Criss Cross star and now four-time Spikers’ Turf MVP Jude Garcia once again found himself at the center of fan attention, as his absence from the Alas Pilipinas pool reignited calls for him to don the national colors.
Garcia was not part of the Alas Pilipinas Men squad that made history at the recent FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship in Manila, nor was he included in the Southeast Asian Games pool headed to Thailand this December.
However, the 27-year-old outside hitter revealed that he had indeed been invited to join the program, but personal circumstances forced him to decline.
Just moments after leading the King Crunchers to their first-ever championship and hoisting his unprecedented fourth-straight MVP award, Garcia explained that he had to prioritize his growing family, as his partner is expecting a baby this December.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
“May mga reasons din kasi ako sa sarili ko,” the former FEU star said after Criss Cross’ five-set win over Kindai University in the Invitational Conference Final. “Unang-una, ‘yung wife ko manganganak na, so hindi ko pwedeng iwan kasi sobrang sensitive niya magbuntis.
“Napaliwanag ko rin naman sa management ng Alas na talagang hindi ko iwan ‘yung misis ko kasi nga first baby namin. Lalabas na ‘yung baby namin this year, so kailangan talaga nandun ako sa kanya,” he added.
Despite stepping away from national team duties, Garcia expressed heartfelt gratitude to the supporters who have campaigned for his inclusion, acknowledging their unwavering encouragement and passion for seeing him represent the country.
“Kumbaga siguro, masasabi ko lang dun salamat sa lahat ng mga taong sumusuporta sa’kin at nagtitiwala. ‘Yun, sobrang thankful lang sa mga taong sumusuporta na maging part ako ng Alas,” said the three-time SEA Games bronze medalist in beach volleyball.
Looking ahead, Garcia said that if circumstances allow in the future, he would gladly commit to national team duties — but for now, his priority is his family.
“Sa’kin naman, wala namang problema sa’kin mag-commit sa Alas kasi pati naman ‘yung management namin, sinasabihan ako na, ‘Kung gusto mo mag-Alas, walang problema kasi hundred-percent support kami,’” he said.
“Pero nagkataon nga lang talaga na may ganung case sa asawa ko na magkaka-first baby kami, so focus muna ako sa family ko,” added Garcia, who immediately ran to his wife after the title was clinched to hug her.
#WATCH: Jude Garcia was invited to join Alas Men for #SEAGames2025 but had to decline due to his wife’s pregnancy 🏐#ReadMore 👉 https://t.co/1ChsXMeMtt
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times#SpikersTurf2025 pic.twitter.com/7C6LRcch0T
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) November 29, 2025
