WATCH: Kiefer receives shoes, personal note from LeBron

MANILA, Philippines – Kiefer Ravena received yet more inspiration to pursue his basketball dreams after receiving a personal gift from Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James.

On his Instagram, "The Phenom" posted a video of himself receiving a gift from "The King."

Ravena got a pair of Nike Zoom LeBron Soldier 10s, along with a signed message from James.

"You want to become the first Filipino player to make it to the NBA," Ravena read. "Don't let the dream go."

In his caption, Ravena also posted portions of James' message: "Be the strong, determined, resilient person you have always been. Destroy the doubts that the world continues to throw at you. Conquer the world."

Ravena, who concluded his UAAP career last year, has spent the past few months training in the United States.

He was invited for a tryout with the Texas Legends in the NBA D-League, and is still waiting for a callback.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

When did Kiefer earn his first million?

MANILA, Philippines – Ateneo star Kiefer Ravena, one of the most recognizable athletes in the Philippines today, is an endorser aside from being a basketball player.

ALhough he became a star because of his performance inside the basketball court, Ravena has since gained more fame because of the numerous endorsements he has with various products – some of which aren't at all related to sports.

So when did the 21-year-old Ravena earn his first million?

"I was 17," Ravena revealed to Anthony Taberna on "Tapatan Ni Tunying" on Thursday.

At the time, Ravena was coming off a spectacular high school career that saw him lead the Ateneo Blue Eaglets to a "three-peat."

Informed by Taberna that when he was 17, he was earning only P100 pesos in his job, Ravena simply smiled and said: "Sobrang blessed lang (ako)."

Aside from his endorsements, Ravena became ubiquitous due to his numerous magazine covers and television commercials. It also helps that he is active in social media and regularly engages fans.

Even though he is still an amateur player, Ravena has already earned some money because of his performance on the court.

During the awarding ceremonies of the UAAP Season 77 men's basketball tournament, Ravena walked away with a total cash prize of P280,000 after garnering several awards from the league's sponsors, while also winning the UAAP Most Valuable Player trophy.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Is Kiefer Ravena leaving basketball?

 

King Eagle to try out for Ateneo volleyball team

MANILA, Philippines – Season 77 UAAP Most Valuable Player (MVP) Kiefer Ravena is reportedly planning to shift sports as he bared plans to try out for the Ateneo men’s volleyball team next year.

Ravena told Spin.ph’s Mei-Lin Lozada that he already talked to Ateneo volleyball coach Oliver Almadro about joining the try outs.


"Magta-try out ako sa volleyball next year. Nakipag-usap na rin ako kay coach O," he said.

Ravena, whose parents were both volleyball players, said he is no stranger to the sport.

His mother, Mozzy Crisologo Ravena, was part of the University of Santo Tomas team that won titles in the late 1980s to the early 1990s. His father Bong Ravena also used to play volleyball before finding a career as a PBA player.

"Naging varsity ako dati noong elementary, tapos noong nasa Ateneo na ako di na pwede [mag-volleyball], isang [sport] na lang ang pwede," said Ravena.

His rumored girlfriend, Mika Reyes, also plays volleyball for La Salle.

Ravena already had two UAAP championships as part of the Ateneo Blue Eagles.

This year, however, the Blue Eagles failed to reach the finals after succumbing to the National University Bulldogs in the Final 4.

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com

Kiefer-led charity game for Yolanda ends in draw

MANILA, Philippines – "Fastbreak 2," a charity game organized by Ateneo Blue Eagles guard Kiefer Ravena, ended in a 71-all draw at the Blue Eagle Gym on Saturday.

A slam by two-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Bobby Ray Parks knotted the score at 71 moments after UAAP MVP Thirdy Ravena scored on an alley-oop dunk that temporarily gave the Blue Team a 71-69 lead.

The proceeds of the game will go towards rehabilitation efforts in the town of Concepcion in Iloilo.

Ravena explained that the town was “close to his heart,” as he has a lot of friends in the area.

“We’re trying to build as many classrooms (in Concepcio) as we can,” said Ravena. “There are only three to five classrooms left, and hopefully makapagpatayo tayo ng at least four to five classrooms para sa kanila, to start their education again.”

Parks, meanwhile, said it was a blessing for him to help the survivors of Yolanda while at the same time playing the game he loves.

“It’s a blessing to be part of it, it’s something beautiful,” said Parks. “Just to be able to help out the victims of Yolanda, especially in the best way I could – through basketball – it’s really a privilege to be here.”

Ravena had previously organized “Fastbreak 1” in January 2012, another charity game where the proceeds went to the relief efforts for the victims of Typhoon Sendong in Mindanao.

The former UAAP Rookie of the Year said he is hoping that there will be no need for a third “Fastbreak” event, however.

“Hopefully, wala na sana. We’re not planning any ‘Fastbreak 3’ kasi we’re not hoping for any future calamities or devastation,” he said. “But I’m sure there are other ways to have Fastbreak 3, you know, just for fun.”

source: www.abs-cbnnews.com