo kahit sa usaping pinansyal ng mga mapaniil na mga nagsasabing sila ay matitinong tao at pati mundo ng industriya ng entertainment ay kanilang pinupolitika,” the Senator posted on Facebook.
(Peace be upon you! Even though we are already being pressured, including financially, by oppressive people who claim to be decent and who are also politicizing the entertainment industry.)
“Hindi po tayo bumibitaw sa paglalahad sa pamamagitan ng pelikula ang buhay ni Rene Baterbonia. All set na si direk BB Gandanghari at mga film makers ng Mindanao. (We will not let go of telling Rene Baterbonia’s life story through film. Director BB Gandanghari and the filmmakers from Mindanao are all set),” he added.
Padilla's post came as the project moves forward, with Gandanghari attached to direct the film about Baterbonia, a young basketball player whose story resonated with fans and supporters after his death.
Baterbonia was 18 when he died following a drowning incident during an Ateneo de Manila University team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora.
Before joining the Ateneo basketball program, Baterbonia had emerged as a promising young player from Agusan del Sur. He represented the Davao Region in the Palarong Pambansa and helped the team win its first secondary boys basketball gold medal in 2025. He was also named the tournament's Most Valuable Player.
Baterbonia later represented the Philippines at the Asean Schools Games in Brunei, where the team won a gold medal.
After his death, Baterbonia’s remains were brought home to Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, where his family, relatives, friends, teammates and supporters gathered to mourn the young athlete. His family also received support from people who followed his story.
