Success never spoiled Fajardo

MANILA, Philippines — Aside from athletic ability, two traits that make JuneMar Fajardo stand out in the basketball firmament are humility and loyalty. When he tried out for the University of Cebu team nearly 20 years ago, Fajardo showed he had much more to offer than his imposing frame. Atty. Baldomero Estenzo, then managing UC’s basketball program while serving as Executive Vice Chancellor and Dean of Law, saw the potential of a superstar with a big heart. Fajardo was 6-5 and 17. Now, he’s 6-10 and 35, the PBA’s only nine-time MVP with 11 championships under his belt.

“JuneMar just graduated from high school,” recalled Atty. Estenzo who worked 26 years for San Miguel Corp. and retired as Vice President in 2005. “He initially went to the University of Southern Philippines but was offered only a 50 percent scholarship and came to us. Upon seeing him and his father Bonifacio, I told coach Roel Gomez to take him due to his height. He received many offers from Manila teams during college but rejected them all showing loyalty to his school.”

Fajardo stayed five years at UC, winning two CESAFI titles and three MVP awards. He earned a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management. While at UC, Fajardo was recruited to play for Magnolia in the PBL but chose to remain at UC. “I apologized to (San Miguel executive) Bobby Huang because JuneMar would no longer be able to play for UC under CESAFI rules if he joined PBL,” said Atty. Estenzo. “He wanted to continue his studies. I promised Bobby that when he graduates, he’ll play for San Miguel. When he graduated, I called (San Miguel PBA governor) Robert Non about his availability to play for SMB. He was then put on the SMB team in ABL to gain experience playing against players his height. When he was ripe for the PBA, he applied for the draft and Petron made him the first overall pick.”

Atty. Estenzo credited Fajardo’s upbringing for making him what he is. “His parents influenced him,” he said. “JuneMar has always been a humble, kind, respectful and friendly person. Success never went to his head.” Atty. Estenzo flew in recently from Cebu to witness Fajardo’s ninth MVP moment at the Leo Awards and the PBA’s Golden Season opening. He couldn’t be prouder of the man he mentored.