Thirdy Ravena : The Humble Eagle

He is often compare to his Dad and his brother, but this doesn't affect this humble not so little boy, because for him he is different. He started slow when it comes to basketball that even his parents worried about, but sooner when he stepped out of the hardcourt and tried to play the sport that his family is famous of, he proved everybody wrong.

Let me give you a bit of a background with this little boy from Cainta, he is no other than Ferdinand Ravena  III, "Thirdy" as we call him is the  son of PBA cager Bong Ravena and younger brother of  The Phenom Kiefer Ravena, came from family of athletes where of course he was pressured to follow their footsteps, he receives criticisms from other people because he is not good as his brother or father, but this doesnt't stop him, despite from the critics Thirdy continue to play basketball and develop his skills and soon became the most sought after player.

His perserverance made me admire him, and his positivity made him what he is today. He is just silent and humbly achieves his goals. Depsite from criticisms he continue to stand out and develop his own skills, and made him one of the most valuable player now.

Thirdy is currently with Ateneo Blue Eagles and he is also a part of the National Basketball Team together with his brother. I am hoping to see more actions from him not only in the amateur league but also in the professional league, for the meantime he has to enjoy and shine in the UAAP.

Future Cagers

  Filipinos have deep passion when it comes to basketball, we can see courts everywhere and even if they don't have full basketball gears they still play the sport even on a barefoot. The reason why some Filipino men have the ambition to be in the Professional field, well not a doubt because there are some professional players who became famous because of their skills like Allan Caidic, Alvin Patrimonio, Bong Ravena, Johnny Abarrientos, Jojo Lastimosa, James Yap, Marc Pingris, Jayson Castro, Paul Lee, Japeth Aguilar, and young bloods such as Scottie Thompson, Jio Jalalon, Jeron Teng, Kiefer Ravena, Von Pessumal, and so on. But this don't stop here for we have younger generations to watch out for, now let me give you some of the most promising young cagers.



6.  Robbie Manalang - Adamson Soaring Falcons

   Rejected from  a lot of try outs but this man didn't stop to continue his dreams, his first season in the UAAP lifted his team from bottom to the final four, his field goals and speed brought him to be recognized in the league and looks like Coach Franz Pumaren didn't make a big mistake to take him as a part of the Soaring Falcons, He plays now in the D League and Coaches must keep an eye on him.

5. Jeric Ahanmisi - Adamson Soaring Falcons

He maybe small but he is terrible, this Filipino - Nigerian made a big storm as a rookie playing for The Adamson soaring falcons as a shooting guard. He made seamless shots from the outside to the inside. His opponents keep an eye on him because if you let him do his craft he is so dangerous some schools made a big regret by letting go of him, and now he is loyal to his coach and to his school.

Watch out for this guy, he might follow his brothers footsteps as pro.

4. Aljun Melecio - De La Salle Green Archers

         Aljun Jay Melecio, I featured him once in my blog as the new kid on the block, and then here he is again, he made a big break last season 78 for DLSU by helping his team in the finals. His playing ability is really exceptional that even he could do it alone. This man will be one of the        greatest player in his time. Melecio is still playing for DLSU, and can still get a lot of opportunities in his collegiate years. Well watch out for him in the next few years.

3. Ricci Rivero - De La Salle Green Archers

He's on leave for the green archers due to his endorsements but he's still a student of his university,but I'm not talking about his status but his performance in the league. He is well knThown for his good defense and shooting skills, and seems to be a good back court tandem to his co players. This promising young lad always shows passion for his sport, but sometimes he was misinterpreted. But anyway I know there teams and coaches are craving for this guy to play with them.

2. Thirdy Ravena - Ateneo de Manila University

 

Having a star in the family is a pressure but not for this kid, even if he came from the family of atheletes, his brother and his dad made a big name in the league, but he still continues to rise as one of the best in the league. He is a late bloomer when it comes to basketball he struggled a lot unlike his brother, Thirdy still put his best foot forward in every game that he played and after so many years he was first named as the UAAP Juniors Seasons MVP, and last year as the Finals MVP for UAAP Mens basketball. His struggles and experience made him tough that's why he has a big spot in the professional league.

1. Kobe Paras 

Known as the son of the "Tower of Power" and the only Rookie - MVP in Philippine basketball, he also made a mark as a competitive player. He's been a high school stand out from La Salle Greenhills and made a name in the US, he still has the aim to play in the local pro league, named as the youngest player in Gilas Pilipinas pool yet he still showcase his skills that he learned from his Dad. He maybe had a possibility to play in the NBA, but  he still has the heart to his country.

Travel Diaries 1: Minalungao National Park, Nueva Ecija

  I've been posting different kinds of blog, but mostly Basketball blogs, but then I will try to share something from my first out of town travel this 2016. This is my first travel blog.


