Boss Toyo bid for San Miguel superstar June Mar Fajardo’s first PBA MVP trophy, the proceeds of which will go to the relief efforts for typhoon-hit Cebu.
Like a giddy kid who got a “very good” stamp from his preschool teacher, Jayson Jay Luzadas, most popularly known as Boss Toyo, hoisted a PBA Most Valuable Player trophy at center court at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Malate Friday night, Dec. 19.
The internet celebrity won the prestigious hardware that once belonged to San Miguel superstar June Mar Fajardo in a bidding set up by Alagang Kapatid Foundation Inc.
He acquired it at P160,000.
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Fajardo gave up the first of his MVP awards for auction to help in the relief efforts in his home province Cebu, which was hit by Typhoon Tino.
When he learned about the trophy being auctioned, Boss Toyo did not waste time in bidding for his idol’s precious possession.
“Yes, fan ako, lalung-lalo na si misis. Kaya sabi, hindi pwedeng di ko siya kuha. I’m glad na nakuha ko at nasakin na ito ngayon,” Luzadas told One Sports after the brief ceremony at halftime of the San Miguel-Meralco match, where he was joined by Fajardo himself as well as PBA commissioner Willie Marcial.
[ALSO READ: Nine-time MVP June Mar Fajardo recalls almost giving up during lowest point of PBA career]
The 6-foot-10 Fajardo, whose love for his hometown is well-documented in his social media posts, expressed his gratitude to Boss Toyo.
“Thankful ako kay Boss Toyo. Marami siyang natulungang mga kababayan nating nasalanta ng bagyo,” Fajardo said with a smile.
“Baka makita ko 'yon sa collection niya. At least, na kay Boss Toyo, nasa magandang kamay 'yong trophy.”
[ALSO READ: PBA: Fajardo issues 10 assists in 2nd career triple-double, happy to see teammates score]
Asked where this piece ranks among his wide collection, Boss Toyo did not even think hard before responding.
“Sa PBA na hawak ko ngayon, siyempre, sa tingin ko, wala namang tatalo sa pagiging Greatest of All Time sa PBA ni June Mar. Ito na siguro ang most precious PBA memorabilia ko. Nasa akin na 'tong first MVP trophy nya,” Luzadas said.
Will this stay in his museum?
“Mag-i-i-stay 'to. Kasi, kay June Mar ‘to, eh. Siyam na ang MVPs niya. The GOAT para sa PBA. Kailangang nandoon lang 'to sa museum namin,” Luzadas 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.