Having recently scored two international championships at the Japan B. League and the 43rd William Jones Cup, Kiefer Ravena is, indeed, having an epic year. Still, one must remember that the basketball phenomenon and Cocolife ambassador’s epic year is but the fruition of a lifetime of hard work, discipline and, of course, making sound financial decisions.
Kiefer Ravena knew early on what he wanted in life. And while basketball has always been serious business to him, he was also always mindful of life beyond the hard court.
The award-winning athlete — fresh from securing the Japan B. League’s B2 championship with his former team Shiga Lakes and the 43rd William Jones Cup — talks to PeopleAsia about the important decisions that have paved the way for his storied career, on- and off- court. “It’s my second championship this year and second in, probably, more than a decade. So there was also a lot of loss involved. And when I got the taste of winning again, I felt reinvigorated. That’s why these victories are even more meaningful to me. It’s a validation of all our hard work, preparation and mastery of skills,” he explains.
But like many things, one’s journey in the world of sports would inevitably come to an end. And while every athlete must give his all to make his mark in his chosen field, he, too, must know how to navigate the game of life when the time comes. Kiefer knows this by heart.
Start ’em young
“I still remember what Coach Yeng Guiao told me when I was younger. You have to start thinking about retirement [plans] as soon as you start playing basketball. You don’t think about retirement when you’re done with basketball. You think about retirement when you’re at your peak,” he says. “When you plan a little too late, sometimes your earning power won’t be as much and your value would have decreased, forcing you to think of doing other things,” he continues.
And that is exactly what Kiefer did. The basketball star has invested his money by establishing food and beverage businesses early on. He has also started making retirement plans, even, when he’s still young and healthy at 30 — plans that include his loved ones. He also comes prepared when it comes to protecting his businesses and looking after the welfare of his employees.
For one, he has availed of health insurance policies, not just for himself, but for his entire family. Viewing healthcare as an essential tool in protecting himself and his loved ones, he also turned to Cocolife Aruga — a life and health insurance plan that covers medical expenses and provides for future needs. It is the first-ever plan designed in the Philippines to offer results-oriented health coverage beyond the usual lists of defined illnesses.
A compassionate business leader and employer, Kiefer also avails of life and health insurance policies for his employees, to ensure that they, too, are protected from any unexpected crises. At the same time, these tools help his staff members achieve their professional and personal goals without any worries.
Kiefer also utilizes Cocolife’s investment-linked insurance products, which protect him from unforeseen incidents, while also helping him grow his savings. He can eventually use these funds for future investments or milestone purchases. One such product is LifeVest, which is available in Single Pay and Limited Pay options. With this, clients can also opt for added coverage through attachable riders such as Accidental Death and Dismemberment and Critical Illness Benefit Rider. Loyalty bonuses and rewards for active policies are also available.
A purpose-driven life
Kiefer says that playing basketball has also never been just for fun and recreation for him. It has always served a deeper purpose. “Everybody was doing it for fun. In my case, I was already seeing something in it that inspired me to give it my best and showcase my talents. I figured out early on that it takes hard work, a lot of dedication and purpose. Everything I did even back then already had a purpose. It wasn’t just some form of recreation,” Ravena recalls.
As he found prominence in the world of sports, he also discovered another mission, through which he would eventually share his financial savvy and business acumen with a new generation of Filipinos. Indeed, being a Cocolife brand ambassador fuels Ravena’s passion and sense of purpose. “Seeing the youth and the next generation of athletes, being able to speak to them about my experience, inspires me to go on. I’ll always keep it real with them,” the Cocolife ambassador says.
“It’s not always about basketball. I feel like I’ve experienced enough and seen enough to share stories, share about things that I’ve seen and experienced that could help not just me but other people. It goes beyond basketball but encompasses life itself. That’s the kind of legacy I want to leave behind,” he ends with a smile.
Armed with the right tools and insurance policies, Kiefer continues to conquer new heights with Cocolife. And in every new chapter, with every milestone, he continues to find greater purpose, not just for himself, but for his family, employees and fans who look to him for support and inspiration. — By Grace C. Diez
