Blogging Rights: Celebrity Basketball

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Fastbreak 2 a big success

Comedians Vhong Navarro & Jose Manalo

about to fight

Ateneo Blue Eagle’s superstar Kiefer Ravena showed what being an Atenean is all about. Kiefer spearheaded Fastbreak 2 a basketball game that featured College Stars, known personalities and television stars to raise funds for the Typhoon Yolanda victims. This is not the first time Kiefer did this since he was also the one who started the Fastbreak 1 event last January for the victims of Typhoon Sendong in Cagayan de Oro. The big event was held yesterday November 30, 2013 at the Blue Eagle Gym and just like what they say, when you build they will come as a lot of people came in to support the event.

The College & HS Stars came to play (L-R)

Bobby Ray Parks, Thirdy Ravena, Chris Newsome, Jake Pascual

The event started with an anticipated mass celebrated by former Ateneo High School Prinicipal Fr. Tito Caluag S.J. After the mass, the event was opened by a dance number by the Company of Ateneo Dancers. Two bands then played their brand of music after that and then the players came in at 3:00 pm. Pitching in as commentator is former PBA MVP Willie Miller who introduced both team members.

The Stars came to play also (L-R)

Cesar Montano, Vhong Navarro, XIan LIm, Jim & James Salas (UMD)

Most notable college players from the UAAP were 2 time MVP Bobby Ray Parks, Ateneo’s Chris Newsome, Von Pessumal and Thirdy Ravena while the NCAA had their own players in San Beda’s Baser Amer and Jake Pascual while Gilas Pilipinas cadet players Kevin Alas and Matt Ganuelas also showed up together with former Ateneo and Gilas guard Chris Tiu.

Billy Joe Crawford shows his moves
CLICK HERE

On the other hand, some big names in the showbiz industry came to play with Kapamilya stars Cesar Montano, Xian Lim, Vhong Navarro, Billy Joe Crawford, Luis Alandy, Derek Ramsay and Gerald Anderson while Kapuso star Jose Manalo was there as he brought the house down with his antics. Eat Bulaga’s Jose Manalo provided the day’s laughs as he brought with him a referee’s whistle and helped his team get into contention by calling silly fouls while shooting, while his team mates are shooting and even faking a fight to distract his opponents. Multi-tasking as player and referee worked wonders for the comedian as no one remembers the score but will go home remembering what he did.

Rachel Daquis and Derek Ramsay beat out

Jheck Gionela & Jen Reyes and their partners

in the Free Throw Game

At the half the beauties came to play. Former UAAP Volleyball queens Rachel Daquis, Michelle Gumabao, Jen Reyes, Mellisa Gohing, Jheck Gionela together with Lady Eagle Alyssa Valdez and Gretchen Ho took the court to add spice to the event. The girls were paired off with the stars but for them to select their partners Kiefer’s mom Mozzy Ravena suggested them to play a game of musical chairs first. Then the pairings came to play as Rachel got Derek Ramsay, Jen Reyes had Jose Manalo while Jheck Dionella was paired with NCAA Juniors MVP Prince Rivero. DLSU Lady Spikers Melissa and Michelle drew Xian Lim and Gerald Anderson respectively while ADMU Lady Eagles Alyssa and Gretchen were paired with Rocco Nacino and Vhong Navarro. In the end the best free throwing team were Rachel and Derek.

This just shows that Ateneans & La Sallians are one

when it comes to nation building

In the end, amidst the fun, the fans and the great basketball names the real winner here is the town of Concepcion, Iloilo – the beneficiaries of the event. As Kiefer said that he has been to Concepcion many times and that he is happy that a lot of people came to help out. He and his mother Mozzy will be going there to oversee what needs to be done. To Kiefer, my hats off you are indeed a man for others. Congratulations to the success of Fastbreak 2.