Rovelyn Baterbonia clarified that the P30 entrance fee being collected at her son Rene Baterbonia’s mini museum is separate from the merchandise store, following discussions online about the late Ateneo student-athlete’s memorial collection.
In a statement posted on social media, Baterbonia explained that visitors are not being charged to enter the store.
“Ang may entrance po na 30 pesos ay Ang moleseum (mausoleum) namin, Hindi po yong store namin,” Baterbonia said.
She said the fee is intended for the maintenance of the mini museum dedicated to Rene.
According to her clarification, residents of Talacogon are allowed to enter the mini museum for free. Talacogon residents from the town’s 16 barangays can also visit the store without paying an entrance fee.
Visitors from outside Talacogon, however, are charged P30 to access the museum.
“Sa store namin libre po walang bayad po Yan,” Baterbonia added.
The clarification comes after several social media discussions involving Baterbonia and the merchandise associated with her late son, including questions previously raised online over the sale of Rene-themed shirts and other items.
Baterbonia has maintained that the museum and related activities are connected to preserving Rene’s memory, while the latest statement sought to distinguish the museum entrance fee from the operation of the merchandise store.
Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia was among the two Ateneo student-athletes who died during an off-campus team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8. (Adrian Co)
