By Adrian Stewart Co

After winning his fifth-straight Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Most Valuable Player trophy, a feat yet to be achieved in the league’s 43-year history, San Miguel Beermen center June Mar Fajardo credited his teammates for the accomplishment.

“Hindi ko talaga akalain na mananalo ako uli ng MVP (I really did not expect I would win MVP again),” the Pinamungajan, Cebu native stated. “Ang ine-expect ko na mag-i-improve lang ako pero ‘yung mga awards, hindi talaga, hindi ko inisip (I expected to just improve but I really did not think of these awards).”

“Sobrang swerte talaga na nasa San Miguel ako kasi malakas ‘yung San Miguel, lagi kami nasa playoffs so malaki ‘yung chance na manalo (It’s lucky to be with San Miguel because they are strong, we are always in the playoffs so there is a big chance of winning),” he added. “Siguro kung nasa ibang team ako, hindi ako mananalo ng MVP (Maybe, if I was on another team, I would not win MVP).”

The fifth trophy moves Fajardo past retired PBA greats Alvin Patrimonio and Ramon Fernandez, who have each been named MVP four times.

After ruling the 2018 Philippine Cup, Fajardo said the team is focused on nabbing a fifth straight title.

The 2019 season opened last night at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan./ASC, WDJ