Kiefer Ravena
A Filipino basketball phenom whose creative ball-handling and clutch scoring made him a collegiate legend and a pioneering pro in Asia.
Born 1993 (age 33)·Filipino basketball player·Birthday: October 27·Millennials
Biography
Kiefer Ravena's name is synonymous with Philippine basketball brilliance. At Ateneo de Manila University, he wasn't just a player; he was an event. Nicknamed 'The Phenom,' he led the Blue Eagles to championships with a style that blended audacious creativity with ice-cold composure in crucial moments. His signature move, the 'Pinoy step,' a clever hesitation dribble, became a national sensation. Turning professional in the Philippines, he collected MVP awards and cemented his status as a local icon. Ravena then boldly took his game to Japan's B.League, becoming one of the first high-profile Filipino players to thrive in the region's top competition. His career path has helped pave the way for other Filipino athletes to seek challenges abroad, expanding the map for homegrown talent.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Kiefer was born in 1993, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Kiefer Was Born
The biggest hits of 1993
#1 Movie
Jurassic Park
Best Picture
Schindler's List
#1 TV Show
60 Minutes
Kiefer's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1993Born
European Union officially established
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $86,600Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"I Will Always Love You" — Whitney HoustonBest Picture: Schindler's List
1998Started school
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2006Became a teenager
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2009Could drive
Michael Jackson dies; Bitcoin created
Gas: $2.35/galHome: $148,500Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Boom Boom Pow" — The Black Eyed PeasBest Picture: The Hurt Locker
2011Could vote
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2014Turned 21
Russia annexes Crimea; Ebola outbreak in West Africa
Gas: $3.37/galHome: $160,700Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Happy" — Pharrell WilliamsBest Picture: Birdman
2023Turned 30
ChatGPT goes mainstream; Israel-Hamas war begins
Gas: $3.52/galHome: $361,600Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Flowers" — Miley CyrusBest Picture: Oppenheimer
2026Age 33 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won two UAAP championships with the Ateneo Blue Eagles and was a two-time UAAP MVP.
- Named the PBA Rookie of the Year in 2017 and won a championship with the NLEX Road Warriors.
- Became a star player in Japan's B.League, first for the Shiga Lakestars and later for Yokohama.
- Has been a mainstay of the Philippine national basketball team (Gilas Pilipinas) for over a decade.
Did You Know?
His younger brother, Thirdy Ravena, is also a professional basketball star who plays in Japan.
He is married to fellow Filipino athlete and volleyball star Alyssa Valdez.
He was drafted into the PBA in 2017 as the 2nd overall pick.
“I play to win. I don't care about the stats, just the result.”
