SAN Miguel Beer is ready to play without grieving prized center June Mar Fajardo when the PBA Philippine Cupresumes in Pampanga.
Beermen coach Leo Austria yesterday said they are willing to give the Fajardo enough time and space to decide for himself whether to accompany his teammates in their move to Pampanga next week or wait just a little more to get over the untimely demise of his mother last week.
“Iyan ang hinihintaynamin, ang kasagutan kung makakasamasiyasa amin o hahabolnalang siya,” Austria told Malaya-Business Insight.
“Ni-re-respectnaminangpangungulila ni June Mar. Nasa kanya lahat ang decision d’yan and we are leaving it all up to him,” added Austria.
“Naiintindihannamin kaya sabinaminsa kanya, ‘Take your time.’ Nag-text back naman siya, nagpapasalamatsa lahat ng pakikiramay. After that, walana.”
The deep relationship between Fajardo and his mom has been an open book, with the 6-foot-10, six-time MVP publicly and unabashedly admitting he is a “Mama’s Boy.”
Then came the shocking news that Marites Fajardo passed away Wednesday last week in their hometown in Cebu. She was 52.
What makes the news more saddening for Fajardo is the fact he could not be at her side, forced as he is to be cooped up in his Pasig apartment by the virtual lockdown being enforced in Metro Manila.
Breaking his days of silence, Fajardo took to social media last Sunday to express his sorrow. “Nights like this will never be the same without you, Mama,” Fajardo opened his post, which has been flooded with messages of support.
“I’ve come to realize that nothing in this life prepares us for losing someone we love– NOTHING!! Sobrangsakit!! It’s the kind of heartache I can feel in my bones,” added Fajardo.
“Mama, I miss you now and will miss you forever! I love you to infinity and beyond! Rest in peace Mama!”
Fajardo again lapsed into silence after that, a move Austria and the rest of SMB fully understand. “Talagangmalalimrelationnila. Lahat ng ginagawani June Mar para sa family niya,” Austria said.
What the effects on Fajardo of his mother’s passing would only be really known once the “Kraken” suits up.
“Kasi ‘yung professionalism niyaalam naman natinghindimatatawaraniyon,” stated Austria.“Once he does join us and play, doon natinmakikita kung either affected pa rinsiya or ma-i-inspire pa lalosiyangmaglaro, for his mother.”
