San Miguel star and Cebuano pride June Mar Fajardo is doing his part to help the victims of Typhoon Tino in his home province through the "Tulong Mga Kapatid" live selling set Saturday, Nov. 14.
June Mar Fajardo is putting up his first PBA Most Valuable Player trophy for auction to help raise funds for the victims of Typhoon Tino in Cebu.
Hailing from Pinamungajan, Cebu, Fajardo said he does not mind giving up his most prized possession if it would help lift his home province back on its feet again following the typhoon's onslaught that caused widespread flooding and killed hundreds.
“Special sa'kin ang MVP na ‘to kasi ito 'yong first MVP ko. Lahat ng pinagdaanan ko, hirap, sakripisyo, pawis, dugo, nandito sa trophy na 'to,” said the San Miguel star in an interview with One Sports’ courtside reporter Apple David.
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What was once a reminder of his dominance inside the court will now serve as a symbol of unity among Cebuanos in its path to recovery.
“Ibibigay ko, ipapa-auction ko ito kasi special ang mga taga-Cebu para sa'kin. Kasi, bali-baliktarin man ang mundo, proud Cebuano ako,” Fajardo said.
“Para sa'kin, sila 'yong tunay na MVP. So sana, itong trophy na 'to ang mag-symbolize ng unity sa Cebu.”
June Mar Fajardo's first of nine PBA Most Valuable Player trophies | Screenshot: YouTube/One Sports
The said trophy, the first of nine so far, is among the memorabilia from various PBA players, which include jerseys and shoes, to be auctioned off through the "Tulong Mga Kapatid" live selling set Friday, Nov. 14.
Fajardo hopes that the next owner will treat his most cherished belonging with care since it also represents a piece of life.
“Sa makakukuha nito, hindi lang ‘to basta-bastang trophy. Parte na ‘to ng buhay ko. Kung sino man ang makakukuha nito, may piece siya ng buhay ko,” Fajardo said.
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Like most sportswriters, Jan Ballesteros once dreamed of becoming a professional hooper. But he learned the hard way that it’s not for everyone.
He continues to be involved in the sport he loves, but this time as a member of the PBA Press Corps. Aside from primarily covering the PBA, he is also assigned to cover Gilas Pilipinas.