Akari Chargers libero Dani Ravena is aware of the criticisms lobbed against her. She's not afraid to speak out against her bashers in the PVL Reinforced Conference.
The Ravena family is no stranger to criticism in sports.
Kiefer and Thirdy Ravena received them when playing for the national basketball team--especially so during the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 in Manila.
This time it's the turn of the youngest, Dani, to address criticism.
"I think I'm done proving myself kasi to anybody else," she said during the Akari Chargers' postgame press conference. "I just want to make sure I am worth it sa team."
Before Saturday, the Akari Chargers libero took on "nepo baby" criticisms and wrote on social media how she would always be a Ravena.
Dani was previously the libero and captain of the Nxled Chameleons, but a shuffle during the offseason saw her move to sister team Akari along with a few more personnel such as coach Taka Minowa and spiker Ivy Lacsina.
Mozzy Ravena, Dani's mother, is the team manager of Akari.
Bashers criticized the younger Ravena online, calling her a "nepo baby." These refer to people whose success is perceived to be connected to their parents' connections in the industry--whether true or not. Nepo babies and the concept of privilege has been an ongoing conversation in Hollywood.
On Saturday, the Akari Chargers got another hard-fought five set win--this time against the defending champions Petro Gazz Angels in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference, 23-25, 21-25, 25-23, 29-27, 16-14.
[ALSO READ: Akari completes reverse sweep of Petro Gazz for best start in PVL franchise history]
Ravena had 10 excellent digs in the victory.
Asked on Ravena's motivation, the libero said she was drawing strength from her teammates and coaches.
"So lahat ng sumusuporta sa Akari from the beginning until now, that's who we play for, nobody else. Those who believe in us since Day 1, simple as that," Dani said.
She was then asked about being emotional after the game.
"I always joke about coach Taka being my biggest basher, but I think he's the only basher I would befriend," Ravena joked.
"I think coach Taka really pushes me more than..." she paused, trying to stay composed but her voice wavered. "I think I'm done proving myself kasi to anybody else."
"I just want to make sure I am worth it sa team. I have talented coaches, I have talented teammates. No matter what other people say, 'yung paniniwalaan ko is kung ano 'yung sinasabi ng coaches ko and teammates ko," Ravena said, her voice shaky.
"I'll never take this opportunity for granted."
@onesportsphl 'I'M DONE WITH PROVING MYSELF.' 🙇??? The returning Akari Charger, Dani Ravena, gets emotional as she addresses recent online criticisms, emphasizing that she'll only listen to the opinions of those who matter in her life. #OSOnTheSpot #PVL2024 #TheHeartofVolleyball #PVLonOneSports #SportsonTiktok
? original sound - OneSportsPHL
Ravena is aware of the criticism and knows it's going to stay. It's all about how she's going to deal with it.
"I think pinaka-motivation ko is 'yung naniniwala sa'kin 'yung mga importante na tao, 'yung teammates, 'yung coaches, my family. I have enough motivation to push myself despite all the criticism," she said. "I've grown to understand it would never go away."
"I would just have to live with it, exceed expectation, and of the court I would do my best. As long as I can help the team in any way, I'll help them."
Well, Akari is so far undefeated in Pool B at 3-0. It's actually their best start in franchise history.
They next face the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on August 1.
(With reports from Jamie Velasco, One Sports Digital)