Gerald Anderson shares lesson from Rene Baterbonia tragedy

MANILA, Philippines — Gerald Anderson was deeply saddened by the death of young basketball player Rene Clert “Bobet” Baterbonia, whom the actor had the chance to play with before the tragic incident.

Remembering their encounter on the basketball court, Gerald said he immediately saw the young athlete’s potential.

“Before nangyari yung aksidente, very promising kid siya. Ang bright ng future sana niya,” Gerald told The STAR in a recent interview.

“Sayang, sayang talaga yung nangyari. Wala naman sigurong may gusto sa nangyari. But, you know, nakita ko yung reaction ng buong Pilipinas, kung gaano sila ka-heartbroken sa nangyari.”

On June 8, Ateneo confirmed that Rene, a rising cager from Mindanao, and teammate Divine Adili died during a team-building activity in Dipaculao, Aurora. Their deaths prompted a Senate inquiry and intense public scrutiny over the circumstances surrounding the tragedy.

Gerald later visited Rene’s wake in Davao City to personally offer his condolences to the young athlete’s family. Friends of Rene in social media posts later on noted how his presence was able to bring even a brief moment of comfort, especially to Rene’s grieving mother.

“Noong dumalaw ako, kahit paano, parang nakapagbigay tayo ng konting kasiyahan, para lang ma-distract sila from the loss for a while,” he said.

The actor acknowledged that being able to bring happiness and comfort to people, especially during difficult moments, is also part of his work.

“That’s part of our work because you also can give happiness in different ways,” he said. “And I was happy na kahit paano, napasaya natin siya.”

As an athlete himself, Gerald said Rene’s passing reminded him of how suddenly life and a promising sports career could change.

“Make every moment count,” he said when asked about his takeaway from the tragedy.

“As an athlete, you never know. Hindi naman kailangang ganung aksidente. Puwede kang i-injure,” he added. “So, you know, be grateful and cherish every moment.”

Meanwhile, Gerald will serve as playing coach of the Team Star Magic Shooting Stars, which will go up against a team of actors from Thailand’s GMMTV during the Star Magic All-Star Games 2026 on Aug. 23 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.

Those representing Thailand include GMMTV’s popular twin actors AJ and JJ Jutamas.

He said the team had already begun studying its opponents ahead of the start of its formal training sessions.

“Ngayon, nag-uusap na kami. Tiningnan namin kung anong laro ng mga makakalaban natin, yung mga bisita natin,” Gerald said.

“We’re gonna start practicing mga next week na siguro. May mga tinatapos lang ako. (After filming) ‘Blood Vs Duty’ and ‘BuyBust,’ medyo maluwag-luwag na.”

Apart from being physically ready, Gerald stressed that the players must also prepare themselves mentally because they will be representing not only Star Magic and ABS-CBN, but also the Philippines.

“To be  mentally prepared also because, at the end of the day, we will represent the Philippines. Yung team natin, Star Magic and ABS-CBN, we want to represent them in a good way and the best way,” he said.

Gerald promised that the visiting Thai star players would experience the hospitality Filipinos are known for. Once they step onto the court, however, Team Star Magic will also display its competitive side.

“Very hospitable tayo. Tatanggapin natin sila and magbibigay tayo ng warm welcome sa kanila,” he said, indicating that the Filipino players would not make things easy for their opponents during the actual basketball game.

Joining Gerald in Team Star Magic are Ronnie Alonte, Jeremiah Lisbo, Emilio Daez, River Joseph, Ashton Salvador, Argel Saycon, Elyson de Dios, JV Kapunan, Tristan Ramirez and reigning rookie of the year JM Ibarra.  

First launched as a yearly celebration of camaraderie and sportsmanship among Star Magic artists, the All-Star Games has since become one of the talent management company’s flagship events.

Selling of tickets is now ongoing via smtickets.com and SM Tickets outlets nationwide.