The post received thousands of “Haha” reactions, shares, and comments.
A post turning late Ateneo basketball player Rene “Bobet” Baterbonia into the face of a beauty product appeared to be satire, but its spread online sparked discussions over the limits of parody and the use of dead public figures’ identities.
Created by Facebook user Carlo Diocares, the post promoted a supposed product called “RENE-venating Skin Essentials Premium Rejuvenating Set,” featuring Baterbonia’s image on its packaging alongside the tagline, “RENE-venating inspired by Bobet ‘Game-winning glow.’”
The caption leaned into the style of online advertisements, opening with “THE LONG WAIT IS OVER!” and “Tumira ng tres, kutis walang stress! 🏀✨.”
“Every use of RENE-venating set counts ✨ Dahil bawat step ng routine mo helps support a fresher, brighter, and more radiant skin glow 💕,” it read.
It ended with, “PM me or comment kau for orders. Legit only!!”
While the post did not include a formal disclaimer identifying it as satire or confirm whether the product was actually available, it aligned with Diocares’ established content style, which uses exaggeration and hyperbole to comment on social media trends and public affairs. The post also carried Facebook’s “AI info” label.
Diocares’ post received thousands of “Haha” reactions, shares, and comments—with many users familiar with his content style treating it as humor. However, others who encountered the post without that context interpreted it as a genuine product promotion and questioned the use of Baterbonia’s name and image.
The post was later reposted by media outlet 94.9MHz Lucky Radio Bayugan City, bringing it to a wider audience and prompting further discussion among netizens. The repost has since been deleted.
Some users asked whether Baterbonia’s family had authorized the use of his likeness, while others criticized what they saw as an inappropriate use of the late athlete’s identity.
Diocares appeared to continue the joke in the comments section, responding to critics with exaggerated defenses of the supposed business.
“Idol q din po si Idol Rene AKA Bebot Baterbonia bkit aq ang ipapahanap nio?? Bkit hndi ung mga basher dto s comment section ang awayin nio?? aq ay nagnenegosyo lng s hirap ng buhay lumban kau nang patas!!” he wrote.
In another, he responded, “maam naghahanap buhay lng po aq at nagbebenta pno po disrespect. Kau nag disrespect smin mga online seller.”
The discussion surrounding the post also came amid a growing number of content centered on Baterbonia following his and teammate Divine Adili’s drowning on June 8. Content creators have been questioned whether they are genuinely honoring his memory or using his death for engagement.
Diocares’ post raised a similar question: even if intended as satire, does using Baterbonia’s name and image in a fictional advertisement cross a line for some audiences?
While some saw it as a joke consistent with his usual content, others viewed it as another example of how Baterbonia’s image continues to be used online after his death.
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