MANILA, Philippines -- When June Mar Fajardo first announced himself on the international stage, Gilas Pilipinas needed him most.
It was the 2014 FIBA World Cup in Spain, and the Philippines was chasing its first win in the tournament.
With naturalized player Andray Blatche already fouled out in overtime against Senegal, the burden inside fell on a 6-foot-10 Fajardo, who was playing in his first World Cup.
But despite the inexperience, he answered the bell and finished with 15 points and nine rebounds in 32 minutes, making his presence felt when Gilas needed another big body to compete inside.
The Philippines eventually secured its breakthrough victory, 81-79, in overtime.
At the time, it looked like the beginning of something.
It indeed became the case for Fajardo, as he built a résumé that needs little introduction: Nine PBA MVP awards, 12 championships, five PBA Finals MVPs, and a place among the league's 50 Greatest Players -- all with the San Miguel franchise.
But beyond the numbers, his longevity with Gilas Pilipinas has become just as significant.
From Chot Reyes to Tim Cone, through different generations and iterations of the national team, Fajardo remained a constant presence.
He suited up for the Philippines in two FIBA World Cups and 14 different FIBA-sanctioned tournaments, continuing to answer the call whenever his country needed him.
"We're very blessed because out of all the players in the Philippines, only a few of us are chosen for the national team," Fajardo said during a press conference at the SM Mall of Asia.
"Every time the national team has a game or we have a window, my name is always there. So it's not difficult for me to make the national team. That's why I never take it for granted, and I'm always grateful for it."
Now, though, the 36-year-old Fajardo is preparing for a different kind of moment.
The fourth window of the 2027 FIBA World Cup Asian Qualifiers is set to be his last tour of duty with Gilas Pilipinas.
"Maybe this will be my last window with the national team," Fajardo told ESPN in a separate conversation away from the press conference.
The decision also means that the prized Cebuano big man will skip the coming 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, closing another chapter in what has been a long international career.
Yet even as he prepares to step away, Fajardo is not looking at the future of Philippine basketball with uncertainty.
Instead, he sees a group of big men capable of carrying the position forward.
Kai Sotto's return gives Gilas another presence in the middle, while AJ Edu, Mike Phillips and Quentin Millora-Brown have gained valuable experience playing internationally and as Asian Quota imports in the Japanese B.League.
Justin Arana, a blossoming big in the PBA, with Converge, is also in consideration after being given his first chance to compete for a spot on the senior national team.
For Fajardo, that development is important because the demands on Filipino big men have changed.
"Of course, I'm happy that there are a lot of big men in the pool who can participate," he said.
"They are the future of the national team, and they are also getting used to playing internationally."