The Fil-Am standout from Fairleigh Dickinson University will be playing alongside Gilas veterans Afril Bernardino, Janine Pontejos, and holdover Chack Cabinbin for the 2021 Fiba Women’s Asia Cup in Amman, Jordan. 

Aside from being able to groom the team through the help of the 18-year old, US NCAA ace guard, Fajardo shared the sentimental value of representing the country.

“It’s such a surreal moment. It’s always been a dream of mine since the sixth grade,” she told The Game.

“I remember coach Pat [Aquino] inviting me to a Gilas practice and he let me do the mini drills in the beginning. Once they started playing and really going hardcore, that’s when I’d sit out and watch them.”

“I never expected that it would be this soon that coach Pat had to trust me to be on the team with my ates,” she said. “I’ve looked up to them my whole life and I’ve watched every single game of theirs.”

“To be representing my country and playing alongside with them is a dream come true,” she said.

At the same, the 5-foot-6 guard, Fajardo is set to debut at the Asia Cup set on Sept. 27 to Oct. 3 with National University aces Camille Clarin, Karl Ann Pingol, and Kristine Cayabyab.