Dwyne Enriquez (9) celebrates together with his FEU Baby Tamaraws teammates during a game within the NBA Rising Stars Invitationals in Singapore.–CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
SINGAPORE—Weeks after his tragic passing, Rene Baterbonia continued to make an impact on his fellow athletes, even on those he had never met.
Dwyne Enriquez, a member of the FEU-Diliman Baby Tamaraws competing within the NBA Rising Stars Invitationals in Singapore, was considered one of those people touched by Baterbonia.
In FEU’s rousing debut against Hwa Chong Institution within the regional highschool tournament, Enriquez paid tribute to Baterbonia by writing the words “For Rene” on his pair of Kobes.
‘FOR RENE’
Dwynne Enriquez, considered one of the FEU-Diliman Baby Tamaraws dedicated his squad’s win to the late Rene Baterbonia. | @MeloFuertesINQ pic.twitter.com/F5OXkbAKgr
— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) June 23, 2026
“We didn’t have any relationship. We never met, but in fact, as a fellow athlete, you could have to feel for him,” the 16-year-old Enriquez told the Inquirer in Filipino after posting 10 points, two assists, three rebounds and three steals off the bench within the 89-24 blowout.
“We were shocked to listen to about his passing and it’s his last day [of wake] today so this game is for him.”
READ: Scottie Thompson, Nards Pinto attend wake of Rene Baterbonia
The 18-year-old Baterbonia and his teammate Divine Adili died in a drowning incident throughout the Ateneo Blue Eagles’ team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora on June 8.
Baterbonia, a highschool standout at Ateneo de Davao University before committing to Ateneo de Manila, was brought home to Talocogon, Agusan del Sur on Saturday for the ultimate days of his wake. His burial is on Wednesday, June 24.
Last week, Ateneo de Davao honored Baterbonia by retiring his No. 2 jersey and renaming its senior highschool covered court in honor of the late basketball standout.