ProVolley Academy’s stint in the Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference semifinals also served as a chance for one of its spikers, Jude Michael Amber, to check an item off his bucket list.
Amper, once a rookie sensation for Southwestern University in Cebu almost a decade ago, found his way back home to the Philippines and fulfilled a dream he had thought to be unattainable. ‘I actually gave up on the idea of playing at a high level again,’ Amper told reporters in Filipino. ‘And as you can see in my performance, age really shows now. It’s different. When I was 19 or 20, I could keep up defensively and offensively.’
‘It’s harder. Still, the competitive mindset is there. I don’t want to give up. I just fight and give my best, not just ‘try,’ but really give everything I can. That’s my mentality now,’ he added.
Amper, now 29 and based in Australia, got a chance to play with his idols from the UAAP, NCAA, and other club leagues after ProVolley offered him to be part of its campaign as one of the two guest teams in the Spikers’ Turf.
‘It’s because of Aaron Quizon, I really want to thank him. I was actually with a different club in Australia. But when ProVolley got the chance to represent Australia in Spikers’ Turf, Aaron contacted me and asked if I wanted to join,’ he said.
‘I already knew the kind of players I’d be playing with: UAAP stars, NCAA standouts, even former teammates from Visayas. Of course, that added pressure, but I told myself that if I don’t take this opportunity, it won’t happen again.’
The outside spiker for the Australian-based team played for the University of Bohol for three seasons before transferring to SWU, but only to leave the sport and the country to take care of his ailing mom back in 2016.
His life changed in Australia, but his love for the sport never faded. He even managed to form his own team in the land down under.
‘When I got to Australia, I had a culture shock. I love volleyball, back home I was training seven hours a day. Then suddenly, nothing. From seven hours a day to two hours a week. to nothing again,’ Amper said. ‘I still tried to stay conditioned and even formed my own club, Momentum Volleyball Club. I became more of a mentor and coach there.’
Despite losing their first four games in the semifinal round, Amper is still grateful for the experience that made his dream come true.
‘It gave us a new perspective, that if we ever join a tournament like this again, we need months of preparation,’ Amper said. ‘Solid team chemistry comes from repetitive training and hours and hours of practice.’
From watching the league where his idols Bryan Bagunas, Marck Espejo, Josh Ybañez, and Jude Garcia took Philippine men’s volleyball to greater heights, it wasn’t too late for Amper to fulfill one of his life goals.
He may not be able to meet Alas Pilipinas’ stars, who are currently in Taiwan for their Southeast Asian Games buildup, but it’s already a memorable stint taking pictures with three-time MVP Garcia, Norwel Sanama, Dux Yambao, Jau Umandal, and other Spikers’ Turf players.
‘It feels so good. I only used to see them on TV. They’re really famous nationwide, and suddenly God gave me this opportunity, even if it came late. I’m 29 now, so for me, this is already a huge achievement,’ said Amper. ‘A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity you can’t buy with any amount of money. I’m super thankful and super happy.’
‘I actually take pictures whenever I get the chance-because who knows? I might not be able to come back next year. So I’m making the most out of it.’