THE past few weeks had no shortage of twists and turns for Kiefer Ravena.
One month ago today, Ravena tied the knot with his partner of over a year, model Diana Mackey, in an intimate wedding ceremony at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig.
In just a matter of weeks, elation turned to heartbreak as the newlywed Ravenas shared the news of an unfortunate miscarriage roughly ‘seven to eight weeks’ since announcing Diana's pregnancy last March.
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Following another two-week gap or so since breaking the tough news, Ravena had to step right back on the hardcourt to rejoin Strong Group-Pilipinas in their championship defense at the 44th William Jones Cup from July 12 to 20 in Taiwan.
Nothing about the last month has been straightforward for the 31-year-old ace as he entered a new chapter in his oft-publicized personal life.
But when the call of duty arrives for flag and country, his utmost priority is to be in the best shape and space possible amid his life’s drastic turn of highs and lows.
“It’s just about keeping my mind fresh and focusing on the good things. I just got married. I'm very much happy, very much motivated to play more than just what I'm playing for right now,” Ravena said.
“There's a lot of things going on, but I'm more focused on what I have and the blessings that I have. I'm still fortunate to be able to continue to play basketball here every now and then, mostly in the summer and play in front of the kababayans in Taiwan.”
No stranger to the public eye, Ravena’s only focus now is to channel the winning energy that towed Strong Group-Pilipinas to championship gold in the Jones Cup last year.
And he won’t give an inch on whatever anyone has to say.
"With everything outside, I guess that's just noise. I have a good contract. I have a good career. I'm pretty much happy where I am right now, basketball-wise,” Ravena said.
“It's just a matter of me going for more, challenging myself. I'm happy. I enjoy my time over here. I spend time with family, friends, and teammates at least three months in a year."
Ravena is expected to miss Strong Group-Pilipinas' first two Jones Cup matches to deal with 'personal matters.' He didn't specify if such an absence is due to his wife's recent miscarriage.
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