I've been curious lately from the latest Instagram post of Jake Ejercito about his summer escapade In Minalungao National Park in Nueva Ecija, the first time I saw the picture I fell in love with the place, and I promised to myself that I will personally go there alone or with a group.

God answered my prayer because two of my co workers planned to go there and for me to spend less, I grab the opportunity to join and witness how beautiful the place is. I went there last April 17, 2016 for a short summer escapade. We travelled almost 4 hours by van, we left Cubao past 5 am, and we arrived past 8 am. The first activity that we did is we took 1,000 steps up to the cross,but before that we crossed the river by the hanging bridge, the view is overwhelming that's why I took some pictures before my phone ran out of battery.

I admit I enjoyed what I saw, that made me realized that I've been unhealthy for the past 5 years that I've been stuck to work. There I experienced to be a kid again, and looks like I need to give myself a break from the things that stressing me out. I am just a simple person who can be happy with simple things like this, after we went down from the 1,000 steps I conquer my fear of heights by riding on a zipline, and playing with the water while riding in a river raft, the truth is water is my therapy from stress.

It's been a priceless moment for me, It was a really short escapade but worth it. I've been away from the city for just a short period of time but I can't deny the fact that it made me feel good from a toxic environment. The smile on my face is the proof that I enjoyed the moment while I was there with the group of people.


















The moment that we were there is the moment that I will treasure thanks to God for this wonderful place that made me appreciate and be myself after all.

Minalungao National Park  General Tinio, Nueva Ecija, one for the books done.

                               







"Happiness is not measured on bank accounts, social life, and successful career. It is on how you appreciate live and value life even in simple things with no complications"

                                                                                                                    -Kibby-

Aljun Melecio: The Future King Archer: Future of Philippine Basketball

Full Name: Aljun Jay Melecio

High School: De La Salle Zobel 

Where he wants to play for in college: De La Salle Green Archers

Award won: UAAP Season 77 Juniors Mythical 5, UAAP Season 78 Juniors MVP

Height: 5’9″

Preferred playing position: Point Guard

Guy you’d compare your playing style to in the UAAP/NCAA: Scottie Thompson

Favorite PBA Team: Barangay Ginebra San Miguel

Favorite PBA Player: Jayjay Helterbrand

Go-to NBA2K team: Oklahoma City Thunder

I've been hearing his name from the Basketball World, and I was so curious why he is so famous and he took the junior league by storm. By his explosive points and filling in the stats, no wonder he can be the future of the De La Salle Community and the Philippine Basketball.

I am talking about the UAAP Season 78 Most Valuable Players for Juniors, Aljun Melecio, playing Guard of the De La Salle Zobel Junior Archers. This humble guy has post moves like Ginebra guard Scottie Thompson, and can do outside and inside shots. He is the former back court tandem of Renzo Subido that is now the playing guard of the UST Growling Tigers. His breathtaking  performance lift his team to the UAAP Season 78 Junior Basketball Finals against Ateneo Blue Eaglets and faced NU Bullpups, eventhough they end up as a runner up, he still made an excellent blow to make the game more exciting with his shots.

After Kobe Paras left the chance to play with La Salle and committed himself to be in UCLA Bruins, The team is looking for a replacement and they need a solid guard who can do all the work inside the court, they need an all around guard who can help them during crunch time and he is the perfect fit.

I have read and heard that he committed to play with the De La Salle Green Archers in College, well not a doubt if  DLSU will lock him out, because Melecio is qualified for that empty post. After JV Casio, Simon Atkins, Joseph Yeo, LA Revilla, and Almond Vosotros left the team they have been searching for the best guards in the country and the quest had ended, Hoping to feature him in my blogs, and I'm sure he will be a crowd favorite.

I am looking forward to meet this guy and I hope there is a big chance for me to know him personally.

Tamaraws Ended the Batlle and became the UAAP Season 78 Champions

Photo By: Inquirer

December 02, 2015 - Pasay City - The long wait is over for the Tamaraws as they won over UST Growling Tigers on a 67-62 as their final score. Mac Belo played a very good game with 23 points that made him the Finals MVP, and indeed good for him for he finished his final playing year with a championship title. Roger Pogoy scored half of his 14 points in the last 3 minutes of the game including a clutch 3 pointer off  Louie Vigil that put them ahead 60-61, and Mike Tolomia made a basket after a big shot that gave them a 12-3 run.

During the 3rd quarter that Tamaraws made a 10 point lead but after a stepback jumper from Daquioag, UST made a 16-0 blast, but FEU recovered when RR Pogoy made a huge shot. They Silenced the Tigers game 2 hero Kevin Ferrer to just 6 points compared to his 29 points in game 2, Ed Daquioag made 21 points in the game but had costly turnovers down the stretch.

