Manila: For helping Savouge recover from back-to-back losses and enter the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Open Conference semifinal round, John Paul Bugaoan was voted Spikers' Turf Press Corps Player of the Week presented by Pilipinas Live. He scored 10 points, including three blocks, in the Spin Doctors' 25-8, 25-13, 25-13 victory over the 3B Event Masters on March 18.

According to Philippines News Agency, two days later, Bugaoan produced 17 points on 12 attacks, four blocks, and an ace in leading Savouge to a 21-25, 20-25, 25-21, 25-14, 15-9 victory over Alpha Insurance. Despite playing in his first conference with the team, Bugaoan was given the chance to shine. "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," said the 6-foot-3 Bugaoan in a news release Monday.

The four-time league Best Middle Blocker beat teammate Joeven Dela Vega, AEP-Cabstars duo of Jay Rack Dela Noche and Jared Schnake, and Criss Cross opposite hitter Jaron Requinton, for the weekly recognition, which is deliberated by print and online reporters covering the country's premier men's volleyball league organized by Sports Vision.

Head coach Sydney Calderon noted that Bugaoan's fit with the team would be a huge factor in the success they are aiming for. "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," said Calderon.

Savouge seeks to close out the preliminaries with two more wins against VNS Always Bright Laticrete and AEP-Cabstars to build confidence heading into the round-robin semis.