San Miguel Beer center June Mar Fajardo calls his parents on stage after winning his fifth PBA MVP award. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
BULACAN, Philippines—June Mar Fajardo is the only five-time MVP in PBA history and although each of his accolades has a story behind it, the fifth one carries a little more weight than the others.
Not only was Fajardo able to etch his name in league history with the most MVP plums, he also received his latest award with his parents Bonifacio and Marites.
Fajardo, who broke the record previously owned by Ramon Fernandez and Alvin Patrimonio, invited his parents on stage during the PBA Leo Awards Sunday at Philippine Arena and thanked them for raising him to be the man he is.
“If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t be here,” said Fajardo in Filipino. “This is very special because my parents are here, I just wish my brother (Jay) was also here but he has work to do.”
“I’m ecstatic because my parents are here and that’s important because they’re my inspiration. After all the hardships that we went through in the past, we were poor, but they never gave up.”
Fajardo added that now he’s financially secured, he will do anything to grant his parents their wishes.
The 6-foot-10 San Miguel center was never the one who would give long speeches but the presence of his parents alone inspired him to deliver a lenghty message.
“As long as I’m in a position to provide, I will give them what they need. The best feeling is when you see your parents happy and one of the reasons they’re smiling is because of you then that’s really fulfilling.”
Fajardo, who was included into the All-Defensive Team and 1st Mythical Team, added that he will dedicate his future awards to his younger brother Jay who was the first one between them to play basketball.
Jay, however, didn’t grow up to be as tall as Fajardo at 5-foot-8 and he stopped playing competitive basketball in college.
“He told me that he’s super proud of his older brother and I will do everything I can to always make sure he’s proud of me,” said Fajardo. “I will dedicate everything to him because he was the one who played the sport first.”