PINAMUNGAHAN-NATIVE June Mar Fajardo of the San Miguel Beermen collected his fifth straight most valuable player (MVP) in the 43rd Philippine Basketball Association Annual (PBA) awards.
The San Miguel Beer center became the league's first five-time MVP.
“Sino lang ba nag aakala na nuong una pinagtatawanan lang, tapos ngayon five-time MVP na. Basta magsisikap ka lang talaga,” Fajardo said.
Known for being a down-to-earth person, Fajardo thanked his parents Maritess and Bonifacio for being his inspiration to work hard.
“Sila ang dahilan bakit ako nagpursige. Sila ang source ko of inspiration. Nagpapasalamat ako kasi kahit mahirap lang kami di nila kami pinababayaan. Binigyan nila kami ng magandang nutrisyon kaya lumaki ako nang ganito,” said the 6-foot-10 center.
Fajardo also thanked the University of Cebu (UC) for tapping him and giving him his first big break in basketball.
“Nagpapasalamat din ako sa UC dahil duon ako nag start. Kay Coach Rhoel Gomez, sa mga tinuro nila sa akin. At sa basketball manager namin na si Atty. Baldomero Estenzo, siya nag guide and nag disiplina sa amin. Nadadala ko lahat nang advice nila sa akin,” Fajardo said.
Fajardo also credits his team San Miguel saying that he wouldn’t have won the MVP if he played for other teams.
“Swerte talaga ako na nandito ako. Malakas kasi yung mga teammates ko,” he added.
Fajardo added that he has no plans of stopping and promises to strive to still improve.
“Sana hindi pa ito ang last. Gagawn ko lahat (para mag-improve). Gusto ko mag improve ayaw ko maging stagnant," he added.