CANDON, Ilocos Sur – A high-stakes atmosphere is building for the Spikers’ Turf exhibition match, with five-time league MVP Jude Garcia making it clear he means business in the upcoming 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase.
Garcia, who leads a stacked Team Power side, is bracing for a highly competitive showdown against Team Passion when they clash at the Candon City Arena this Friday at 3 p.m.
“Talagang pukpukan kami sa All-Star game kasi best of the best talaga yung andito sa All-Star,” said the Criss Cross superstar just hours after arriving at Hotel Van Gogh here.
“Lahat ng players magaling, lahat ng coaching staff magaling kaya kailangan talaga ‘yung A-game sa All-Star ipakita namin,” he added.
The 27-year-old opposite hitter will be joined by fellow King Crunchers Adrian Villados, Noel Kampton, Lloyd Josafat, Menard Guerrero, and Kim Malabunga, along with rival Louie Ramirez of Savouge, as they spearhead Team Power’s bid in the Spikers’ Turf All-Star match.
Backing them up from the bench are EJ Casaña and Vince Lorenzo (AEP-Cabstars), Billie Anima and JM Ronquillo (Alpha Insurance), Jaron Requinton and Ysay Marasigan (Criss Cross), and Jayvee Sumagaysay (VNS Always Bright Laticrete).
Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon will call the shots for Team Power.
(C) Spikers Turf Images
Garcia expressed excitement over the opportunity to play under Calderon, whom they recently faced in the Open Conference Finals where Criss Cross clinched its second straight championship.
“Siguro, sobrang excited din ako na maging coach si Coach Sydney, tapos mapakita kung ano din yung talagang laro namin sa All-Star,” said Garcia, who was named Finals MVP of the championship series.
Garcia also said he is thrilled to be part of the first-ever Spikers’ Turf All-Star Game, calling it a meaningful milestone in his career and a positive step for the continued growth of men’s volleyball in the country.
“Sobrang saya, sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam kasi first time nga mangyayari, tapos dito pa sa Candon. Sobrang laking opportunity sa men’s volleyball na mapakita kung ano yung skills ng bawat player sa men’s volleyball,” said the Far Eastern University product.
“Sana, ano rin po, mas maraming support sa volleyball at sa men’s volleyball sa Pilipinas kasi ito na yung ano eh, parang stepping stone para umangat ‘yung men’s volleyball sa Pilipinas. Kaya sana, suportahan kami ngayong All-Star.”
Malabunga, who came in as replacement for JP Bugaoan, echoed the same sentiment, stressing that he expects a competitive outing and underscoring how the All-Star showcase serves as a significant boost for the continued growth and visibility of men’s volleyball in the country.
“Siyempre ano pa rin, parang laban pa rin. Walang tropa-tropa muna, kahit yung mga teammates ko nandun. Pero mas maraming teammates ko sa Team Power, so yun, labanan na lang,” said the veteran middle blocker, who drew cheers from Candonians during the welcome ceremony.
“Siguro sa akin, mabigyan namin ng magandang laro yung mga magsu-support sa amin sa laro. And ‘yung siguro, mas mahikayat pa ‘yung mga bagong volleyball players na maengganyo mag-volleyball.”
