Darlene Regis
Jacey Kleon Balagtas Cruz, widely known as Jacey Cruz, has made history as the youngest draft pick of the 2025 San Miguel team and the first Filipino player based in Qatar to join the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA).
A second-year Business and Economics student at Qatar University, specializing in Finance, the 21-year-old basketball pro has quickly become a source of pride for the Filipino community both in Qatar and back home.
Accompanied by his parents, Melvin and Juvy Cruz, along with his siblings, coach, and friends, Jacey shared his achievement with the Philippine Embassy in Qatar during a courtesy visit.
Meeting with His Excellency Mardomel Celo Melicor, Philippine Ambassador to Qatar, and Honorable Monica Remsy Calangian, Second Secretary and Consul, the Cruz family recounted their journey, challenges, and lessons learned along the way.
The visit was a warm and inspiring exchange of stories that highlighted Jacey’s talent, dedication, and humility.
Athletic excellence runs in the Cruz family. Two of Jacey’s siblings have distinguished themselves in basketball and volleyball at a prominent university in Qatar, benefiting from government-supported scholarship programs.
The Cruz family expressed immense pride and joy for Jacey’s achievement, while the Embassy officials lauded his success and pledged continued support. The Embassy urged young Filipino athletes to embrace sports as a platform for growth, discipline, and national pride, both in Qatar and abroad.
Jacey’s historic milestone has captured the hearts of Filipinos in Qatar. His journey stands as a testament to talent, perseverance, and national pride.
