CANDON, Ilocos Sur — Jude Garcia has been the undisputed best player in the Spikers’ Turf since joining the league in 2024, winning five consecutive Conference Most Valuable Player awards.
On the sand courts, the 5-foot-11 Far Eastern University product has also established himself as one of the country’s top beach volleyball players, helping the Philippine men’s national team capture three Southeast Asian Games bronze medals.
Now, finally getting his chance to prove himself with the Alas Pilipinas men’s indoor volleyball team in the 2026 Southeast Asian V Cup at the Candon City Arena here, Garcia is determined to make the most of the opportunity.
“Sobrang special po kasi simula nung pumasok ako sa FEU noon, pinangarap ko na talaga mag-national team sa indoor,” said the 27-year-old wing spiker.
“So, nauudlot lang talaga pero ayun, binigyan ako ng pagkakataon, so ginagrab ko yung opportunity ngayon na nandito ako sa national team para ipakita na deserve ko rin ‘tong spot na ‘to.”
Garcia wasted no time proving he belonged on the international taraflex, finishing with 20 points built on 18 attacks, one block, and one ace. However, Alas Pilipinas fell to Cambodia, 23-25, 30-28, 20-25, 25-22, 8-15, in its tournament opener on Wednesday.
The Philippines now faces a must-win match against Indonesia on Friday to keep its semifinal hopes alive in Pool A of the tournament hosted by Candon City Mayor Eric Singson and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.
“Sobrang nakaka-overwhelm kasi given naman na bagong team kami na binuo dito sa SEA V Cup pero alam naman natin na pinakita naman lahat ng bawat isa kung paano maglaro tapos yung kapit sa game na ‘to pero kinapos lang,” Garcia said of the loss.
“Ayun nga, sabi ni Coach Frigoni, matuto kami sa pagkatalo na ’to. Magreready kami sa next game namin against Indonesia. So, kailangan paghandaan namin ’yon,” he added.
Despite making his indoor national team debut, Garcia has also embraced the responsibility of serving as one of the leaders of the youthful Alas Pilipinas squad, which has an average age of 23.9.
At 27, Garcia is the oldest player on the roster.
“Kumbaga, same as Criss Cross, ako na yung pinakamatanda dito, so kailangan talaga maging role model ako sa mga bata. So lahat ng ginagawa ko dapat aware ako, kung paano ko sila pakalmahin sa loob ng court tapos kung paano sila i-guide sa loob ng court,” said Garcia.
