Country above self ‘El Presidente’ says playing for Philippine team his greatest achievement

CEBU, Philippines —  As a young dreamer growing up in Southern Leyte, Philippine basketball legend Ramon “El Presidente” Fernandez said there are at least three people who have greatly influenced him to pursue a career out of playing hoops.

Foremost among them are his older brothers Manolo and Carlito Fernandez.

Manolo had a brief stint with the University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers and the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Panthers in the Cebu Collegiate Atletic Association (CCAA) that is now the Cebu Schools Athle tic Foundation, Inc. (CESAFI).

Carlito, on the other hand, played alongside Robert ‘The Big J’ Jaworski with the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors that won the UAAP championship under coach Virgilio ‘Baby’ Dalupan in 1965.

In a recent interview via video call on Facebook, Fenandez, now 66, revealed that the late Joaquin ‘Jake’ Rojas also played an important role in shaping up his hardcourt ambition.

“He’s already an established star when I was still a kid. Every time he comes back in our place in Maasin City, we would always follow him from the time he arrives at the pier in the morning until in the afternoon when he plays ball at a court near our town hall,” recalled Fernandez.

Rojas, who first made a name with the UV Lancers in the late 1950s, was a former PBA cager and a member of the Philippine national team that saw action in the Olympics twice in 1968 (Mexico) and 1972 (Munich). He also helped the Toyota Comets claim the first ever PBA crown in 1975.

Like his boyhood idol, Fernandez went on to write a storied career since he first gained fame as a collegiate star with the University of San carlos (USC) Warriors.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest in PBA chronicles, the 6-foot-5 Fernandez left an indelible mark as the league’s all-time leader in scoring (18, 996 points), rebounds, blocked shots, free throws made, and playing minutes. He also ranked second all-time in assists, games played and steals.

“About being considered as one the greatest, I’m proud and gratified with the thought because that is really my goal, to be the best that I can be in everything I do. And to be recognized for that is indeed gratifying,” said Fernandez, who currently serves as Philippine Sports Commissioner.

Interestingly, Fernandez wears No.19 jersey, won a record 19 PBA titles, and played for a total of 19 seasons in Asia’s first play for pay league.

Among his countless achievements, Fernandez set a record as the first and only player to win four MVP awards with four different teams - Toyota in 1982, Beer Hausen in 1984, Tanduay in 1986, and San Miguel Beer in 1988.

A six-time All-Star and 13-time Mythical First Team, Fernandez played a key role in San Miguel Beermen’s historic grandslam feat in 1989.

But for Fernandez, all his individual accolades are just the proverbial icing on his cake. He considers his being part of the national men’s basketball squad representing the country in various international competitions as his most shining accomplishment.

At 18 years old, Fernandez donned the country’s tri-colors that bagged gold medal during the 1972 ABC Under 18 Championship. The following year, he also formed part of the Phl squad that clinched the championship of ABC Men’s Championship. Both events were held in Manila.

In 1974, Fernandez and the Phl team competed in the FIBA World Championship in Puerto Rico but they got bust in three games as they were bracketed with basketball powerhouses Argentina, Spain and the United States.

In his last journey with Team Phl, Fernandez received a silver medal during the 1990 Asian Games in Beijing, China. Four years later, he retired in the PBA.

“All of my individual awards are just icing on my cake,” said Fernandez. “Making it to the national youth team at 18 years old, and with the national men’s team the following year are my greatest feat because that is the reason why I played basketball. That is really my childhood dream, and I’m very proud, happy and fulfilled that I have done that.”