THAT ONE SUNNY DAY
It was just like any other clear, sunny day that bored me to death. Feeling the scorching heat from Mr. Sun, I stood up from being slumped on my bed and turned the screen into life. I had no intentions to watch buff, sweaty guys run around the court and do those jumpers, passes and rebounds and get physical with themselves. I really did not have any. And so I was so shocked when I found my very own eyes glued onto that TV screen as if it was the only thing I was seeing and mouth obviously in awe as I watch that guy in his Blue and White uniform wearing the jersey number I never thought would have a certain significance in my teenage life.
At a young age, my dad made me watch basketball and I knew I fell in love with it right after. The sport wasn’t that foreign for me, that’s why I wasn’t surprised I had myself so engrossed in the game. But I wasn’t into a single player ever since, I thought. So why the heck am I giving a damn and fussing around over just a single guy on court? Watching PBA with my Dad, I had a lot of pegs. There were James Yap, PJ Simon, Marc Pingris, and I really love even Coach Ryan Gregorio that time. So I said, there must be something with that guy why he easily caught my heart and made it his, himself.
Ravena, number 15. Who is he? Why did his face keep replaying inside my head? Since when did he invade even my peaceful nights? How… why… I don’t know anymore! He’s just like any other basketball player I’ve seen on TV having that awesome plays, MVP moves and whatsoever. Heck, he wasn’t even like Michael Jordan himself but why am I so into him? He’s not even the most handsome of them all! But why did he appear to be the best for me? Why did I always wanna seek his face every game day?
And that my friends, was how the fan girl in a deep slumber woke up in the very depths of me. I never knew I would be this deeply hooked with a team and a basketball player. I never knew I would be his fan girl. An aggressive one. An addicted one.
And by the way, haven’t you knew that that guy was the reason why I became an Ateneo fan? So, I guess, Ateneo should really be thankful of Kiefer. Well, I knew Ateneo really is. With the indisputable service he offered for the university, the copious awards he has constantly given Ateneo, those were enough for him to be commended as one heck of a student-athlete.
Because of Kiefer, I learned to cry in every loss. Because of Kiefer, I learned to mourn and just release the twisting agony inside me as I see them frustrated in their game. Because of Kiefer, I learned how it is to be broken hearted. I don’t know if those were good things, but hey, at least I somehow had my rehearsal on how to be one. Haha.
Wait there. Kiefer isn’t a jerk, okay? He hasn’t always given me heartaches and tears but joy and joy and joy and joy and a lot of joys. Supporting Kiefer, even just from the television screen was enough for me to smile. Seeing him performing his best every game just sends me shivers in my spine. Watching him killing those jump shots, three-point shots, perimeter shots, hot shots (hi PJ! Hihi), men, those were heavenly! Witnessing his misses in the free throw line engages me in a hearty laugh. Beholding his triumphs, him having victory over a championship or even a single game and him bagging those trophies and accolades for himself but credits everyone who he had in the making of those awards, gives me goosebumps and pushes my proud and happy tears on the verge of my eyes. Seeing him so madly, deeply, in love with Aly? It was the best sight I’ve ever seen and I have nothing to say but my pride for this man.
Lastly, watching Kiefer from afar made me dream. He made me see things I haven’t thought I can do, I can achieve. He made me believe I was meant for something greater. It was all because of Kiefer that I dreamed of striving hard in my studies for me to be able to watch him live. My dad has made him my motivation (and he was so wise, I may add). Come every recognition day, he would have a deal with me. I will be the top one and he would let me watch live. And of course, I would easily nod my head endlessly like a pup in agreement. And here I am, finished my sixth and tenth grade as the Class Valedictorian. Currently, I am dreaming to study at UP and yes, it was all because of Kiefer again. Remember, he was the reason why I adored Ateneo so much, right? And I thought that studying in UP would mean I am just a few miles away from Ateneo. And it was like hitting two birds at one stone, I guess. UP’s my dream school ever since and Ateneo, well, was just so close to my heart. But isn’t he a bit rude? He’s not in Manila anymore when that time comes! He’s probably making his way through the limelight of NBA, lifting the Philippine flag right there and playing with the world’s most celebrated basketball players.
And yeah, because of Kiefer, because I fancy him and his athleticism so much, I once dreamed of becoming a basketball player. But unfortunately, my body wasn’t built for it and no matter how I tried, my genes just won’t allow me. But! Thanks for my taklesa mouth and I now have a remedy. I’ll just be a courtside reporter! Yeah?
See? That guy whom my eyes instantly settled into in that one sunny day who eased my boredom was actually the guy I wouldn’t knew I will fall in love with. The guy that I loved, that guy I still love and the guy I will still love come even their little Kiefers and Alyssas. He left a big mark in the UAAP being one of the greatest players that have ever graced the league and he left with my heart with him. He may now be oceans from me, I wouldn’t mind. It was enough for me that he taught me to dare dreaming. Now, he’s chasing his dreams for himself, for his family, for Aly, for the Philippines. Go, reach your dreams, Phenom. Go, fly the mighty King Eagle you are. Always remember that you’ve inspired many and may that be an inspiration for you as well. We’re always here for you Manong. We will always be.
And, oh. Alyssa will always be here. And there. In your heart. One Big Fight Kiefer Ravena!