The Tamaraws sealed their 20th Senior Baskteball Championship with a series of  defensive stops and 3 freethrows with 18.2 tick from Mac Belo and Russel Escoto.

It was indeed a Happy Birthday for Coach Nash Racela, for he received the most priceless gift, a Championship Title, I know he is proud of his boys, especially to those who were graduating, regardless of his experience as a Gilas and sinag pilipinas Assistant Coach, for me he is the most patient coach that I have ever seen, I know there's a lot of pressure from his side, but he is still positive that his boys can make it, and here is the result, believing in someones ability regardless of the tenurity is his key to win the title.


Now that UAAP Season 78 Mens Basketball has ended and I'm looking forward that Season 79 will be more exciting and who will be the next big thing, well let's see then. This is my last blog for Season 78, this is Kibby now signing off. See you on Season 79. 

Tigers Forces Tamaraws for a Winner Take All Battle

   

 

photo by: Rappler

     November 28, 2015-   Cubao Quezon City, UST Growling tiger took the victory over FEU Tamaraws with 1-1 record. Tamaraws have a good game during the first half and give the tigers a 7 point lead, they lead the Tigers with their offensive rebound, field goals, and tight defense with the help of Mac Belo, Russel Escoto, and Prince Orizu. UST went on danger when Kharim Abdul was on a foul trouble, it's been a struggle for them because he is a big help for the teams defense and as well as rebound. UST went slow in the first three quarters, because of the poor shooting that the tigers were giving. But this suddenly change when Kevin Ferrer sizzles in the 4th quarter with 29 points. Ferrer made 6 out of 8 from the long distance and scored almost 17 points that help the tigers survived game 2. Before he outburst his shooting was off. It was his play why they force a winner take all game on Wednesday. FEU regained the lead with 4:45 left with six straight points from Raymar Jose, but Louie Vigil made a jumper that give them the lead of 55-54 with 2:41 left.

  Now if I were to analyze the game, Tamaraws had explosive turnovers now that the Tigers went on a tight defense and the game was without Kharim Abdul. They were very confident that they will win the game without even acknowledging that Kevin Ferrer can be a big surprise. Mike Tolomia has a record of 0/14 Fg shooting, he struggled from his outside shots and he must work on it, knowing that he is a clutch shooter. Prince Orizu was fouled out in the fourth quarter that gave UST the edge to win, as we all know he is a tough contender in the paint. Now Coach Nash Racela must be very careful this coming Wednesday, we may never know what will happen. Belo, Escoto, Jose and Pogoy are doing good, but Tolomia struggled. Instead of utilizing Mike Tolomia for his clutch shots why not using Achi Iñigo to make the shots, he is a sure shooter anyway. 


  As I can recall UST's last title was last 2006 versus The Ateneo, and they've been runners up for Season 75 versus Ateneo and Season 76 versus De La Salle and FEU won their last title in 2005. It will back to square one on Wednesday, the team that can handle pressure will have the opportunity to win the Championship, but it will be a different ball game either, I am expecting both teams can be more focus and more hungry to win the title.

In the hands of the King Tamaraw : The Buzzer Beater shot

Photo By: Rappler


    I know everybody is talking about the ADMU vs FEU game, and if you are an Ateneo fan you would hate this guy named Mac Belo, 6'5" playing forward and the team captain of the FEU Tamaraws who is known as a dream crusher by his buzzer beater shots. But you don't have to hate him because he can be the most valuable player that every team could have especially in the professional league.
      
       He is the most quiet one but he will impress us with his clutch shots and his solid defense in every game, and I admire him for his determination to win. He is not as popular as Kiefer Ravena or Jeron Teng but he will surprise people with his basketball skills. This boy from Cotabato made a big name every game. he may not be known but he is the most dangerous player during critical games, that's why Coach Nash Racela always rely on him. As I continue to watch the game he made a slow start, he is not as productive as he was before. But he is still intact with his role as a captain, with his unselfish play no doubt that he is doing a great job as a player. I admire his humility inside the court, he keeps his cool during the game no matter how hard it is. 

    The game was so exciting because both teams made big shots, until the game tied up. I thought that the Tamaraws will lose this game or it will end up in an overtime for the time is so short and no one is making a shot. Not until Mike Tolomia made a lay up but it failed and suddenly Mac Belo is at the back and made a follow up Buzzer Beater shot. History repeats itself I can still remember when He also made a three point buzzer beater shot against DLSU for their ticket to the finals and he made it.

    In his final year in the league, I am hoping that he will win a championship and will end up as the finals MVP, if it is not well it's not the end of his career for there is a big opportunity that will open for him. Hats off to this brave Tamaraw who played and give honor to his Alma Mater, for me he is a big revelation in the collegiate basketball. This man deserves respect for he lifted up his school in two straight finals appearance, all I can say is : Hands down Mac Belo, You're the man!!!