Rene Baterbonia’s jersey to be displayed at Boss Toyo’s museum

The jersey of the late basketball player Rene "Bobet" Baterbonia has been given to content creator and collector Jayson Luzadas, popularly known as Boss Toyo, to be kept and displayed at his museum in Quezon City.

Rene’s mother, Rovelyn Baterbonia, said she voluntarily turned over the jersey to Boss Toyo with no payment involved. The unwashed no. 2 jersey was worn by Rene during his Grade 11 days at Ateneo de Davao University, when he was just starting out as a student athlete. 

The turnover was featured in a recent episode of Boss Toyo’s “Pinoy Pawn Stars” on YouTube, where Rene’s parents, Rovelyn and Rene Baterbonia, visited Boss Toyo and his partner, Mary Jhoy, at their shop.

During their conversation, they also addressed rumors that the family intended to sell Rene’s jersey. Rovelyn denied the claim, saying she had no plans to sell it, regardless of how much was offered.

She recalled being asked if Boss Toyo was planning to buy the jersey from them.

“May nagtanong po sa akin na ganyan, ‘Totoo ba ‘yung bibilhin ni Boss Toyo ‘yung jersey ng anak mo?’ Sabi ko hindi ko ‘yun ibebenta sa kanya kahit ilang [milyon],” she said.

The rumor was that Boss Toyo would buy the jersey for ₱25 million. Boss Toyo dismissed the claim, saying he was surprised that such speculation had circulated, especially while the family was grieving.

“Sabi nga meron… ilang milyon ba ‘yun? 25 million. Grabe. Sabi ko, minsan iba na rin talaga ang mga netizens natin eh. Kahit may nagdadalamhati,” Boss Toyo said.

He also told Rene’s parents that he deliberately stayed quiet at the time rather than use the situation to gain attention or publicity.

“Never ako sumakay doon sa clout. Never akong gumawa ng kahit anong gimik nung time na yun. Kasi alam ko ‘yung mga panahon na ‘yon hindi para sakyan mo... ‘yung maiinit na topic, lalo na sa sensitibong topic na ganon,” he said.

Boss Toyo thanked Rene’s parents for entrusting to him one of their son’s belongings. He reiterated that the jersey was not purchased from the family. “Ito ay para lang sa kaalaman niyo. Hindi ito binenta,” he clarified.

He also joked about the reported P25-million price tag. “Magbabayad ako ng P25 million? Wow, sobrang yaman ko naman,” he said, while Mary Jhoy could be heard adding, “Hindi totoo.”

Boss Toyo said the jersey will be preserved and displayed at his Pinoy Pawn Stars museum in Quezon City once renovations are completed. He also made clear that it will not be put up for sale.

“Para po sa mga taga-Manila, mga taga-QC, nasa Luzon. Oo. Pwede na nilang makita. Pwede niyo na makita after ng renovation eh.”

Once renovations are done, visitors may see the jersey on display alongside other pop culture pieces and memorabilia.