Rene Baterbonia’s AI-generated likeness, music continue to circulate online

Three months after Rene Baterbonia died in a drowning incident, AI generated music and images featuring the Ateneo basketball player have spread online through a growing mix of songs, videos and other digital content.

On music-streaming platforms, several releases have been posted in Rene’s name or as tributes to him. These include AI-generated songs, as well as what appear to be AI covers. 

Among them are “Baon ang Pangarap” by Andrei AI Music and “Rene Baterbonia Tribute” by Nihvan. Other uploads also carry Rene’s name or reference his death, extending his story beyond social media and onto music-streaming services.

His likeness has also been used in AI-generated videos circulating on TikTok. Some clips depict Rene still playing basketball, while others show him coming out of the water or asking viewers to engage with the posts. The AI-generated clips do not necessarily depict scenes which happened in real life.

While the content has drawn engagement from social media users, others have voiced their disapproval, saying the late athlete should be treated with respect and that his name and likeness should not be used to make money.

This issue comes as his family remains focused on the case surrounding his death. His mother, Rovelyn, has repeatedly encouraged supporters to keep their focus on prayer and the family’s pursuit of justice.

For Rene’s 90th-day commemoration, Rovelyn asked supporters to keep the occasion simple. In a Facebook post on September 5, she requested that people not hold a large celebration or bring food, decorations and other material offerings to her son’s grave.

“Gusto ko lang ng simpleng pagdasal. Sana maintindihan nyo ako,” she wrote, explaining that she wants to prioritize the case involving her son.

Rovelyn also requested that instead of bringing food or other material gifts to Rene’s grave, those who want to help may send donations directly to her. She included her e-wallet and bank details in the post and asked donors to send screenshots of their transactions for verification.

The request follows Rovelyn’s previous statements about financial assistance and the criticism she has received over selling products and merchandise bearing her son’s name and face.