For years, Jude Garcia built his reputation as one of the country’s premier volleyball players.
He dominated the Spikers’ Turf, winning five straight Conference MVP awards since 2024. He also became a mainstay of the Philippine beach volleyball team, helping the country secure three bronze medals at the Southeast Asian Games.
Yet despite all those accomplishments, one goal remained out of reach.
Representing the Philippines in indoor volleyball.
Jude Garcia Finally Gets His Chance
That dream finally became a reality when Garcia earned a spot on the Alas Pilipinas roster for the 2026 SEA Men’s V Cup.
“Sobrang special po kasi simula nung pumasok ako sa FEU noon, pinangarap ko na talaga mag-national team sa indoor,” Garcia said.
“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 little time proving he belonged.
The 27-year-old wing spiker emerged as one of the Philippines’ top performers throughout the tournament, highlighted by a 20-point outing in his indoor national team debut against Cambodia before continuing to provide steady leadership for the youthful squad.
Staring at a Better, Brighter Future
Despite Alas Pilipinas falling short of a medal, Garcia believes the experience will help lay the foundation for the team’s future.
“Sobrang nakaka-overwhelm kasi given naman na bagong team kami na binuo dito sa SEA V Cup. Pero alam naman natin na pinakita naman ng bawat isa kung paano maglaro, tapos yung kapit sa game na ’to, pero kinapos lang.”
“Ayun nga, sabi ni Coach Frigoni, matuto kami sa pagkatalo na ’to.”
Garcia’s role extended beyond scoring.
At 27 years old, he was the oldest player on an Alas Pilipinas squad with an average age of just under 24, embracing the responsibility of guiding a roster filled with national team newcomers.
“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 at kung paano sila i-guide.”
For Jude Garcia, wearing the Philippine colors indoors may have taken longer than expected, but the opportunity was one he had no intention of letting slip away.
