MANILA, Philippines — The newest love team in Philippines Sports was finally seen for the first time on public when UAAP champion Ateneo Lady Eagles blocker Aerieal Patnongon openly cheered for his boyfriend June Mar Fajardo, who dished out his best game in the conference, in leading the San Miguel Beermen to 106-94 on Tuesday night at the end of their elimination campaign in the PBA Commissioner’s Cup. 

The 6-foot-10 reigning PBA MVP played inspired ball finishing with a conference-high 31 points and tied his tournament-best 19 rebounds, four shot blocks and a kiss. The win though was not enough to save the Beermen from an early exit just one conference after winning the PBA championship in the Philippine Cup. They wound up with a 4-7 win-loss record and could only finish as high as ninth spot only, just one win shy of securing a spot in the eight-team playoffs.

Despite their early ouster, Fajardo did not want to spoil the first time that his girlfriend watched him play live. The San Miguel Beer center openly winked at Patnongon everytime he does a great play during the game.

Patnongon, who admitted that he is a fan of the gentle giant even before they became a couple, joined Fajardo for his Best Player of the Game interview.

“Heartstrong,” Patnongon said of Fajardo’s monster game on Tuesday night. Ibinigay niya talaga yung best niya.”

Heartstrong is the Lady Eagles’ mantra in winning back-to-back UAAP volleyball championship.

The ever shy Cebuano big man said that Patnongon’s presence inspired him to play his best.

“Oo naman [nakadagdag inspirasyon]. Salamat sa suporta niya. Tsaka ayun,” said a smiling Fajardo.

Fajardo and Patnongon first admitted the real score between them on national TV when the PBA sophomore guested at PBA pre-game show Sports 360 last Sunday.