Kiefer Ravena meets his idol, NBA superstar Michael Jordan.
STAR / File
In our basketball-crazy country, Michael Jordan (MJ) is a demigod. A Jordan Chicago Bulls (23) jersey and an Air Jordan sneakers are almost like an official Pinoy OOTD. It’s impossible not to spot someone wearing any of those on a daily basis. That’s why Kiefer Ravena’s being tapped by the Jordan brand to be its Southeast Asian representative makes us all want to scream “Sana All.”
In the Jordan Brand’s first-ever “Board of Greatness” event in Athens, Kiefer was in the company of global basketball royalty. He rubbed elbows with NBA legends, Luka Don?i?, Carmelo Anthony and His Airness MJ. Ravena lives up to his moniker, The Phenom, with his Jordan thingy. What a way to Kief este keep Pinoy pride alive.
The author with SMB players Marcio Lassiter and Chris Ross.
Here’s my chat with Kief:
(Super thanks to my Miga/Kief’s gracious mom, Mozy, for making my interview with her superstar son possible.)
Tell us a bit about the “Board of Greatness” event:
“My encounter with MJ is something I never expected to happen, especially the story on how I became a Jordan brand ambassador. It was a great experience and very surreal. It has not really sunk in yet. It’s been a month since the event and people still congratulate me. It makes me realize the impact of it and how it inspires Pinoys.
“My favorite parts were the details of the entire event. We were given shoes exclusively for us. Being around my NBA idols was a dream come true. And as an added treat, my wife Diana was with me. I told her stories of how the NBA players present inspired me while I was growing up and how they influenced me in my basketball career.”
How did you handle being starstruck when you met MJ?
“I tried to be poised and calm but there were moments I was shaking. It’s true what they say that MJ has a certain aura. You know when ‘His Airness’ is in the room… What an honor to be a Pinoy in the company of sports legends from different parts of the world.”
What do you admire most about MJ?
“It’s obvious why I look up to MJ as far as basketball is concerned. He’s my ‘GOAT.’ But over and beyond that, I’m amazed at how hands-on he is with his brand. You would think that since it’s already an empire, he would just let it be. But even if he has achieved it all, he still continues to work on the Jordan brand. He exemplifies his brand loyalty.”
Who’s greater, MJ or Lebron James?
“It’s hard to compare because they are from different generations. It’s a never-ending debate who the GOAT is. They are both legends. But putting things in perspective, MJ laid the groundwork for the next generation of players like Lebron.”
Cignal Play microdrama stars with Manny V. Pangilinan
PBA champs
The PBA (Philippine Basketball Association) girl in me is overjoyed that my fave team, SMB (San Miguel Beer), clinched its 11th All-Filipino Cup championship. Victory was sweeter for the Beermen after the controversial “basket interference call” which made them lose Game 1 even if they were on the verge of winning. My good friend, Chris Ross a.k.a. “Man of STEAL,” outdid himself in the play-offs. He had many “Steph Curry” moments. Fatherhood has made him an even more energized cager. Congrats SMB… Super Marvelous Ballers!
Joseph Marco with Viva big bosses — Boss Vic, Veronique and Valerie del Rosario
Joseph Marco 2.0
Some actors look better up-close than on screen. There are also telegenic ones who are plain-looking in person. Joseph Marco is an exception to that. There’s a certain je ne sais quoi about Joseph that makes him so captivating on and off cam. After almost two decades in the biz, he is embarking on a new chapter by signing up with Viva Artists Agency. Make way for Joseph Marco 2.0.
Here are quotes from Joseph:
“I started out as a model who transitioned into acting. I never thought I would last this long in the biz. It’s been 18 years. I’ve come a long way.
“When I took a hiatus, I almost quit showbiz. But when I was a guest in ‘Batang Quiapo,’ it reignited my passion for acting. I realized that I was born to do this.
“My journey in the biz has been slow but sure. I would not have it any other way. I didn’t miss any step so it makes me appreciate the process more. It’s more meaningful than instant fame.
“My dream project is a zombie film. I don’t mind getting deglamorized for it. I prefer roles that require me to change how I l look. It’s the soul of the character that matters.”
