Reigning PBA Most Valuable Player June Mar Fajardo has had a shaky conference in the Commissioners’ Cup. Other than two 21-point outings against Alaska and Meralco, the 6-foot-10 center had a forgettable performance in San Miguel Beer’s first eight games.

That suddenly changed, however, when the 25-year-old fell in love.

Fajardo recently began dating the 6-foot-1 Aerieal Patnongon, Ateneo de Manila University’s veteran volleyball player who recently won the championship in the UAAP Women’s Volleyball Tournament.

Thanks to his newfound romance, the Cebuano big man’s play suddenly improved as he dropped a 30-point, 19-rebound game against powerhouse Rain or Shine last week.The following game against Talk ‘n Text, he finished with 20 points and six boards in 27 minutes of play despite the team’s loss.

“Dagdag inspiration din,” said the Philippine Cup Best Player of the Conference about his relationship with Patnongon.

Fajardo chose to keep mum when asked about how the pair first met, but he revealed what attracted him to the Lady Eagles’ middle hitter.

“Malambing siya sa ‘kin,” he said.