Team Alyssa beats Team Kiefer as Fastbr3ak raises P500K for Typhoon Nona victims

MANILA, Philippines -- Team Alyssa beat Team Kiefer in the Fastbr3ak volleyball celebrity match on Wednesday at The Arena in San Juan but the biggest winner were the Typhoon Nona victims as the charity event were able to raise P500,000 in cash donations. 

With Ravena showing his athleticism early in the match, his team composed of Kevin Ferrer, Denden Lazaro, Gretchen Ho, Bang Pineda, Jem Ferrer, Charo Soriano, Russel Escoto, Djanine Cruz, Miakka Lim and Yayo Aguila took the opening set, 25-22. 

"Some really delayed their trips," said Ravena referring to the players and fans who postponed their scheduled vacation trips just to pitch in their help. "From the bottom of our hearts maraming salamat."

The fans who shelled out P250 and P500 to watch the star-studded celebrity match got their money's worth and even more with the match peppered with funny and memorable moments going to a third and deciding set. 

Team Alyssa composed of Kiefer's mom Mozzy and sister Dani Ravena, basketball players Gelo Alolino, Richard Escoto, and volleybelles Casey da Silva, Michelle Morente, Michel Gumabao, Jen Reyes, Jaja Santiago, Santi Edralin and Ella de Jesus rallied in the second set, 25-21, to force the decider.

National team coach Roger Gorayeb acted as the match referee and provided comic relief in the entertaining match that was eventually won by Team Alyssa via squeaker, 30-28, in the third set.

"Ang importante nakatulong kami sa tinamaan ng bagyo, di lang kami masaya sa Christmas sila rin, kahit papano makaka-uplift ng spirit," said Ravena, the two-time UAAP men's basketball MVP. 

Valdez, who is also an MVP in the UAAP women's volleyball, was more than happy with the rousing success of the charity event and hoped that this will inspire other people to help. 

"Sana nakita ng sports community kung anong impact, kung paano magsama-sama sa sports," Valdez said.

"It was not about the competitiveness, parang sa basketball and volleyball and celebrities, we can spread happiness," Valdez added.  "At the end of the day, we hope makapagpasaya kami at umabot sa kanila ang dinonate naming lahat, ‘di lang pera, food, but also the love."