A career in sports can be a lifelong dream or a relentless grind—sometimes both. For 28-year-old Ferdinand Crisologo Ravena III, better known as Thirdy Ravena, the road has been anything but ordinary. From becoming a household name in Philippine college basketball to making waves abroad, Ravena’s journey is marked by perseverance, self-discovery, and the unwavering desire to inspire others.
Now fresh from a pivotal role in Dubai Basketball Club’s historic debut season in the ABA League, which saw the team clinch its playoff berth and draw thousands of fans to the Coca-Cola Arena, Ravena is embracing a new chapter—not only as a player but as a symbol of Filipino excellence on the international court.
Embracing challenges and chasing growth
Thirdy began his international career in 2020, when he signed with the San-en NeoPhoenix in Japan’s B.League. It was a groundbreaking move—not only for him, but for the entire region—as he became the first Asian player signed under the league’s Asian quota system. He admits the adjustment wasn’t easy.
“I lived in a very rural area in Japan,” he shared with TGFM. “Whenever I had a bad week or month of basketball and I had no one who was physically there with me, it got really tough.” But Ravena found strength in his circle. “I was able to overcome it with the help of my family, friends, and of course, God.”
In Japan, he endured injuries and even a bout with COVID-19. But he bounced back, eventually landing a spot in the B.League All-Star roster, and later in the Asia All-Star team in both 2023 and 2024.
After four transformative years in Japan, Thirdy made a bold leap to the Middle East. In July 2024, he signed with Dubai Basketball Club. His decision was driven by a desire to explore something new and take on a unique challenge. “I was given an opportunity to do something that’s never been done and I’m someone who likes challenges,” he shared.
Building community and making an impact in Dubai
While the transition to Dubai brought with it a new culture and different pace, it also offered something Thirdy hadn’t fully experienced abroad—a strong and passionate Filipino community.
“The love that the Filipinos give during our games, that’s something special,” he said. With the team based at the iconic Coca-Cola Arena, where they play in front of crowds that often include waves of kabayans waving Philippine flags, Ravena has become a fan favorite and a familiar face in the city’s sports scene.
Though his current role with Dubai Basketball may not mirror his UAAP dominance or his scoring averages in Japan, his presence is undeniably impactful. Whether it’s drilling a crucial three-pointer late in the fourth quarter or connecting with fans post-game, Ravena plays the role of both athlete and ambassador.
“The challenge, the city that I’m living in, and the support from the Filipino community—those are what I enjoy most about where I am now,” he said.
Looking beyond the game
Thirdy’s mantra in life is simple: “Be kind.” And that spirit of kindness, humility, and purpose guides his vision beyond basketball. When asked about life after his overseas career, he doesn’t talk about fame or luxury—he talks about peace and giving back.
“Hopefully to settle in an island somewhere in the Philippines and live a very peaceful life,” he said. “I would also like to help young basketball players all over the Philippines who might be having trouble financially or whatever it may be to jumpstart their careers.”
To fellow OFWs or aspiring athletes, his advice is heartfelt and grounded in hard-earned wisdom. “Choose a small group of people that you can really trust and who you think only wants the best for you. Do everything out of love and expect nothing in return.”
