Akari Chargers libero Dani Ravena. Photo from PVL Images.

MANILA — Akari Chargers libero Dani Ravena recently engaged with a fan online who tagged her as a 'nepo baby,' or someone who is benefiting from nepotism.

The said fan claimed that the youngest Ravena has received her opportunities because of her mother Mozzy who is Akari's team manager, saying that she is the reason Dani is "never without a team."

X user @glodgo0916 comments on Dani Ravena.

Ravena responded to the claim of the fan through an Instagram story, emphasizing that her mother has "never taken away any opportunity from other players" just to benefit her.

Dani Ravena on Instagram.

After their victory over PetroGazz on Saturday night, Ravena expounded on her Instagram story and turned emotional in the process.

READ: Okaro, Lacsina take charge as Akari scores reverse sweep against Petro Gazz

"I’m done proving myself to anybody else," said Ravena, who had 10 digs in their win.

"I just want to make sure na I am worth it dito sa team kasi nakikita ko na I have talented coaches, talented teammates, so, no matter what other people will say, ang paniniwalaan ko is yung coaches and teammates ko," she continued.

Dani said what she instead is leaning on are the people who matter to her, much like her parents, her brother Kiefer and Thirdy, and the rest of the Akari squad. 

"Actually, nung nanood si Manong [Kiefer], malapit ko na siyang paalisin kasi medyo malas," she quipped.

"Pero siguro, I think yung pinaka motivation ko is yung naniniwala sakin yung mga important na tao. From that pa lang, I think I have enough motivation na to push myself."

"Yung teammates ko, yung coaches ko, lahat ng sumusuporta sa Akari, that’s who we play for. Nobody else."

And as for the names that the people are putting on her, Dani said that she is instead using it as added fuel to improve even more. 

"Despite all the criticism, I think that I’ve grown into understanding that it will never go away. I just have to live with it, exceed expectations, and reach my full potential," she said.

"Criticism kasi, it will always come. Pero I don’t really mind it as long as I can help the team in any way. "Sana mag continue lang yung pag-improve ko for the team and as a player," she added.