June Mar Fajardo, Bryan Bagunas, Bella Belen to be recognized by PSA in Annual Awards

June Mar Fajardo will be named Mr. Basketball, while Bryan Bagunas and Bella Belen will receive the Mr. and Ms. Volleyball honors at the upcoming Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night on February 16.

Fajardo, who captured his ninth Most Valuable Player award in the PBA’s 49th season, led the San Miguel Beermen to their 11th Philippine Cup title, denying TNT a coveted Grand Slam. The 6-foot-11 center also served as a key member of Gilas Pilipinas in the FIBA Asia Cup and the FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers.

Bagunas, meanwhile, anchored Alas Pilipinas’ campaign in the FIVB Men’s Volleyball World Championship hosted by the Philippines, highlighted by a stunning victory over world No. 21 Egypt which marked the national team’s first win in the tournament. He also played a vital role in the squad’s bronze-medal finish at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

Belen, for her part, powered National University to its second straight UAAP championship while claiming her third Most Valuable Player award. In recognition of her impact, NU retired her jersey No. 4—the first such honor in the school’s history. She was also a member of the Alas Pilipinas team that captured the silver medal at the AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup.

Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo and tennis star Alex Eala lead the list of the PSA's awardees as they were named as Athletes of the Year.

—JKC, GMA Integrated News