Alaska is a special organization

It is not an accident why Alaska is second (and closing fast) in the most number of championships won in Philippine Basketball Association history.

Veteran Jeffrey THE JET Cariaso says Alaska is special because everyone in the organization works hard and performs their jobs with a high level of dedication and professionalism.

You tend to see that and want to do your own job better, says Cariaso. You can be in the main office working for marketing or sales. You can be a staff in our plant making sure the milk is packaged well. You can be a driver delivering milk to a supermarket or even a shooting guard for the Alaska Aces professional basketball team in the PBA.

Whatever your job, Cariaso says, you will be part of a company where everyone employed in it is dedicated and hardworking. Alaska employees become better individuals because they strive for excellence and set goals seemingly beyond their reach.

Being with Alaska, I have learned how to handle challenges better, says Cariaso. I guess you can say my experience through the years played an important factor also. But how you handle adversity is key to know what the next step is.

The Jet admits that he is far from perfect. But having gone through trials in life he says he has learned to handle the tough times better. He says that a lot will depend on your frame of mind and what you choose to focus on.

I have also learned what not to do, says Cariaso. A team of 15 individuals, with 15 different personalities can be a struggle to deal with. But when you allow different personalities to function for one common goal, you can deal with the differences.

Cariaso says he loves his teammates because they go to war with him every night when they play games in the PBA.

They tell you: I have your back no matter what happens, says Cariaso. They will support you. They will sacrifice for you and they will be there for you until the end. That is the way we do it in Alaska. And if it is the will of God for us to win, you know it is a blessing because 15-strong made it possible.

Cariaso joined the Aces as a rookie in 1995. He was with the Alaska team which won the Grand Slam in 1996. In 1997 he transferred to the Talk N Text Phone Pals, then Tanduay and later the Coca-Cola Tigers.

On Christmas Day, 2002 he led the Tigers to their first PBA championship. In 2004 he returned home to the Alaska fold.

Playing for Alaska is truly special, says Cariaso. I have played for three other PBA teams but many basketball fanatics actually think I never left Alaska. Being a part of that 1996 Grand Slam has embedded in the minds of people that I have been with Alaska throughout my whole career.

Cariaso says that when people think of the Alaska Grandslam his name will be remembered right along with the likes of Johnny Abarrientos, Jojo Lastimosa, Bong Hawkins, Poch Juinio and the rest of the guys.

That right there is something to be proud of, says Cariaso. That right there is difficult to achieve. That right there is truly special.