MANILA, Philippines – Despite San Miguel’s unsuccessful bid to retain the PBA Philippine Cup, June Mar Fajardo is happy of the team’s accomplishments during the course of Season 48.

The league’s only seven-time MVP declared, “Kami naman heads up. Hindi pa naman end of the world para sa amin.”

“There is still a next conference that we can bounce back from. Let’s just get back.” The Meralco Bolts defeated the Beermen 80-78 on Sunday night at the Smart Araneta Coliseum to claim their first-ever title. Fajardo finished with 21 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, and a spectacular game-ending three-pointer.

After falling down by 17 points early in the first half, the Beermen overcame a 10-point advantage held by Meralco in the last five minutes to tie the game at 78 thanks to a clutch three-pointer from 6-foot-10 Fajardo with 3.3 seconds remaining.

Chris Newsome, however, had other ideas and responded by making the game-winning fade-away jumper in the last 1.3 seconds.

Center June Mar Fajardo, 34, said the San Miguel Beermen can’t win every title despite the devastating defeat. After the Bolts won 4-2 in the finals series, Fajardo said, “Of course it hurts to lose, but that’s life. Maybe Meralco’s time is now; this championship is for them.”

In a display of good sportsmanship, Fajardo went on, “Let’s congratulate Meralco, they played well.” His remarks expressed both his sorrow at the loss and his appreciation for Meralco’s well-earned victory. The Bolts’ victory is a noteworthy accomplishment since it puts a stop to the Beermen’s winning streak and heralds a change in the competitive environment of the league.

The fact that this is the Beermen’s first loss in the all-Filipino finals under Fajardo makes it especially noteworthy for them. San Miguel had previously won the title seven times in a row under his direction, demonstrating their power and dependability in the league. The streak’s end highlights how erratic sports can be and how fresh competitors are always looking to leave their mark.

Meralco’s triumph is evidence of their tenacity and development as a unit. San Miguel was a strong foe, and defeating him needed extraordinary skill and willpower. The Bolts’ triumph may serve as an example for other teams in the league, showing that perseverance and hard effort can pay off, even when facing the most seasoned opponents.

The Beermen will surely attempt to recover and come back stronger in next seasons as they consider their defeat. This loss might be a source of rebirth and inspiration for Fajardo and his colleagues. Meralco’s victory, on the other hand, would be hailed as a historic turning point that signifies their ascent to prominence in the Philippine Basketball Association. As the league’s dynamics change, more exciting and competitive seasons are ahead, with every club aiming to surpass Meralco’s feat.

In hindsight: Batang PBA stole the show.

The Batang PBA 11-Under tournament begins on Wednesday at the Ynares Sports Arena in Pasig, and it features the future generation of PBA players. 

Participants that were chosen from a number of Batang PBA clinics held last summer in various parts of the nation have been split into two groups and ten teams.

Along with NLEX, Northport, Rain or Shine, and Team Stalwarts, Meralco leads the group in strength. 

San Miguel, Terrafirma, Talk ‘N Text, Phoenix, and Team Greats make up Group B.

A low-key procession and opening ceremony was scheduled for 9:00 a.m. The six clubs that will compete in the 11-and-under division will thereafter be announced by the league.

There will be simultaneous competitions for children aged eight and nine, as well as a halfcourt game for children aged seven. 

A few notable figures from the second generation include Xavier David Trillo (Meralco), Cameron Richard Wilson (Phoenix), Lewis Tenorio (San Miguel), Marcel Josiah (Blackwater), Myles Lassiter (San Miguel), and Lucas (Ginebra).

Last year, Purefoods won the 14-Under Tournaments, while Barangay Ginebra won the 12-Under.