By REYNALD MAGALLON
Even with the countless awards in his trophy cabinet, there’s only one trophy that San Miguel Beer superstar June Mar Fajardo always stares at – every day without fail, and for almost a year.
It was none of the 12 Best Player of the Conference awards or the eight Most Valuable Player plums that brought him glory and fortune.
But rather the one that constantly reminded him of how painful it is to lose a Philippine Cup – the second place trophy from last season’s Finals defeat against Meralco.
It stood right by his doorstep — a silent sentinel, as if to remind him every single day, that he cannot lose focus. Not when there’s still unfinished business. Not when the story isn’t over yet.
And Friday, July 25, saw the fitting end to that redemption arc.
Fajardo and the Beermen finally and successfully wrote the conclusion that they wanted to have a year ago. San Miguel reclaimed the prestigious all-Filipino Cup crown after a dominant 107-96 win over the Grand Slam-seeking TNT in Game 6 at the PhilSports Arena.
“Masarap ‘to kasi parang redemption ‘to ng San Miguel, iche-cherish namin ito. Ikikeep namin sa memory namin. Ngayong gabi, icecelebrate namin ito,” said Fajardo, noting how his 11th PBA title stood out from his other championships.
No doubt it was sweeter after that last season’s hiccup.
“Nasa akin nga yung second place na trophy nasa bahay. Ako talaga nag uwi nung second place na trophy. Nakikita ko lagi iyon. Iyon yung motivation sa akin,” said the Cebuano gentle giant who turned the memories of that setback into a fuel to his 24-point, 12-rebound performance in the clincher.
But Fajardo did not forget to tip his hat off to TNT. For one, he could somehow relate to the pain of losing, more so one that could have given it the rare triple-crown feat.
“Mahirap kalaban yung TNT, malakas sila, malakas talaga kahit kulang kulang sila pero grabe pa rin,” said Fajardo.
Almost a year ago, Fajardo and SMB were in the same position, down 3-2 in the Finals series against the Meraclo, throwing everything including the kitchen sink just to try to survive Game 6 and force a Game 7.
But it was as if destiny had already taken the side of the opposing team, everything simply went their foe’s way with Chris Newsome draining the last second jumper.
Fajardo was just glad he was on the other side this time around.
“Thankful kami na nakuha namin yung championship credit sa TNT sa magandang series na binigay nila sa amin. Mabuti nakuha na namin ito natapos na namin ito kasi mahirap pa na umabot pa sa Game 7.”
As for the second place trophy, Fajardo doubts he will remove it from where it is placed right now. But it would certainly feel right to be placed next to his newer and bigger one.
“Hihingiin ko nga yung trophy eh kung ibibigay eh,” he quipped. “Pero papagawa ako ng replika kasi nga pandagdag ng motivation dun sa second place ko ng last all-Filipino.”
