Fil-Canadian Job Cariaga sets sights on PBA Draft

MANILA, Philippines – A Filipino-Canadian from Calgary hopes to make it to Asia’s first professional basketball league.

Inspired by the sport’s big following among Filipino communities in the United States and Canada –and countless half-Filipinos playing in the PBA – Job Cariaga wants to try his luck in the PBA Draft this year.

“I came to the Philippine to join the PBA Draft. I am dead serious and excited to play in the PBA,” said Cariaga, whose Filipina mother is a native of iligan. 

The 6-foot Cariaga had played for the AMA Online Education Titans in the PBA D-League. 

Not surprisingly, he looks up to some of the Fil-Ams making waves in the PBA.

“I want to play for San Miguel alongside my idols Alex Cabagnot and Chris Ross,” said Cariaga, who also played for Zark’s Burger Jawbreaker. 

If he gets lucky, Cariaga would be the next Filipino-Canadian to see action in the league after Toronto-born Matthew Wright, who currently plays for Phoenix under coach Louie Alas. 

“I’ve been dreaming to play in the PBA like Matt,” said Cariaga, whose favorite jersey is No. 7, just like basketball legend and former Senator Robert Jaworski.

Cariaga learned the rudiments of basketball at the age of 4. “I have great passion for basketball,” he said.

At the age of 14, he started playing competitive basketbal before headng to Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT) in Calgary where he’s’ taking Energy Asset Management. 

But right now, he’s happily adapting to his new life in his mother’s home country. 

“I enjoyed and experienced riding a jeep and LRT. It’s quite interesting and enjoying riding these two public conveyances,” said Cariaga.

“I’m really excited and can’t wait for the next PBA Draft. I am confident I can make it because I have the talent like other players.” – Rappler.com