Rene Baterbonia had several options when schools began recruiting him as a promising young basketball player, but his family ultimately chose Ateneo because its scholarship package could also support the education of his siblings.
Rovelyn Baterbonia, Rene’s mother, said in an interview on “Toni Talks” that the young player was pursued by several major schools before eventually joining Ateneo de Davao in the juniors division and later Ateneo de Manila University.
Among the schools that expressed interest were San Beda, De La Salle University, San Sebastian College and the University of the Philippines.
“San Beda, La Salle, San Sebastian, (UP), kung bibilangin ko lahat ng mga eskwelahan,” Rovelyn said.
Rovelyn recalled that the family was not simply looking for a basketball scholarship for Rene. They wanted an arrangement that could also help his brothers and sisters continue their education.
“Tapos ‘yung sinabi namin na maghanap tayo ng eskwela na hindi lang kayo ang maging scholar, kundi kasali ‘yung mga kapatid niyo,” she added.
Rene initially preferred San Beda, according to his mother. However, she encouraged him to consider Ateneo de Davao because of its proximity to their home in Agusan del Sur and the additional educational support it could provide to the family.
“Kaya sabi ko, sa Ateneo ka na lang. Tutal top 1 naman yun na university dito sa Davao. Tapos isa pa, madagdagan pa yung skills mo, makapag-aral pa din yung kapatid mo dun, sabi ko, kasama sa scholar,'” said Rovelyn.
The family’s decision came despite several schools offering substantial financial incentives to secure Rene’s services. Rovelyn said some offers reached as high as P1.5 million, while others were worth P500,000, P200,000 and P100,000.
In the end, the family prioritized the broader scholarship opportunity over the larger financial offers.
“Kasi alam niyo naman, mahirap tayo sa mga pang-araw-araw, lalo na sa pagdating ng pag-aaral, paano na yung mga kapatid niyo. Kaya kahit maraming offer, May 1.5 (million), may P500,000, may 200, may 100, (mas pinili namin ‘yung scholarship),” said Rovelyn.
Rene’s promising basketball career was later cut short when he died during an Ateneo team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora, along with fellow student-athlete Divine Adili. (Adrian Co)
The post Baterbonia turns down lucrative offers, chooses Ateneo for siblings’ education first appeared on Fastbreak.
