MERCHANDISE honoring late Ateneo student-athlete Rene “Bobet” Baterbonia has drawn mixed reactions online after his mother, Rovelyn Baterbonia, showcased the items during a livestream.
Among the products presented was a t-shirt featuring Rene’s image and a QR code, which was being sold for ₱1,000.
Baterbonia also displayed a photo album priced at ₱2,000, as well as refrigerator magnets featuring Rene and members of the Baterbonia family.
The merchandise quickly attracted attention on social media, with several netizens questioning the prices and the decision to sell items bearing the image of the late student-athlete.
One commenter wrote, “Gatas na gatas…. Haha ginawang pangkabuhayan showcase!”
Another asked, “NBA player ba yang anak mo ni hindi nga nakapaglaro sa varsity eh,” while a separate comment said, “At pinagkitaan na ang anak! May keychain pa yan ₱500 each!”
Other users compared the merchandise to products sold by retail brands. One comment read, “Dinaig pa Uniqlo Hahahhaa.”
A netizen also posted a remark about the QR code, saying, “Pag na Scan nyo po yung QR makikita nyo po yung anak nya sa Langit..”
The comments came as public attention remained focused on the circumstances surrounding Rene’s death during an off-campus Ateneo team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8. (Adrian Co)
