John Paul Bugaoan of Savouge delivers a powerful spike against Alpha Insurance in the Spikers’ Turf Open Conference at the Playtime FilOil Centre in San Juan on March 20, 2026. He finished with 17 points on 12 attacks, four blocks and an ace. (PVL photo)
John Paul Bugaoan delivered at the perfect time for Savouge, and his strong two-game showing was enough to earn him the Spikers’ Turf Press Corps Player of the Week presented by Pilipinas Live.
The veteran middle blocker emerged as a key figure in Savouge’s recovery from back-to-back losses, helping steer the Spin Doctors into the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference semifinal round with a pair of crucial victories.
Bugaoan first tallied 10 points, highlighted by three blocks, in Savouge’s commanding 25-8, 25-13, 25-13 dismantling of the 3B Event Masters on March 18. He followed that up with an even bigger performance two days later, unloading 17 points built on 12 attacks, four blocks, and an ace as Savouge rallied past Alpha Insurance, 21-25, 20-25, 25-21, 25-14, 15-9.
His impact has been immediate despite this being his first conference with the team, giving Savouge a much-needed boost as it gears up for the tougher grind of the semifinals.
“First and foremost, the guidance of our coaches and the senior players who always guide us on how to move, how to jell because the semis are approaching, we need to be more intact and whole on the court,” Bugaoan said in a news release Monday.
A four-time league Best Middle Blocker, Bugaoan stood out over a strong field of contenders for the weekly citation, including teammate Joeven Dela Vega, AEP-Cabstars standouts Jay Rack Dela Noche and Jared Schnake, and Criss Cross opposite hitter Jaron Requinton. The award is determined by print and online reporters covering the country’s premier men’s volleyball league organized by Sports Vision.
For head coach Sydney Calderon, Bugaoan’s growing chemistry with the squad could prove vital as Savouge chases a deeper run in the conference.
“Actually, I’m very hands down with JP because when we tell him, he really follows, and at the same time, he guides the team. I’m super thankful that he came to us and as you can see, he’s jiving with us now,” Calderon said.
With momentum now on its side, Savouge looks to wrap up the preliminaries on a strong note as it takes on VNS Always Bright Laticrete and AEP-Cabstars, hoping to carry added confidence into the round-robin semifinals.