Cebuano behemoth June Mar Fajardo has amassed plenty of accolades in his basketball career including winning the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) Most Valuable Player award a record six straight times.
However, the gentle giant emphatically said that no matter how many championships and individual achievements he will rack up between today and the end of his career, nothing would ever compare to the joy of making his family happy.
This the 30-year old pride of Pinamungahan said during his appearance in the MVP Sports Foundation Youth Basketball League’s Idol Talk last weekend.
“Sinasabi ng magulang ko na sobrang swerte sila sakin,” said the 6-foot-10 giant who is currently recovering from the leg injury he suffered earlier this year.
“Hindi nila alam, kami ng kapatid ko ang swerte sa kanila,” he added.
Throughout his successful career, whether it was with University of Cebu (UC) Webmasters in the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) or the San Miguel Beermen in the PBA, Fajardo says his family has been there with him every step of the way.
In fact, it was his father Jun who prodded him to try his hand out at basketball and in fact, accompanied him during his early days playing for UC.
“Ang papa ko ang superhero ko. Yung trabaho niya na bumubuhay sa pamilya ko, ginive up niya para lang samahan ako,” recalled Fajardo.
“Nakita ko na yung luha at lungkot sa mga mata nila, kaya makita ko lang na nakangiti sila ngayon, yun na ang achievement ko,” Fajardo added. (JNP)