June Mar Fajardo is not only a terrific player, but he’s indeed one of the nicest individuals in the PBA. And now that he is experiencing some difficult times in his life, everyone sympathizes with the gentle giant.
On Thursday, after learning of the death in Cebu of Marites Fajardo, the jovial mother of the six-time league MVP, social media was flooded with prayers, condolences, and commiseration.
His San Miguel Beer family, as well as players and coaches from other teams, were among the first to express their condolences to the 31-year-old Cebuano big man, who had recently returned to the Beermen following an injury.
Von Pessumal and former San Miguel player Matt Ganuelas-Rosser also expressed their condolences on Twitter with varied pictograms.
Meanwhile, Rain or Shine veteran guard Gabe Norwood posted three prayer emojis, and Alaska coach Jeff Cariaso expressed his sympathy by writing, “Praying for you and the family big guy,” along with the same praying emoji.
Though the 31-year-old big fella himself shared a snapshot of a candle on his social media account, the Fajardo family has yet to publish a statement.
The San Miguel standout is a self-confessed “mama’s boy” who has openly acknowledged his mother for his basketball accomplishments.
Fajardo’s mother was present on March 8, 2018, when the Beermen star was presented with his sixth Most Valuable Player title during the 45th Season opening ceremonies at the Smart Araneta Coliseum, and in January 2019, when he was presented with his fifth MVP trophy at the Philippine Arena.