ILONGGO Kiefer Ravena and girlfriend Alyssa Valdez looked like long-time partners in the sand court after showing their wares in the Beach Volleyball Republic On Tour December Open 2018: A Christmas Rally recently at the Sands SM By The Bay.
Ravena and Valdez bested Charo Soriano and John Vic de Guzman, 23-21, in the celebrity match, who proceeds went to Mindanao State University-Marawi College of Sports, Physical Education and Recreation Academy.
“One for the books! So proud of you @kieferravena!,” said Valdez, who have previously played beach volleyball when she was still with Ateneo de Manila University Lady Eagles in UAAP.
It was tight up to the very end with Ravena and Valdez scoring the match’s last three points after Soriano nailed back-to-back aces for her team to lead for the last time at 21-20.
“It’s been an honor being able to play the game that we love and at the same time being able to help our young brothers and sisters in Marawi,” said Soriano, who is one of the BVR founders.
“With the help of all those who supported, the CSPEAR Sports Academy of MSU-Marawi will be able to teach more and more kids so that these children’s lives will be filled with laughter instead of anger, love instead of hate, and hope instead of fear. That, for me, is the true value of sports,” she added.
The celebrity game was one way the BVR showed its gratitude and appreciation to its followers for a successful year, which includes first time visits to scenic El Nido and Dumaguete City, as well as in Santa Ana, Cagayan and Lianga, Surigao del Sur.
BVR has grown to be a staple outdoor lifestyle brand that is known for its beach volleyball tournaments and nationwide tours. Through its programs, BVR aims that every aspiring beach volleyball athlete shall be given the opportunity to showcase and improve their talents through competitive games.
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Negrense rookie John Paul Calvo could be in for a huge role for the Columbian Dyip when the 2019 PBA Philippine Cup formally opens this Sunday at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
Dyip head coach Johndenel Cardel said that the Silay City, Negros Occidental native Calvo could emerge as the team’s starting point guard following his impressive showing in practices and in their preseason tournaments.
“Calvo is a natural point guard. I give my confidence to him,” Cardel said. “That is my problem with the team last conference, wala kaming pure point guard. (Calvo) is a fit to that role.”
“He is the one na makakapagdala ng team na ito. Even though he is small, he has a big heart,” he added. “He can even be our starting point guard come the Philippine Cup.”
Calvo, the 11th overall pick during the 2018 PBA Rookie Draft last December, said that he is just repaying the trust given to him by the Dyip after giving him a two-year contract.
“I want also to show the team management na hindi sila nagkamali sa pagsign sa akin,” Calvo said. “I know that there still a lot na kailangan ko matutunan, so I am intently listening to the veterans.”
The Dyip is eager to have a better showing in the 2019 season after having a 6-27 win-loss record in the 2017-2018 PBA season under head coaches Chris Gavina, Ricky Dandan and Cardel./PN
