CANDON, ILOCOS SUR – What began as a breakthrough season for Sydney Calderon has now turned into a historic coaching moment, as the Savouge tactician finds himself at the center of the inaugural 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase—not just as a participant, but as one of its head coaches.
Fresh off steering the Spin Doctors to a runner-up finish in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference, Calderon’s efforts earned him the opportunity to call the shots for Team Power in the league’s first-ever All-Star staging.
“Very excited lang din kami lahat kasi first time siyang mangyari and aside from first time mangyari, history na siya at naging coach din ako dito. So, very thankful ako sa opportunity,” he said shortly after the welcome ceremony at the Hotel Van Gogh here.
In a twist that adds intrigue to his All-Star assignment, Calderon will be mentoring a squad heavily built around Criss Cross players—the very same team that stood in Savouge’s way during their silver-medal run in the recent conference finals.
That Criss Cross core is spearheaded by five-time Spikers’ Turf MVP Jude Garcia, alongside Adrian Villados, Noel Kampton, Lloyd Josafat, Menard Guerrero, and Kim Malabunga, with Jaron Requinton and Ysay Marasigan completing a loaded roster.
For Calderon, the situation is both unusual and rewarding, especially after spending much of the previous season trying to solve the same group he will now lead.
“Nakakapanibago and at the same time happy, kasi from Spikers Turf last season, kumbaga nasa kabilang team sila and right now, hahawakan ko sila,” he said.
Still, the adjustment has been smooth, with early training sessions already helping build chemistry between coach and players.
“But yeah, I have a time na makapag-training with my team, lalo-lalo na sa mga Criss Cross players. Nag-training kami noong Monday. So, masaya po. Hindi sila mahirap i-handle din. Very welcoming din sila,” he added.
The storyline gets even more layered as Calderon prepares to face Team Passion, a side featuring familiar faces from his own Savouge camp—Mark Calado, Vince Imperial, Giles Torres, and Rikko Marmeto—now lining up as opponents.
But with All-Star pride on the line, Calderon made it clear that friendships will be set aside once the ball is in play, as competition takes center stage in what promises to be a tightly contested showcase.
“Ayun din yung sabi ko sa kanila. Walang tropa-tropa. Walang coach sa kabila. Kung nasa akin kayo, maglaro kayo para sa akin, hindi para sa kanila maglaro. So, expect it's gonna be a good game this coming Friday.”
