While a lot was at stake in the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals, San Miguel behemoth June Mar Fajardo and Ginebra stalwart Japeth Aguilar's friendship still prevailed.
As if their lives were on the line, San Miguel star June Mar Fajardo and Ginebra ace Japeth Aguilar fought for every rebound and field goal in the recently concluded PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals.
But the rivalry, of course, is only confined to the basketball courts.
While most foes can’t stand each other, that’s not the case for Fajardo and Aguilar, who are also teammates in Gilas Pilipinas.
Off the court, they share an unbreakable bond forged by years of playing with and against each other.
“Ganoon naman kami. Basta, we just play hard, physical,” Aguilar said at the end of the Gin Kings’ 101-88 loss to the Beermen in Game 6 last Friday, Jan. 16.
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They are rivals and teammates. But most importantly, Fajardo and Aguilar share a brotherly bond.
“Ang dami naming pinagsamahan. Gusto lang namin sa isa’t-isa, 'yong the best. Happy siya [para] sa'kin, happy rin ako [para] sa kaniya,” said Aguilar.
Ginebra's Japeth Aguilar tries to escape the defense of San Miguel counterpart June Mar Fajardo during Game 6 of the PBA Season 50 Philippine Cup semifinals. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Fajardo shared the same sentiment.
“Si Japeth, sorang tagal ko nang kasama. Parang magkapatid na kami. Parang kapatid na rin ang turing ko sa kaniya,” said Fajardo.
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At one point during Game 6, Fajardo, together with Ginebra ace Scottie Thompson, was seen helping Aguilar rise from the floor.
"Siyempre ayaw nating may nasasaktan. Lahat naman kami, halos lahat ng players sa PBA, ito na ang source of income namin. Ayaw naman nating may nakikitang player na may injury. Kasi hindi lang naman siya 'yong maaapektuhan, pati 'yong family niya, 'yong career niya," said Fajardo.
"So good thing, okay siya. Parang brotherhood lang. On and off the court, sobrang close kami."
Aguilar shared that he was also checking on Fajardo's shoulder injury, which the SMB star sustained early in the best-of-seven penultimate round.
"Kahit ako, tinatanong ko siya minsan, 'Kumusta ang shoulder mo?' [He would answer,] 'OK naman,'" said Aguilar.
While Fajardo bested Aguilar in their latest faceoff as the Cebuano behemoth and his San Miguel squad advanced to the Finals, the duo's friendship is certainly more valuable than any of the trophies they would continue to contest in the future.
(With reports from Gillian Trinidad/One Sports Digital)
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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.