By Lance Joseph Martinez
Professional volleyball player and Akari Chargers Dani Ravena took to Instagram to respond to a basher’s comment calling her a “Nepo baby.”
Dani hails from a family of decorated athletes. Her father, Bong Ravena, is a former professional basketball player and the current assistant coach of TNT Tropang Giga, while her mother, Mozzy Ravena, is a former Philippine national volleyball team member.
Dani’s brothers, Kiefer and Thirdy, are professional basketball players who are making names internationally, competing in Japan for the B. League.
As she turned professional with the Akari Chargers in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL), where her mother Mozzy serves as team manager, fans have been critical of Dani’s performance.
Last week, after Akari’s game against Capital 1, Dani trended on X (formerly Twitter) as fans labeled her a “Nepo baby.”
In one viral post, Dani was compared to another player in the same position, stating that there are many better players who don’t get the same opportunities as Dani because she is a “Nepo Baby.” The post ended with the plea, “MAKE WAY FOR THESE PASSIONATE PLAYERS PLEASE.”
Another fan agreed, replying, “I agree. Parang isang beses lang naglaro ng maganda si Ravena nung nag finals champion ata siya nung sa UAAP.”
As Ravena forgoes the UAAP and turns to her professional career, criticism and hate towards her for being a “Ravena” continue, with fans becoming increasingly critical of her performance.
Fed up with the comments, Ravena took to Instagram to react.
“I rarely speak about this, but if there’s one thing that my mom would never do, it is to remove or even take away any opportunity from other players just because I am her daughter,” Ravena wrote.
She also added, “Since forever, people would always say that I do not deserve to be here or anywhere in the professional level. You guys are entitled to your opinions, but the slander against the entire Akari management/team has to end,” referring to comments directed at Akari’s management, accusing them of favoring her because she is the daughter of the team’s manager.
Dani then stated, “I will always be a Ravena,” and will use this as motivation to perform better. “My mom will always be my mom. That’s the reality. But I will never stop working my ass off, not to prove my haters wrong, but to thank those who supported me and believed in me since day 1.”
Unbothered, Dani also posted a photo on Instagram with the caption “#Nepo baby.”
Dani was the former captain of the Ateneo Lady Eagles for UAAP Season 84, leading the team to a bronze finish before foregoing her remaining playing years to turn professional with the Akari Chargers.
