Bong and Mozzy Ravena expressed their sadness that their younger son Thirdy will have to leave the country next month.
Thirdy recently signed with Japanese B.League club team San-en NeoPhoenix. He will leave the country next month and play in Japan for eight months.
But for Bong and Mozzy, it was a necessary move for their 23-year-old son.
“Sobrang proud namin kay Thirdy. Gustuhin man namin na nandito siya sa atin, as parents, we want ‘yung best sa kanya where he can achieve his goals. And playing internationally is where he can reach his potential,” shared Mozzy.
“Mahirap para sa magulang na mangibang bansa ang isang anak na mag-isa,” added Bong.
“We are planning who’s going to take turns going there para may kasama siya.”
Like their son Kiefer five years ago, Thirdy will be living abroad alone.
Save for a few out of the country trips with Ateneo, this will be the longest time Thirdy will be away from the Ravenas. But Bong is looking at the brighter side of it, saying that Japan is nearer than the States, where Kiefer lived for two years.
“First time mawawala ng matagal sa amin si Thirdy, kaya siyempre may worry rin kami as parents. Pero alam namin ni Bong na kakayanin namin niya mag-isa,” said Mozzy.
“Pero same with Kief before, pupuntahan din namin kung sino sa amin ang pwedeng pumunta,” added Bong, who is the head coach of PBA club TNT.
“Better for Thirdy ’cause Japan is closer sa Pilipinas.”
Thirdy has dominated in the collegiate ranks, being the UAAP’s only three-time Men’s Basketball Finals MVP. And just like how he plays locally, Bong wants to see that same mindset in Japan’s premier league.
“I just told him to focus — play hard, play smart, and play as an import.”
