Photo credit: PBA

PBA legend Ramon Fernandez couldn’t hide his gratitude after learning that the PBA Press Corps has named the Finals Most Valuable Player trophy in his honor—a tribute he calls both unexpected and deeply meaningful.

The league’s first-ever four-time MVP gave his full blessing to the reporters who regularly cover the PBA, as they prepare to award the newly named trophy to the best performer of the championship series, starting with the upcoming PBA Philippine Cup Finals.

“To have the PBA Finals MVP trophy bear my name, especially in this 50th year, the Golden Anniversary of the Philippine Basketball Association, is something I never imagined yet will forever treasure,” Fernandez shared following the announcement on Thursday.

For Fernandez, the honor goes far beyond personal recognition. He described it as a reflection of a lifetime shaped by the league that became his second family. “The PBA was my battlefield, my classroom and my home,” he said, recalling how the league taught him discipline, sacrifice, resilience, teamwork, humility, and leadership under pressure.

The decision to name the trophy after Fernandez was rooted in his remarkable legacy, highlighted by a record 19 championships—making him the winningest player in PBA history. The Finals MVP award itself was first introduced in 1996, with Jojo Lastimosa becoming its inaugural recipient after leading Alaska to the All-Filipino Cup title.

Last season, San Miguel Beer’s Jericho Cruz took home the Finals MVP honors. He joins an elite list that includes June Mar Fajardo, Danny Seigle, LA Tenorio, and James Yap—players who are tied for the most Finals MVP awards with four each.

Fernandez hopes the trophy will inspire future winners to look beyond numbers and titles. “Greatness is not only measured by statistics or championships but by character, commitment and love for the game,” he said, adding that even inspiring one player to lead better and honor the league would give the award its true purpose.

Widely regarded as one of the greatest and most beloved players in PBA history, Fernandez still holds league records in points, rebounds, defensive rebounds, blocks, free throws made, and minutes played. His storied career included championship runs with the legendary Toyota franchise, where he won nine titles, and San Miguel’s iconic Grand Slam team in 1989.

In closing, Fernandez extended his thanks to everyone who shared in his journey—from teammates and coaches to rivals and behind-the-scenes contributors. He also saved a special message for the fans. “Even after the final buzzer of my playing days, I still feel your support, your respect and your belief,” he said. “That is a gift no trophy can ever surpass.”