Philippine Basketball Association legend Ramon “El Presidente” Fernandez recently launched his limited edition autographed cards, which are selling briskly among basketball fans and card collectors.
One of those who availed of the card’s first series was top Filipino picker Mark Anthony Kyle Gianan, who posted the “unboxing” on his social media upon arrival of the items he ordered from the foundation that facilitated the project.
Fernandez served as a sports commissioner in the past administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte and he hopes to continue his grassroots program by way of his Ramon S. Fernandez Sports and Youth Development Foundation.
The limited edition cards were launched on his recent birthday by his foundation, headed by executive director Bobbie Kintanar.
“It’s a long-overdue project,” said Fernandez, who turned 69 on Oct. 3.
“The simple launch of my collectible El Presidente autograph cards on my birthday made me very, very happy and even happier upon learning that the few hours sales of my autograph cards were overwhelming,” said Fernandez.
It turned out that the El Presidente cards’ launch was a surprise event that even Fernandez was not aware of.
“What made it even more special was the surprise launch of my series 1 limited edition autograph cards by the Ramon S. Fernandez Sports and Youth Development Foundation in connivance with my super supportive wife Karla (Kintanar-Fernandez),” he said.
The no. 1 of the 100 card series was acquired by former president Rodrigo Duterte, while Senator Bong Go got the no. 2. The no. 3 went to SM Prime Holding’s chairman Hans Sy.
“For all your valuable support sirs, we are now more inspired to work harder for the good of our young athletes,” added Fernandez, who vowed to continue his sports program for the youth which he started as a PSC commissioner.
The four-time Most Valuable Player retired in the PBA wearing the San Miguel uniform. He also played for Toyota, Manila Beer, Tanduay and Purefoods.
He has a career 18,996 points to finish as the PBA’s all-time scoring leader. He is also the PBA’s all-time leader in rebounds, blocked shots, free throws made, playing minutes, and second all-time in assists, games played, and steals.
He did all that and became part of the PBA 25 Greatest Players.