A life's dunk — communal grief and elegy for a young MVP
The funeral convoy transporting the remains of 2025 Palarong Pambansa MVP Rene Clert "Bobet" Baterbonia from the Ateneo de Davao University Senior High School campus to his hometown of Talacogon, Agusan del Sur, was met with an overwhelming, emotionally charged wave of public support. Leaving Davao City at 8:17 a.m. after a three-day public viewing, the hearse traveled a multi-provincial highway route where thick crowds of residents, students, teachers, and sports fans braved shifting extreme weather to pay their respects. In Panabo City and Carmen, Davao del Norte, supporters lined the streets to chant "We Love You, Rene Bobet!" and "Justice!", with many weeping openly as the athlete's mother briefly introduced the family to express gratitude for the public's solidarity. As the procession entered Tagum City, the skies opened into a heavy downpour, yet residents stood their ground alongside students from the Visayan Village Central Elementary Scho...