MANILA, Philippines -- That June Mar Fajardo is the most dominant player in the PBA cannot be questioned.

The "Kraken" made history on Sunday by winning a fifth consecutive Most Valuable Player trophy -- the most in the history of the league. He broke a record that he used to share with Ramon Fernandez and Alvin Patrimonio, both icons of the PBA and Philippine basketball in general.

Even Fajardo could not fully believe that he now holds the record for most MVPs in the PBA.

"Sino ba naman ang mag-aakala na 'yung dating pinagtatawanan lang, five-time MVP na?" said the San Miguel center, who recalled how others laughed at him back when he was still in college in Cebu.

"Pinagtatawanan ako kasi matangkad ako pero walang skills," he explained.

• READ: June Mar wins record 5th straight MVP

It was Fajardo who got the last laugh. He averaged 20.6 points and 12.4 rebounds in the PBA's 43rd season, and led San Miguel to a fourth straight title in the All-Filipino Conference and another finals appearance in the Commissioner's Cup.

Not only did Fajardo win the MVP award, he was also part of the First Mythical Team and the All-Defensive Team.

But when asked if he was now the "greatest of all time," Fajardo refused to claim the tag.

"Para sa akin, hindi 'yung MVP ang basehan kung ikaw na ba ang pinakamagaling sa lahat," he said. "Para sa akin, kung ano 'yung na-contribute mo sa league."

"May mga nauna pa sa akin, may mga legends na nauna sa akin. Sila 'yung maituturing na GOAT, sila 'yung greatest," he added.

Fajardo believes that he has a long way to go before he can catch up to these legends, not just in terms of championships won but in their contributions to the league as well. He notes that one of these legends -- Ramon Fernandez -- is instrumental in turning him into the player that he is today.

"Si Don Ramon, tinuruan niya pa ako noong nasa Cebu ako, tapos mabe-break ko 'yung record niya na ito. So thankful ako sa kanya," said Fajardo.

Fernandez, of course, is himself a San Miguel legend who won 19 championships in his PBA career, and remains the league's leader in points, rebounds, and blocks -- among his many other accolades.

Moreover, Fajardo is the first to say that he never got to play against the PBA icons that are often compared to him.

"Baka 'pag nakalaban ko sila, baka hindi ako makaporma sa kanila eh," he admitted.

"Malayo pa ako," Fajardo said. "Nasa pang-seventh year ko pa lang ito. Siyempre, honored ako na mapasali sa conversation. Pero hindi ko ike-claim 'yun."

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