Considered one of the most popular sports in the Philippines, Basketball was first introduced by American Teachers in the 1900s at the start of the American Colonial Period. Filipinos showed much passion for the sport which resulted in our own basketball culture. Its popularity has spread nationwide with school-based, community-based, armature, and professional tournaments being organized all year long.

It is no surprise that Antonio Jose “Anjo” H. Caram, a native of Iloilo, who started playing basketball when he was a kid, has always had the dream of playing in the Big City. He was fortunate to be recruited by then San Beda Red Lions Coach, Frankie Lim. He played with the San Beda Red Lions for a total of 5 seasons and won 4 championships in the process, under Coaches Frankie Lim and Ronnie Magsanoc.

“It was not smooth sailing journey.”, says Caram, who graduated from San Beda University with a degree of BS Marketing, in 2013. “I had to face trials at the start of my basketball career, but with enough perseverance and with the help of God, I was able to succeed.”

He considers San Beda University to have prepared him for his PBA Career. Drafted by the Meralco Bolts in 2013, he has been with the team for a decade now, something that many people doubted he will last. Caram was able to set a PBA record of being the shortest player to score 30 points in a game.

“San Beda taught me the value of discipline and to ensure that I balance my time for my studies and basketball. The warmth of the Bedan Community and its tradition of supporting one another were the biggest factors that I took into heart.” Caram added.

Happily married to Jeanne Danielle Caram, Anjo is also a proud father to Paige Olivia, 3 years old, and is expecting a baby boy in July.

True enough, while others may doubt your capability to last long in a talent-full PBA and with the limitations of being one of the shortest players in the league, Anjo proved that it is where true talent and passion pays-off.

Anjo’s message to the Bedan Community.

“To all the Bedans and Alumni, thank you so much for all the support extended to me and to every athlete that represented our beloved Alma Mater. Thank you for helping build my confidence and for the friendship that will always be memorable. I will forever cherish the sounds of the loudest cheers and the Red Sea of Bedans waving in a jampacked arena.”

by Teejay Gonzales (HS – 1993 and CAS – 1997)