Behind all the present accolades of June Mar Fajardo is a loving father, Bonifacio, who helped his son take the first steps toward his success.
Everyone knows June Mar Fajardo is a self-professed mama’s boy.
But the San Miguel superstar loves his father, Bonifacio, just as much.
The younger Fajardo fondly remembers how his dad made sure that he would be with him every step of the way in his basketball journey.
When June Mar was still trying out for the University of Cebu, his Papa Bonifacio quit his job so he could travel with him from Pinamungajan to Cebu City every day.
In this chat with One Sports for Father's Day, the eight-time PBA Most Valuable Player shared about his dad’s support and more.
One Sports: What’s the best advice that your father gave you?
Fajardo: Hindi kasi masiyadong vocal 'yong Papa ko pero ipinapakita niya [ang advice niya] sa sakripisyo niya. Siya 'yong dahilan kung bakit nandito ako ngayon. Noong nagta-tryout pa lang ako sa UC, sinasamahan niya ako. Tumigil siya sa trabaho niya para masamahan ako sa tryouts. Grabe ang sakripisyo niya. Grabe ang pinagdaanan namin. Kumakain kami ng isang rice lang tapos dalawang barbecue sticks, hinahati namin. Minsan noodles lang ang kinakain namin, ibinibigay pa niya sa'kin. Alam ko 'yong pinagdaanan ng papa ko, namin, so sobrang na-appreciate ko ang Papa ko. Thankful ako sa kaniya.
[RELATED STORY: Dear Dad: Aaron Black learns value of hard work from father Norman]
OS: What is one trait of your father that you would like to emulate?
Fajardo: Medyo witty ang Papa ko, eh. May humor. 'Yon ang Papa ko. Masayahin ang Papa ko. 'Yon ang gusto ko. Siyempre, kailangan nating maging masaya kasi lahat tayo, may pinagdadaanan. Kung ano man 'yong pinagdaraanan natin, mga trials and battles na hindi sinasabi sa ibang tao, padating sa [pagtugon sa problema], kailangan [pa rin] nating maging masaya, kailangang mag-smile. Para kapag may nakakasalubong kang iba tapos nakangiti ka, [maiisip] nila na ‘O, mabait pala 'to, approachable pala to.’ Contagious 'yong smile. So 'yon ang gusto kong gayahin.
[RELATED STORY: Dear Dad: Russel Escoto shares father's nuggets of wisdom]
OS: Give a message to your dad for Father’s Day by completing the sentence:
Dad, I would like you to know that ____________.
Fajardo: Pa, gusto kong malaman mong mahal kita. Nagpapasalamat ako sa'yo. Kung ano man 'yong na-achieve ko ngayon sa buhay, isa ka sa pinakadahilan kung bakit ko na-achieve 'yon.