Kiefer Ravena shares what it's like to be an import in Japan

Ever wonder what it's like to be a Filipino import in a foreign league?

According to Kiefer Ravena, who plays for Shiga Lakes in the Japan B.League, the experience is somehow similar to what Overseas Filipino Workers go through.

"Actually it's harder to become an OFW than an import," Ravena said in an interview on podcast "Surprise Guest with Pia Arcangel."

"Basketball has given so much opportunities for me, so I'm still blessed to play basketball. But you know, I feel for the other OFW's, what they always go through in their daily lives. Being away from family, I think that's the harder part."

It is not the first time that Ravena has been away from his family for quite a time. He also did it more than six years ago, when he tried his luck in the NBA D-League.

Now, Ravena said that he does all the household chores while in Shiga, Japan.

"It's all me: laundry, cleaning, fixing the bed, everything, cooking food. You know if I am not that tired, I'll be able to cook, but sometimes after practice, I just want to sleep [and] take out," he said.

Ravena also said he can now somehow converse in Nihongo after being with Japanese players a lot. However, he admitted that there is still a slight language barrier and he is just trying to adjust to Japanese culture.

"Good thing we're playing basketball because in basketball, there's a universal language. Elsewhere you play in the world, you know, some terms are the same. So it's easier for us to communicate, it's easier for us to talk, and when it comes to playing together, there's not much problem," he said.

"But you know, so far so good. I have a lot of teammates who can understand and talk English very well."

Ravena is one of the few Filipinos who brought their talent to the B.League, which will open on September 29.

—Justin Kenneth Carandang/MGP, GMA News