A charcoal artist from Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, has found an unusual way to honor the late basketball standout Rene Baterbonia using bleach instead of paint.
Rogelio Agupasa, 39, of Brgy. Tiglawigan, Cadiz City, transformed a plain black shirt into a portrait of Baterbonia using household bleach, creating an image that has since drawn admiration online and inquiries from people hoping to buy the artwork.
Agupasa, who has been practicing art since elementary school and has worked as an artist for more than three decades, said the piece took about four hours to complete on June 11.
Instead of charcoal, pencils, or paint, Agupasa used bleach to gradually bring out the image on the fabric.
He first created a grid and outline before carefully applying the bleach to produce different shades and details on the shirt.
Although he never personally knew Baterbonia, Agupasa said he was moved by the videos and stories that circulated after the young athlete’s death.
“I didn’t personally know him, but I was deeply moved by the videos I saw about him. I felt sad and heartbroken by what happened”, Agupasa said.
The artist said he initially wanted to create a simple sketch but later decided to experiment with bleach art to pay tribute to the basketball player many have described as a rising star and an inspiration to young athletes.
So far, several people have expressed interest in purchasing the artwork, but Agupasa said he intends to keep it for now.
“Many people have already asked if they can buy it, but for now I want to keep it and have it framed,” he said.
He added that while the shirt is not for sale at the moment, he is open to creating similar commissioned works in the future.
Baterbonia, a former Palarong Pambansa Most Valuable Player and Ateneo De Manila University basketball recruit, has become a symbol of promise and perseverance for many Filipinos following his tragic death earlier this month.
He was regarded as one of the country’s top young basketball prospects and had recently committed to play for Ateneo in college.
In the days following his death, thousands of supporters paid tribute to Baterbonia as his remains returned home in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur.
Videos shared online showed residents and supporters lining the roads and chanting “MVP” as the vehicle carrying his remains passed by.*
[sibwp_form id=1]