Crowned as the Most Tweeted about Filipino Athlete in 2017 and 2018, Ricci Rivero has certainly captured the hearts of many not just with his good looks and basketball prowess but also with his kindness on and off the court. The UP Fighting Maroons cager makes a stand amidst this pandemic by extending help using his own savings. Ricci finds this as a good opportunity to pay it forward. He said he’s more concerned with those who lost their jobs.
Although the athletic community is also in a critical situation, Ricci still finds something to look forward to. He hopes sports events like basketball can resume as planned early next year. The next season would be his last playing year for the University of the Philippines and the UAAP, thus his excitement.
Growing up, Ricci and his siblings used to watch their father play basketball with friends. This ignited his eagerness to learn and conquer the said sports.
The hardcourt heartthrob looks at basketball and the UAAP league as two of the most exciting things about his youth. He learns a lot on the court. But even when not wearing his jersey uniform, Ricci’s days are still full of thrill. He said there were days when girls would go crazy over him to the point of almost spying on him outside his dormitory. The humble guy would always entertain his adoring fans as much as possible. “Kung wala naman po akong gagawin tina-try ko magbigay ng time kasi nag-sacrifice din sila ng time to go there and see me. Kahit kumustahin lang o kausapin o picture kasi meaningful na ‘yun sa kanila.”
Ricci added that he feels most handsome when he’s playing on the court because he knows he is at his comfort zone. Yet, he clarified that being a heartthrob isn’t just about having captivating looks. “Being a heartthrob is something people should look up to talaga or parang pwede nilang i-look up to in a way na mai-inspire sila hindi lang base sa looks. But then even in your personality as well. It’s something na hindi lang sa looks but you as a whole.”
Apart from his skills in basketball, Ricci is also gifted with acting abilities which he already showcased in the horror film “Otlum.” He admitted that he was hesitant to accept that movie offer at first, clueless about the showbiz industry. But Ricci isn’t the type who would let golden opportunities pass by. He thought God has more plans for him, so he’d always be willing to live up to His challenges and embrace the unexpected blessings.
And the most important question girls are eager to know – is he single? The answer is yes.