17/06/2026
Isa po sa pinakamahirap at pinaka-complicated i-cover for me ay ang kausapin ang mga kaanak ng mga naulilang nagluluksa. The last thing you want to do is to occupy whatever space they have that’s supposed to be a time of grief and sorrow.
But with utmost sensitivity, genuine care, and compassion, we allow ourselves to become their voice at some point, a point when they are ready to speak, to share their story, to honour their loved ones.
At bilang mamamahayag, we also understand the responsibility to seek them out with care, especially when people rely on us for verified information on issues that have become of national interest and significance.
And in this case, to honour a truly magnificent human being na naging mukha ngayon ng kabutihan, at pagmamahal na lumukso mula sa probinsya papuntang Maynila para makamit ang pangarap para sa pamilya.
I had to wait for six days until Ma’am Rovelyn Baterbonia (Rene’s mom) was ready to share her thoughts and extend her gratitude to everyone who expressed their sympathies. And by doing so, I got to know Bobet more through the eyes and heart of his mother, and through the people who loved him.
Sometimes, journalism can wait. Grief must be given space. Stories must be told only when the heart is ready. And when they are, we listen not just to report, but to remember with them.
Fly high, Bobet and Rest in Gods loving hands 🙏
