(C) Spikers Turf Images
For the past three years, Jude Garcia has steadily built one of the most decorated résumés in Philippine men’s volleyball, winning five consecutive Most Valuable Player awards and cementing his rise as the undisputed king of Spikers’ Turf.
Yet despite all the individual accolades and championships he has amassed, one goal has remained at the center of Garcia’s journey: earning a spot on the Alas Pilipinas Men’s indoor squad.
Now, that dream appears closer than ever.
After years of dominating the domestic scene and continuously putting in the work, Garcia has finally earned a well-deserved invitation to join Alas Pilipinas’ buildup for the 2026 Southeast Asian V.League as part of the initial national team training pool.
“Masaya po ako kasi na-invite po ulit ako na maging bahagi ng Alas training pool. Sobrang fulfilling po nito kasi, para sa kahit sinong volleyball player dito sa Pilipinas, malaking bagay at napakalaking oportunidad na mapasama sa training pool,” the 27-year-old opposite spiker told Tiebreaker Times.
The opportunity had actually come for him last year when he was invited to join the pool for the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship. However, he had to decline at the time as he and his partner were preparing to welcome their first child.
Instead of dwelling on the missed opportunity, the former Far Eastern University star remained focused on improving his game.
He responded by delivering yet another dominant campaign, capturing his fifth straight Conference MVP award, his second consecutive Season MVP plum, and leading Criss Cross to back-to-back championships.
Garcia has already attended three practices since receiving the invitation, joining a fresh batch of players from Spikers’ Turf, the UAAP, and the NCAA who have been given the opportunity to train under Alas head coach Angiolino Frigoni as they vie for spots in the SEA V.League roster.
Still in the early stages of the buildup, Garcia admitted that he is still adjusting to the Italian coach’s system, but remains confident he can quickly adapt to the demands and structure being implemented.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“Okay naman po as of now kasi halos lahat naman kami sa training pool ay mga bago. Iilan pa lang sa amin ang nakakapag-training kasama ang mga mainstay ng Alas,” Garcia said.
“Sa ngayon, nag-a-adjust pa po kami sa system ni Coach Frigoni, pero feel ko naman ay madali lang naming makukuha ang kanyang sistema dahil kailangan lang maging attentive sa lahat ng itinuturo at sinasabi niya. Marami kang matututunan, lalo na’t hindi basta-basta ang coaching staff na narito,” he added.
Garcia also brings valuable international beach volleyball experience, having won three bronze medals for the Philippines in the Southeast Asian Games, along with another bronze medal in the AVC Beach Volleyball Continental Cup.
Now shifting his focus fully to the indoor game, Garcia hopes to translate that experience to the hardcourt as he pushes for a spot on the national team.
With that goal in mind, he said he will continue to work hard in training in hopes of cracking the final roster and finally fulfilling his long-time dream of suiting up for Alas Pilipinas in indoor competition.
“Siguro ang expectation ko lang sa sarili ko ay mapasama sa final lineup ng Alas. Ang maipapangako ko lang ay gagawin ko ang best ko sa bawat pagkakataon,” said Garcia.
“Hopefully, mapasama rin sa final lineup.”
