HARD COURT heartthrob Kiefer Ravena says he and volleyball sensation Alyssa Valdez confide in each other. MARINEL R. CRUZ
“I THINK we’re just tools that God used in order to inspire other kids. We didn’t know it’s going to take us this far,” said volleyball sensation Alyssa Valdez, who has joined forces with basketball heartthrob Kiefer Ravena on a new online show called “Phenoms” on Digital 5.
Both awarded MVP (most valuable player) in their respective sports, Kiefer and Alyssa said they never dreamed of having a huge effect on youngsters. Alyssa has over 400,000 followers on the microblogging site Twitter, while Kiefer has over 300,000 supporters.
“We just wanted to play the sports we love. It’s just a matter of good timing since there are other equally talented players out there,” said Kiefer, 21, currently playing for the Ateneo Blue Eagles team at the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).
“We’re just doing our part, making use of whatever resources we have to tell our followers that they can also accomplish what we have attained,” said Alyssa, 22, a member of both the Ateneo collegiate women’s varsity volleyball team and the national women’s volleyball team.
Sneak peek
“Phenoms” gives fans a peek into the duo’s athletic lifestyle and off-court activities—from daily workouts to what they eat on cheat days. The program premiered on the TV5 Original website on Aug. 24.
For Alyssa, the program was “one way to show that athletes are normal people when they are at home.” Kiefer added: “Through the show, we are able to give back to those who brought us to where we are right now. We also want to make other people know more about Alyssa and I as individuals and as best friends.”
Asked whether they are ready to face controversies now that they’re considered show biz personalities, Alyssa said: “We will not let intrigues affect us or our families. We’re lucky that we have a solid support system. We know how to handle things like that.”
Kiefer said he was aware of people trying to link him romantically to Alyssa. “We’ll just enjoy the show. We’re excited about it. Love will come for us eventually. We’ll see what will happen next. We don’t want to rush things.”
He added: “We want to be professionals … We’re fortunate to have the opportunity to work with each other so we plan to make the most out of it. What people don’t know is that we confide in each other and help each other with our problems. We’re really close.”
Alyssa agreed: “We complement each other. I’m the quiet type, while Kiefer is talkative and goofy.”
Daniel Feliciano, head of Digital Strategy of Media 5, attributed the popularity of Digital 5 content not only to the programs’ quality, but also to their presence on social media platforms.
“People are putting their own personal stamp of approval on Digital 5 programs by sharing them online with friends on social media. This, for us, is a good indication that we’re producing the right content,” Feliciano noted.
(mcruz@inquirer.com.ph)