After receiving his ninth MVP award, June Mar Fajardo made it clear he wants more PBA championships. That chase begins in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup.
The road to back-to-back glory begins for the San Miguel Beermen as they open their PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup campaign against the NLEX Road Warriors on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
The match is set at 7:30 p.m. at the Ynares Center in Antipolo.
[RELATED STORY: Nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo recalls almost giving up during lowest point of PBA career]
Just a little over two months removed from their Season 49 All-Filipino championship, the Beermen return to the hardcourt hungry to extend their dynastic run and solidify their status as the league’s gold standard.
The reigning champions are parading an intact lineup, with the only new faces being promising rookies Chris Miller and Royce Mantua, who will look to learn from San Miguel’s battle-tested core.
At the heart of the Beermen’s title defense remains June Mar Fajardo, who is coming off yet another milestone — his record-extending ninth MVP award. The 11-time PBA champion has made it clear that he isn’t slowing down anytime soon.
[ALSO READ: Ramon Fernandez believes June Mar Fajardo is bound to win one more PBA MVP award]
“More championships pa. Lahat naman ng players yun din goal, yun din goal ko. Sana maraming championships pa na darating bago ako magretiro,” said Fajardo, emphasizing his desire to keep adding to San Miguel’s trophy case.
The Beermen’s blend of star power and continuity — with CJ Perez, Marcio Lassiter, Don Trollano, Jericho Cruz, Mo Tautuaa, and Chris Ross anchoring the rotation — makes them the team to beat once again.
However, they’ll need to stay sharp against an NLEX squad eager to prove itself after an early playoff exit last season.
For coach Leo Austria, the challenge is maintaining focus and intensity despite being the heavy favorites.
With their chemistry, depth, and championship mentality, San Miguel knows that every team will be gunning for them — but if their past dominance is any indication, the Beermen are more than ready to defend their crown.
[ALSO READ: PBA’s four-point shot: boon or bane?]
(With reports from Jan Ballesteros)
—
[Editor's note: This article was written by a member of the One Sports Digital with the help of AI, and then checked by the staff to ensure accuracy.]