Kiefer Ravena’s 25th birthday celebration was all about giving back.
Last October 24, the stalwart held the first-ever Chooks-to-Go Phenom Cup supported by Mighty Sports – a golf tournament that raised proceeds for the benefit of Jerrick Balanza and Rolly Manlapaz’s family.
“It’s going for the benefit of Jerrick Balanza who suffered a brain tumor and underwent a surgery, and Rolly Manlapaz who covered me from the start,” Ravena said about the tournament that was held at the Valley Golf and Country Club in Antipolo. “I just want to help these people who are part of the basketball world in my own special way.”
Manlapaz, an institution in the local sporting scene, passed away last September 27 after a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Balanza, on the other hand, is coming off a brain tumor surgery.
Over 66 golfers from all levels joined the event, including the likes of Alyssa Valdez, Nash Racela, Butch Antonio, John Estrada, and Matt Laurel.
Besides the buy-in, the participants also made donations for the beneficiaries, raising the funds to PHP 200,000.
Wednesday morning, Balanza and the Manlapaz family were able to receive the pledges amounting to PHP 100,000 each.
“We can’t thank you guys enough in helping us brighten other people’s lives. They say, ‘Success is not measured by the size of your bank account, but by the number of lives you’ve touched,'” Ravena shared.
“We are glad to have helped in this event. It sounds cliche but this is what puso is all about,” added Bounty Agro Ventures Inc. president Ronald Mascariñas. “Puso is all about giving back.”
