A film project depicting the life of late basketball player Rene Baterbonia is moving forward, according to Senator Robin Padilla.
Padilla said director BB Gandanghari and filmmakers from Mindanao are preparing to tell Baterbonia’s story through film.
“Hindi po tayo bumibitaw sa paglalahad sa pamamagitan ng pelikula ang buhay ni Rene Baterbonia,” Padilla said in a statement.
He also said the filmmakers are already “all set” for the project, despite what he described as financial difficulties and political pressures affecting the entertainment industry.
Baterbonia was a promising young basketball player from Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, who was set to continue his collegiate career with the Ateneo de Manila University Blue Eagles.
He died at 18 during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8, together with fellow Ateneo men's basketball player Divine Adili, 21.
Authorities later identified drowning as the cause of Baterbonia’s death following a post-mortem examination.
Before joining Ateneo, Baterbonia had already established himself as a standout player in youth basketball.
He helped the Davao Region secure the boys’ basketball championship at the 2025 Palarong Pambansa, where he was also named Most Valuable Player.
He later represented the Philippines at the 2025 ASEAN School Games in Brunei, contributing to the country’s gold medal finish in basketball.
Baterbonia was expected to suit up for Ateneo in UAAP Season 89 before his death.
