CANDON, Ilocos Sur — Jude Garcia couldn’t be more grateful, relishing his first indoor stint in the national team.
Finally, the five-time Spikers’ Turf Most Valuable Player (MVP) can now show his prowess with Alas Pilipinas Men on the international stage.
Although, they fell short against Cambodia, losing in a five-set marathon, 23-25, 30-28, 20-25, 25-22, 8-15, to open their 2026 SEA V Cup campaign in Pool A on Wednesday at the Candon City Arena here.
READ: SEA V Cup: Alas Pilipinas Men lose to Cambodia in 5, in must-win scenario vs. Indonesia
“Sobrang special po kasi simula nung pumasok ako sa FEU noon, pinangarap ko na talaga mag-national team sa indoor,” said Garcia, who already wore the national colors as a beach volleyball player.
“So, nauudlot lang talaga pero ayun, binigyan ako ng pagkakataon so gina-grab ko 'yung opportunity ngayon na nandito ako sa national team para ipakita na deserve ko rin ‘tong spot na ‘to.”
As a veteran, the Far Eastern University (FEU) product saw the urge to lead the national team.
“Same as Criss Cross, kumbaga 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.
Now in a must-win scenario, Garcia and the rest of Alas Men hope to bounce back against Indonesia on Friday.
“Stick lang kami sa game plan ni coach (Angiolino) Frigoni, kung paano 'yung gusto niya mangyari sa game. 'Yun lang, kumbaga, paghahandaan namin ng maiigi 'yung Indonesia kasi hindi basta-basta 'yung Indonesia. So, kailangan talaga kung ano effort na ginawa namin today mas doblehin o triplehin pa namin.”