Ramon’s advice to JMF

MANILA, Philippines — It’s advice that PBA legend Ramon Fernandez has given to June Mar Fajardo since they met up at the University of Cebu gym in 2008. Fajardo was a varsity sophomore when Fernandez was invited by Atty. Baldomero Estenzo, who looks after the Kraken, to do one-on-one skills training.

“We did about 10 to 15 sessions,” recalled Fernandez during a recent interview in Cebu where he lives. “I saw June Mar’s potential. I encouraged him to do the skyhook like Kareem and he could shoot it with either hand. It’s deadlier than the jumphook.”

When Fernandez was the Philippines’ chef de mission at the Hanoi SEA Games in 2022, he would approach the Gilas bench and advise Fajardo during games. There’s always been a special relationship between Fernandez and Fajardo who’ve bagged a combined 12 PBA MVP awards. “June Mar is now 35 and can continue playing at a high level at least five more years,” said Fernandez. “Whenever there’s a break in his basketball schedule, he goes home to Cebu, attends to his farm and goes fishing. My advice is to stay humble, take care of your body and work on the skyhook.”

Fernandez, 71, was recently appointed to the Selection Committee that will add 10 players to the current list of 40 greatest to expand the elite cast to 50 in celebration of the PBA’s Golden Anniversary this year.  What keeps Fernandez and wife Karla busy is their thriving business of installing solar panels for commercial and industrial use. It’s driven by Fernandez’ advocacy of renewable energy. The involvement began in 2015 and over the last five years, expansion has been at high gear with mall projects all over the country.

A favorite hangout of the Fernandezes in Cebu is Mrs. K’s Empanadas/Café at The Columns on President Quirino Street, Kasambagan. It’s owned and operated by Fernandez’ brother-in-law Didik Kintanar and his wife Janice. “They serve the best pork chop in Cebu,” said Karla. “Our favorite is beef salpicao. Their bestsellers include chicken salpicao, salmon, shrimp gambas, pasta a la K, Filipino spaghetti, inun-unan, pork humba, monggo soup, ribs, sisig and more. For dessert, the popular choices are burnt cheesecake to die for, soft yoghurt and moist chocolate cake.”