June Mar Fajardo Makes PBA History with Fifth Finals MVP Award
In a moment of basketball destiny, June Mar Fajardo has cemented his legacy by becoming the first recipient of the prestigious Ramon Fernandez PBA Finals MVP trophy. The San Miguel Beermen star achieved this historic milestone after leading his team to a decisive victory in the Philippine Cup championship series.
Championship Performance Seals the Deal
The 36-year-old Cebuano center delivered a masterful performance when it mattered most, scoring 29 points and grabbing 23 rebounds in the series-clinching Game 6. San Miguel finished off TNT with a convincing 92-77 victory on Sunday night, February 1, 2026, before an enthusiastic crowd of 14,201 spectators at the Mall of Asia Arena.
Throughout the six-game championship series, Fajardo maintained impressive averages of 19.7 points, 18.3 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.0 blocks per game. His consistent excellence made him the unanimous choice for the Finals MVP honor, marking his record-breaking fifth time receiving this prestigious award.
A Special Honor from a Basketball Legend
The presentation ceremony became particularly meaningful as Ramon Fernandez, the 72-year-old PBA legend and fellow Cebuano, personally awarded the gold-plated trophy named in his honor. The PBA Press Corps created this elegant shot trophy to recognize Fernandez's unparalleled achievement of winning 19 championships during his illustrious career.
"It's an honor to win the championship and the Finals MVP, especially with Don Ramon himself presenting the trophy, which is also named after him," said an emotional Fajardo. "This will definitely be at the top of my trophy case."
Fernandez, accompanied by his wife Karla Kintanar, expressed his own pride in the moment: "It's a great honor, and I'm truly proud and humbled by this trophy you made for me as Finals MVP." The basketball icon even had the privilege of announcing the winner himself, declaring "My neighbor from Cebu, June Mar Fajardo" to the delight of cheering San Miguel fans.
Breaking Records and Setting New Standards
This latest Finals MVP award represents Fajardo's fourth in the Philippine Cup, adding to his previous victories in 2017, 2019, and 2022. His only Finals MVP outside the All-Filipino conference came during the 2015 Governors' Cup. With five Finals MVP trophies now to his name, Fajardo has surpassed the previous record of four held by LA Tenorio, Danny Seigle, and James Yap.
For the league's only nine-time Most Valuable Player, this particular achievement carries special significance. The combination of winning another championship, setting a new Finals MVP record, and receiving the award from his idol and fellow Cebuano creates a perfect basketball moment that will be remembered in PBA history for years to come.
