There are nights when everything just falls into place perfectly. And on one Friday night, the 6-foot-9 behemoth experienced that feeling, as he had the best of both worlds revolving right around him.
Prior to their Game Four Finals clash against Barangay Ginebra San Miguel, the Cebuano center was adjudged as the 2017 PBA Philippine Cup Best Player of the Conference — his fourth straight BPC award and fifth overall.
What made the feat sweeter was the Beermen’s raving support for him. Typical BPC awards show the awardee walking to the center court all by himself, claiming and raising the plaque, posing for a few photo ops, and moving on. But this time, the years-long scenario was altered.
As Fajardo claimed his award, all the Beermen players stormed at center court, giving their warmest congratulations to the 27-year-old. And the typical awardee-photo-only shot became a team picture, with Fajardo at the center, raising the hardware he had earned.
And Fajardo, as cliché as it may sound, is nothing but grateful and blessed to be able to add yet another feather to his cap, giving credit to the Man above and to all the people around him who pushed him to become better.
“Sobrang blessed ako. Nagpapasalamat ako kay God sa mga blessing na binibigay niya sakin,” shared the reigning MVP. “Nagpapasalamat din ako sa mga teammates ko, pati na rin sa mga coach ko kasi sila nagmo-motivate sakin.
“‘Di naman every game maganda nilalaro ko di ba, may mga lapses din ako. Ine-encourage talaga nila ako na mag bounce back, mino-motivate nila ako,” he furthered.
By collecting his fifth BPC award, the first pick of the 2012 Draft has now tied another San Miguel legend and his mentor, two-time MVP Danny Ildefonso, for the most BPC plums earned. And still the Kraken remains hungry for more.
“Nakaka-proud, di ko ineexpect na mapapantayan ko siya,” admitted Fajardo.
“Kailangan keep improving lang, hindi maging kuntento.”
But despite his growing collection of individual awards, Fajardo iterated that those awards are not what he always aims to acquire, saying that it will always be about winning championships for the franchise.
“Para sa akin yung barometer hindi yung individual eh, yung championship. Pero alam naman natin na hindi ganun kadali makuha yung championship, kailangan sakripisyo din, tiyaga, tapos tiwala din sa team.
“Mas maganda kung sampung championship para masaya lahat,” quipped Fajardo.
And nearly three hours after bagging the individual award, the Beermen were able to send down the Barangay once more, arresting Ginebra’s hijack attempt to eke out a 94-85 victory en route to a commanding 3-1 series lead in the best-of-seven affair.
Fajardo, who finished with 20 points and 13 boards, has everything to be happy about for Friday night — winning BPC honors earlier, and helping lift the Beermen closer to the most sought-after Perpetual Trophy award. However, he insisted that there is still unfinished business for him and the whole team.
“Isang panalo na lang pero hindi kami pwedeng mag-relax eh. Tsaka na kami mag-relax pag tapos na, kasi mahirap na,” said Fajardo.
“Malamang next game bounce back sila, kailangan lang namin maging ready. Kailangan disiplina sa pag-execute ng plays tsaka sa depensa.”
