BOCAUE, Bulacan – June Mar Fajardo said surpassing Alvin Patrimonio and Mon Fernandez for most MVPs in the PBA will not stop him from working even harder in his career.
Fajardo received his fifth MVP award on Sunday during the PBA Leo Awards at the Philippine Arena, passing four-time winners Alvin Patrimonio and Ramon Fernandez.
For Fajardo though, the new record he set is still nothing compared to the greatness Patrimonio and Fernandez showed during their respective PBA careers.
“Sila pa rin ‘yung legends,” said Fajardo. “Hindi ko akalain. Si Don Ramon, tinuruan pa niya ako nung nasa Cebu ako, tapos na-break ko ‘yung record niya. Nakakatuwa. Thankful ako sa kanila.”
The San Miguel center beat Stanley Pringle of NorthPort for the award. Fajardo said he will make sure that his award won’t get into his head as the big man made it clear he will not stop working in order to improve his game even more.
“Ayoko maging stagnant. Ayoko makuntento. Etong mga achivements ko, hindi ko ilalagay sa isip ko ‘yan. Dito lang,” Fajardo said, pointing to his heart.
“Kasi kapag ilalagay mo sa utak mo ‘yun, iba-brag mo na ‘yung achievements ko. Mas magiging parang hambog , parang ganun ang dating. Of course, puwede mong ipagmayabang dahil pinaghirapan mo pero hindi naman. Pagsisikapan ko pa. Marami pa akong gusto ma-achieve,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo said his parents will remain a source of inspiration to further improve his skills.
“Sobrang hirap dati. Never sila nag-give up sa isa’t-isa. Mas nag-jell pa sila para palakihin kami at hindi kami maligaw ng landas. Dahil diyan, magsisikap ako para sa kanila,” he added.
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