Thirdy Ravena hopes to empower Filipinos in new ‘Local Hero’ documentary

As Thirdy Ravena continues to make waves for the San-En NeoPhoenix in the Japan B. League, a new documentary on his first season in the Land of the Rising Sun titled Local Hero is now available for streaming on Vivamax.

According to Ravena, Local Hero was made to show everyone what he went through during his tumultuous campaign in the 2020-2021 B. League season, where he faced numerous setbacks, such as testing positive for the coronavirus and suffering wrist and knee injuries.

The former King Eagle Ravena believes that the documentary could also give some inspiration to Filipinos who are faced with lots of challenges during these trying times amid the pandemic.

“If I’m talking to someone who’s watching the documentary, I just want them to think that they can overcome whatever challenges they are facing right now,” said Ravena in a mix of English and Filipino during a virtual press conference.

“We all know that it’s a tough time for everyone, especially in the pandemic, but hopefully you find it in yourself to just keep going.”

“I just really want to empower people with the documentary,” he added.

Now in his second season with the NeoPhoenix in the B. League, Ravena, who exploded for 21 points in their 101-96 win over the Shiga Lakestars on Sunday, October 3, is now considered a trailblazer for Filipino basketball stars playing in Japan.

After being the lone Filipino in the B. League last season, the 24-year-old Ravena is now joined by his older brother Kiefer, ex-Gilas teammates Dwight Ramos, Kobe Paras, and Javi Gomez de Liaño, as well as Ray Parks Jr. in the Division 1.

Meanwhile, former national team stalwarts Juan Gomez de Liaño and Kemark Cariño are also honing their crafts in the B. League’s Division 2.

“All the effort that we put in last year to create this film was really fruitful and it paid off because we were able to show to the Filipinos that we can go toe-to-toe here in Japan,” said Ravena. – Rappler.com