June Mar Fajardo was all smiles as he stood up from his seat and his name was called to receive the coveted Most Valuable Player award after another stellar performance in the past Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) season.

For the eighth time in his dazzling career, Fajardo stood out among the league’s brightest stars, once again receiving the highest individual honor at the Leo Awards on Sunday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.

With his collection, he has doubled the MVP awards of his closest rivals, PBA greats Ramon Fernandez and Alvin Patrimonio.

But modest as ever, the 6-foot-2 gentle giant gave the credit for his performance to his ever-supportive Beermen crew.

“I’m happy to have won another MVP award. But it’s not my goal to be MVP,” said Fajardo, whose name has been on the MVP list eight times in the last decade.

Only Scottie Thompson of Barangay Ginebra San Miguel secured Fajardo’s consecutive MVP titles since 2014, when he won in 2021. No MVP award was given in 2020.

Fajardo collected a total of 2,799 points from statistics and votes from players and media covering the event, leaving teammate CJ Perez far behind in second place with a total of 1,951 points.

Former Barangay Ginebra San Miguel big man Christian Standhardinger, who was transferred to Terrafirma in the offseason, was in third place with 1,731.

The Cebuano star was also named to the 1st Mythical Team and the All-Defensive Team.

“The awards I’ve received are for my teammates. Without them, I wouldn’t have won these awards. They’re the ones who help me achieve them. So this is for them and my coaches,” said the 34-year-old center.

Fajardo was a dominant force last season as he led San Miguel Beer to a Commissioner’s Cup title and a runner-up finish in the Philippine Cup – all while recovering from a calf injury.

“I didn’t think I would win this award since I was coming off an injury,” said Fajardo, who had to play on the bench for most of the All-Filipino Conference after an injury sustained in Game 4 of the Commissioner’s Cup finals.

“(But) with the help of the people who helped me get back in shape quickly, luckily I was voted MVP.”

As expected, former Terrafirma guard and current Gin King Stephen Holt was named Rookie of the Year after helping the Dyip to their first playoff appearance in eight years at the Philippine Cup.

Along with Fajardo, the first Mythical team included Standhardinger, Perez, Arvin Tolentino of NorthPort and Chris Newsome of Meralco.

The 2nd Mythical Team consisted of Cliff Hodge of Meralco, Holt, Calvin Oftana of TNT, Juami Tiongson of Terrafirma and Jason Perkins of Phoenix.

Also on the All-Defensive Team were Hodge, Joshua Munzon of NorthPort, Newsome and Kemark Carino of Terrafirma.

Jhonard Clarito of Rain or Shine took home the award for Most Improved Player, while Paul Zamar received the Sportsmanship award.

But among the best artists on stage, it was Fajardo who stood out – literally.

And he’s not finished yet.

“I hope I win it again next year,” he said, drawing laughter from the crowd.