CANDON, Ilocos Sur — The energy is already building ahead of the Spikers’ Turf’s first-ever All-Star game, and for five-time MVP Jude Garcia, there’s no room for anything less than full intensity.
The league’s inaugural showcase takes center stage at the Candon City Arena this Friday at 3 p.m., where Team Power and Team Passion collide in what is expected to be a high-level display of men’s volleyball talent.
Garcia, the decorated Criss Cross opposite hitter, is bracing for a battle despite the festive All-Star setting.
“Talagang pukpukan kami sa All-Star game kasi best of the best talaga yung andito sa All-Star,” said Garcia shortly 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.”
Leading Team Power, Garcia will be joined by a formidable cast of talent, including Adrian Villados, Noel Kampton, Lloyd Josafat, Menard Guerrero, and Kim Malabunga of Criss Cross, as well as Savouge’s Louie Ramirez.
The roster also features depth from across the league with EJ Casaña and Vince Lorenzo of AEP-Cabstars; Billie Anima and JM Ronquillo of Alpha Insurance; Jaron Requinton and Ysay Marasigan of Criss Cross; and Jayvee Sumagaysay of VNS Always Bright Laticrete.
Adding an intriguing layer to the matchup is Savouge head coach Sydney Calderon, who will be at the helm of Team Power.
For Garcia, the reunion carries extra meaning after facing Calderon in the recent Open Conference Finals, where Criss Cross secured its second straight title. Garcia also took home Finals MVP honors in that series.
“Siguro, sobrang excited din ako na maging coach si Coach Sydney, tapos mapakita kung ano din yung talagang laro namin sa All-Star,” he said.
Beyond competition, Garcia views the exhibition as a landmark moment for the sport.
“Sobrang saya, sobrang sarap sa pakiramdam kasi first time nga mangyayari, tapos dito pa sa Candon,” said the former Far Eastern University standout. “Sobrang laking opportunity sa men's volleyball na mapakita kung ano yung skills ng bawat players.”
He also hopes the event sparks wider support for the sport locally.
“Sana mas madaming support sa volleyball at sa men's volleyball sa Pilipinas… parang stepping stone para umangat ‘yung men's volleyball sa Pilipinas. Kaya sana, suportahan kami ngayong All-Star.”
Veteran middle blocker Kim Malabunga, who stepped in for JP Bugaoan, shared a similar mindset, stressing that pride will still be on the line despite the exhibition tag.
“Syempre ano pa rin, parang laban pa rin. Walang tropa-tropa muna,” said Malabunga, who was warmly received by local fans during the welcome ceremony. “Mas maraming teammates ko sa Team Power, so yun, labanan na lang.”
He added that the goal extends beyond competition, hoping the event inspires the next generation of players.
“Siguro mabigyan namin ng magandang laro yung mga mag-support sa amin… at mas mahikayat pa yung mga bagong ba-volleyball player na ma-enganyo mag-volleyball.”
