The Phenom can dunk and dance and sing. By Corrine Javier.

By Corinne Javier (@crinnne)

Young boys aspire to be like Kiefer Ravena. Grown men wish they could play like Kiefer Ravena.  Young girls wish they were with someone like Kiefer Ravena. Because basketball is Kiefer Ravena’s life. But what if, in some cracked-upside-down universe, it wasn’t?

Imagine the Ateneo Blue Eagles without a Ravena. If things turned out differently and Kiefer’s life wasn’t in the shape of a Nike basketball, chances are, the hip-hop federation of the Philippines would have been thankful.

“Feeling ko talaga, pag hindi ako naging basketball player, CADs  (Company of Ateneo Dancers) ako,” Kiefer shared. “Totoo! Mag-ta-try-out talaga ako sa ganun!”

Kiefer’s talent for dance has been applauded and recognized. The “Dougie” breakout he showcased during the “Fastbreak” charity fundraiser was a glimpse of what this die-hard and crazed Chris Brown fan can do. He learned all the moves on his own. He never had the chance to have formal training, but when you’re talented enough to pick up steps with a snap of a finger, classes become optional.

“Natural eh. Basta malambot katawan mo, it’s easy,” Kiefer added. “Tapos, I get to pick up steps easily.”

But dancing isn’t just about being a follower. You need to take the lead. You ought to rely on your own creativity to come up with some mad dance moves to wow the audience.

It’s pretty similar to basketball. Having that one signature move won’t save your ass every time. You need that spark of ingenuity to beat your opponents and leave the fans wanting more. You got to have your own style and be your own self. No copycats allowed.

He suddenly flashed a smile. 

I knew there had to be more.

Kiefer blurted out, “I took voice lessons.”

I froze.

“I’m not kidding,” Kiefer assured. “When I was young. As in, voice lessons! As in, pinupuntahan kami sa bahay. Dalawa kami, kapit-bahay ko yung isa. Na-enroll kami ng parents namin.”

The voice lessons were fun. It kept him occupied. But just like any other kid forced to do something by his parents, he quickly grew tired of it. Kiefer threw in the towel after only two sessions. Even the Phenom gives up.

To help me grasp the concept of Kiefer The Singer, I asked for audible proof. He hummed the tune of some old Savage Garden song. I know what I heard. He wasn’t some opera singer who could belch out a high note. Yet I heard enough to say that he has talent.

With that newfound knowledge, that The Phenom can dunk and dance and sing, those who already believe in a young man’s abilities will believe in him even more. Those who refuse to believe in that young man’s capabilities, on the other hand, will expectedly believe in him even less.

I was stunned. It felt like watching Kiefer Ravena finish another impossible lay-up.

Kiefer saw my disbelief. He smiled and said, “You never knew that?” CJ