If there’s any indication of just how much Kiefer Ravena and Alyssa Valdez have transcended mainstream culture, it’s nights like last Saturday.
The couple were among the biggest stars in local entertainment in the annual ABS-CBN Ball at the Shangri La, Makati.
Both among the most successful in their respective sports, Valdez and Ravena have enjoyed a plethora of off-court opportunities thanks to their relatable reputation and massive following.
It was still a wholly new experience for the pair to attend a extravagant soiree.
“We attended the MEGA Ball this year and that was our first together. Star Magic was first namin sa ABS,” said Ravena, a second-generation basketball star.
“It was a good experience and masarap din na ibang atmosphere, at the same time may ibang level ng competitiveness din kasi alam mo naman ‘yung mga artista all-out sila pagdating sa mga ganyan.”
“Siyempre, we were at first schocked na I got an invitation talaga,” expressed Valdez, arguable the country’s most popular volleyball star. “But it was nice to see all the celebrities and all the stars gathered up and, siyempre, sa TV mo lang din kasi sila napapanood.
“On the other hand, ganun din naman sila sa amin siguro pagkakita nila sa amin na, ‘Bakit sila nandito? Sino ba ‘to?”
Neither backed down from showing out for the glamorous affair. Valdez donned a silver Rosenthal Tee gown, detailed with diamond patterns. Ravena sought to match Valdez’s gown with a sleek suit from Johann Ebarle.
“It’s nice kasi once in a while lang naman ako nakakapag-ganun, ‘pag may mga event lang. You know, as a girl, it’s your dream to wear mga stuff also and it’s not just a dress, it’s made by Rosenthal Tee na gown talaga and I’m very thankful sa custom-made na gown niya for me.
“Maraming, maraming salamat talaga and it’s so nice siyempre na mga ilang minutes lang you feel like you’re like a princess also,” said the former Ateneo Lady Eagle.
“You know, I just had something made that would match her dress para, kahit papaano, we wanted to keep it simple and pasok pa rin sa style namin na sleek lang pero may dating. I think we did well and we were able to pull it off as a couple,” added the NLEX Road Warrior.
These types of events are always a treat for the couple, as they get an inside look on their favorite on-screen stars.
“It’s nice to represent Sports in that big event kasi malalaman din nila na may mga tao din na passionate about sports so sana ma-appreciate din nila . Pero, alam mo, nakakagulat talaga even kami ni Kiefer were very blessed na nakita namin ‘yung other side ng artista sa mga ganung event,” said Valdez.
Ravena would have preferred playing basketball that night with the NLEX Road Warriors, but still felt blessed to spend time with his longtime girlfriend and represent ABS-CBN Sports.
“Wala din naman kasi akong ginagawa, alam niyo naman. It’s a still a different feeling for me. I’d rather be out there playing and miss events like those,” he said. “I know Alyssa would understand, especially ngayon na season niya din. But, we were very honored na we were invited for Sports. Sila Ms. Malou (Santos), Direk Al (Neri), Direk Abet (Ramos), ang dami nilang nagawa for our careers.
“Noong nagsabi sila na sana maka-represent kami ng Sports, we didn’t hesitate to go, kahit nga birthday ‘yun ng mom ko.”
Perhaps the highlight of their night was a selfie with acclaimed love team Daniel Padilla and Kathryn Bernardo, with whom the couple are friends.
Photo from Kathryn Bernardo’s Instagram
Padilla has played with Ravena in several charity basketball games. Bernardo, on the other hand, reached out to Valdez several times, starting when the Lady Eagles lost in the UAAP Season 78 Finals – Valdez’s final UAAP match.
“Season 78 we lost, ‘di ba? After that, I got a message tapos nakalagay… basta message and then Kathryn B!
“So she texted me way back pa. So every time na may mga events nagte-text din siya nag-iinvite din siya,” Valdez recalled.
“We watched kasi ni Kief yung The Hows of Us, and it was amazing so. Actually, hindi lang kami sa kanila nakapag-papicture, madami din kami nakakahiya lang i-post!” she joked.
Ravena added that he, as an athlete, could relate to some of the challenges of being an actor like Padilla.
“Well, it’s nice to have a circle of friends na ganoon din… well siguro more of acquaintances. Si DJ (Padilla) nakasama ko na before sa basketball. Si Alyssa, nag-uusap nila ni Kathryn. It’s nice and flattering na they still know you just knowing how big of stars they are,” said Ravena.
“At the same time, kami naman, we try to reach that type of level na we can also inspire a lot of people and ganoon ‘yung attention na binibigay sa’yo. Alam naman natin kung ano puhunan ng isang artista, mahirap. Parang kami lang sa mundo namin, may sakripisyo din. People do not really see how KathNiel and the other stars reach where they are now.”
