Virgilio Lorenzo Jr

Dona de Leon remembers close friend Divine Adili's sincerity — ‘His kindness was effortless’

Article (news)

John Franklin Kennedy Caacbay

ABS-CBN News

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17813618464742-Composite (1).jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/>Ateneo&#x27;s Dona de Leon and Divine Adili. UAAP Media/File  </div>CANDON, Ilocos Sur — Dona de Leon, a close friend of Divine Adili, shared how genuine the late Ateneo Blue Eagle was.De Leon spoke in a mass organized by Ateneo de Manila University for its fallen student-athletes, Adili and Rene Baterbonia, on Saturday.The Ateneo volleyball player said Adili never let people felt they were out, and his kindness was effortless.“Divine was more than just a friend. He was someone who made people feel welcomed, valued, and cared for,” said de Leon. “His kindness was effortless, his smile was genuine, and his presence was a blessing to all of us who had the privilege of knowing him.”<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/nation/2026/6/12/divine-adili-s-mother-demands-answers-3-days-after-fatal-aurora-drowning-0951">READ: &#x27;Tell me what happened to my son&#x27;: Divine Adili&#x27;s mother demands answers on fatal Aurora drowning </a></div>Since their first conversation together, de Leon knew how gentle the Nigerian basketball player was.“I still remember the first time we met during the first semester. He was the very first person I talked to. I was so happy because he shared and taught me some basic Nigerian words. And in return, I thought him some basic Chinese words,” de Leon shared.“From that very first conversation, I can already tell how kind and approachable he was. Most of our conversations before and after class were about sports, family, and our dreams for the future.”<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/6/13/student-athlete-divine-adili-s-remains-brought-to-ateneo-for-candle-light-service-0911">READ: Student athlete Divine Adili&#x27;s remains brought to Ateneo for candle-light service </a></div>Adili’s kindness and sincerity reflected into their special relationship—they never had an argument, said de Leon.“One thing I truly appreciate about our relationship was that, despite spending so much time together, we never had any arguments. Our relationship was built in respect, understanding, and genuine care for one another,” she said.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2026/6/12/divine-adili-father-demise-out-of-carelessness-1542">READ: Adili&#x27;s father seeks justice for athlete&#x27;s ‘demise out of carelessness’</a></div>De Leon, despite her time with her close friend was cut short, remained grateful for what they had.“You were there when it most mattered. And although our time was cut short, I’m so grateful for every minute spent with you,” de Leon said. “D, thank you for being such an important part of my life. Thank you for your kindness and the memories you gave me,” she added. “Although you are no longer with us, your impact will remain in our hearts forever. We love you, D. We will never forget you.”Adili and Baterbonia’s lost their lives in a drowning incident that happened during a school-sanctioned team building activity.Ateneo men&#x27;s basketball head coach Tab Baldwin, after four days, broke his silence on Friday, saying he &quot;failed as a leader and as a coach.&quot;The parents are seeking justice for Divine, and have requested for an autopsy, according to the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Dona de Leon, a close friend of Divine Adili, shared how effortless his kindness was, and how he made people around him feel welcome.

Dona de Leon, a close friend of Divine Adili, shared how effortless his kindness was, and how he made people around him feel welcome.