ANTIPOLO – June Mar Fajardo described his relationship with Japeth Aguilar with Gilas Pilipinas as like that of a married couple, citing the countless times they’ve been roommates during their international stints.
And now that Aguilar has retired from international competition, Fajardo said he will miss his good friend but is also happy to see him get more time with his family while still being able to continue his basketball career with Barangay Ginebra.
Fajardo said the retirement is well-deserved with the service he has done for the national team, even though he feels Aguilar, at 38, can still contribute to Gilas.
“Siyempre masaya ako sa kanya kasi makakapagpahinga siya at more time sa family niya,” said Fajardo on Friday in an interview after his PBA game with San Miguel at the Ynares Center. “Parati ko ngang niloloko ‘yun na dalawang World Cup pa, kaya pa niya kasi sobrang athletic niya. Sabi nga ni coach, freak of nature ba. Sobrang athletic niya.”
“Siyempre nakakalungkot kasi tagal ko siya nakasama eh. Roommate kami lagi. Pero feeling ko masaya siya sa decision niya. Pinag-isipan niya talaga ‘yan na magpahinga sa national team. Masaya naman ako para sa kanya. More time sa family niya,” said Fajardo.
When asked about his favorite moment with Aguilar as a roommate, Fajardo said there are too many too tell. But one thing that stood out was during their trip to Lithuania during their younger years.
“Nung nasa Lithuania kami, nung 2013 nung bata pa kami, ‘yun ‘yung mas memorable para sa amin. ‘Yung lagi kaming roommates, ang dami naming kalokohan sa room. Kaso hindi puwedeng [sabihin eh]. ‘Yun ‘yung mami-miss ko,” said Fajardo with a sheepish smile.
Since then, Fajardo said they have become roommates even during the latest iteration of Gilas where they are now joined by a younger batch of players.
“Siyempre kami ‘yung pinakamatanda eh. Tapos kumportable kami sa isa’t isa,” said Fajardo.
The nine-time PBA MVP said he will forever cherish his time with Aguilar with the national squad.
“Para kaming mag-asawa. Parang kapatid kami. Sobrang tagal na rin. Parang isang dekada kami magkasama. Ups and downs. Masaya ako sa kanya na makakapagpahinga siya sa national team,” said Fajardo
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