Alyssa Valdez understandably shed a few tears this weekend when having to accept defeat from arch rival De La Salle at the UAAP women’s volleyball finals, but with the support of fellow Atenean and Athlete, long-time buddy, business partner and possible source of inspiration Kiefer Ravena, she should be just fine.
Find out why Kiefer is a true catch of a friend and athlete in his story.
By GREGGY V. VERA CRUZ
If one were to mention and vividly describe all the credentials, titles and accolades Kiefer Isaac Crisologo Ravena has chalked up during his amateur basketball career, a couple of pages would not be enough. Suffice it to say, the young athlete has consequently earned the monickers, “The Phenom†and “The Blue Mamba.†Credit goes largely to his impressive basketball IQ. Needless to say, many have dubbed him the Kobe Bryant of the Philippines.
Fight, fight, blue and white!
“Being tagged with those titles is really very humbling, knowing that the Philippines is a basketball-oriented country. It is also an overwhelming experience, seeing the acceptance of other teams, players and sectors of society who have known me because of the sport I’ve been playing,†Kiefer excitedly relates.
Tipping the scale at 182 lbs., Kiefer traces his roots to Mandurriao, one of the seven districts of Iloilo City. The eldest among three siblings, this six-footer comes from a very athletic family. His father Bong was a popular player for the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA), while his mother Mozzy was a former volleyball player for the national team.
His being a scion of a famous PBA player, however, did not put additional stress on Kiefer. “It was actually a big advantage for me because my dad told me not to be pressured. He wanted me to be known as Kiefer Ravena, and not simply as the son of Bong Ravena.
“I find that to be very important, probably not just for me but for all the parents for that matter. After all, you have to know what your kids want and that you don’t need to force them into doing anything they don’t like. Eventually, they’ll be good in pursuing their own interests and even excel in their chosen respective fields of endeavor,†he relates matter-of-factly.
Kiefer also remains unfazed by all the attention showered on him, whether on- or off-court, what with his ever-increasing legions of screaming fans of all ages, and gender.
And just like any other certified Jesuit-educated student and/or alumnus, Kiefer has also imbibed the ‘Man for Others’ philosophy and ideals by spearheading Generous Soles, a worthy project with a noble cause.
“I collect (either brand new or slightly used) basketball shoes from my personal supply and those from my teammates and other PBA players. We give them as prizes to tournaments to other less fortunate players.
“As of now, the main beneficiaries of these are our brothers in Ateneo de Naga. But we will try as much to reach out to other Ateneo provincial schools (like in Cebu, Davao and Zamboanga). After all, as an Atenean, kahit anong paaralan ka man ng Ateneo nanggaling sa kung saang sulok ng Pilipinas, Atenista ka pa rin! (Regardless of what Ateneo school you’re from, you’re still an Atenean no matter what). It’s been working fine so far, thanks to the wholehearted help and support of my coaches and my colleagues,†he shares proudly.
A role model for the youth, he also keeps that handsome Ilonggo head of his above his shoulders, and his size 13 feet firmly planted on the ground. “I find it surreal that many young players look up to me. As such, I don’t want to disappoint them because everything that I do reflects on how I was raised by my parents,†this doting son relates.
His soft spot for the youth also branches out to his desire to share his God-given skills and talents. “One of my best joys as a basketball player is being able to share my talent at a young age and seeing other youths grow up to be equally good players,†he concludes.
The legend of the Blue Mamba, indeed, lives on!
Kiefer answers questions from the dugout
- If I were not a basketball player, I would be…a volleyball player or a sports analyst.
- My greatest inspiration is my…dad (Bong Ravena). I watched him play while I was growing up. I was witness to all the things he achieved and all the championship titles that he has won. That motivated me to play basketball at a young age.
- The last book that I read was…The Art of a Beautiful Game: The Thinking Fan’s Tour of the NBA by Chris Ballard.
- My patron saint is…St. Ignatius of Loyola, the patron saint of the Jesuits.
- My favorite vacation spot would be…my resort house in Concepcion, Iloilo. I built it from my earnings. It’s a two-storey beachfront house beside a dormant volcano. It’s also ideal for hiking and fishing; a great retirement home as my parents would put it.
- My dream teammate would be…my good friend Baser Amer (who plays for the San Beda Red Lions). As far as UAAP is concerned, he would be Bobby Ray Parks (of the National University Bulldogs).
- The (material) gift that I would like to receive on my next birthday is…a Vacheron Constantin Overseas watch, made of chrono stainless steel.
- My dream date would be…in the Maldives. That would be romantic!
- If I were an ice cream flavor, I would be…green tea. People don’t really go for that flavor, pero pag matikman mo, sobrang sarap! (Once you’ve tasted it, it’s delicious!).
- My showbiz crush is…Isabelle Daza, the crush of my life!
Editor’s note: The article containing these excerpts was first published in PeopleAsia’s June – July 2013 issue. Kiefer was a PeopleAsia Men Who Matter awardee in 2013.Â
