At just fifteen years old, most kids are worrying about exams, not executing quick sets against grown men. But for Howard Guerra, the youngest player in the Spikers’ Turf, every serve, spike, and set is a dream come true — and proof that age is just a number when talent and grit take the spotlight.
The teenage setter, playing for VNS, is turning heads in the 2025 Spikers’ Turf Invitational Conference, where he’s already holding his own against seasoned veterans. Behind his calm demeanor is a mix of excitement and gratitude for being given such a rare opportunity so young.
“Masaya po kasi hindi po lahat ng ka-age ko at bata ay nabibigyan ng ganito kalaking exposure at yung malaking tiwala po na binigay ni coach Ralph,” Guerra shared after VNS’ four-set loss to Savouge on Friday.
“Sobrang saya po kasi hindi ko rin po ineexpect na sa ganitong age mabibigyan na po agad nang ganitong exposure kasi hindi naman po lahat ng bata nga makakapaglaro sa ganito,” he added, his tone brimming with humility and wonder.
But make no mistake — Guerra isn’t in the league just to observe. The Caloocan native has already proven his worth, recording 20 excellent sets and three points against the Spin Doctors, two-time Spikers’ Turf bronze medalists.
And his journey to this stage hasn’t been a fluke. Guerra was part of the Alas Pilipinas Under-18 squad that competed in the 15th Asian Men’s Under-18 Championship last year. Just a week ago, he also claimed gold in the 2025 Batang Pinoy beach volleyball tournament alongside fellow VNS players Terrence Marticion, Almudzni Tanhaji, and Raphael Galapin.
For VNS head coach Ralph Ocampo, who has long been known for developing raw, young talent, Guerra’s rise is a reflection of the Griffins’ philosophy — that success isn’t always measured in wins, but in growth.
“Actually, sa VNS kasi we're molding kids. Nawala sa amin si CJ Segui, nawala sa amin si Jan Mangulabnan because of NCAA. So, sabi ko sa mga bata, since they've been with us for I think two years already, it's now the time na i-expose namin sila,” Ocampo said.
“Kumbaga life cycle ‘yan ng isang team. Sometimes nasa taas ka, sometimes nasa baba ka, pero mahalaga diyan yung tinatanim mo, nagbubunga. So, ito si Howard, part din siya nung naglaro sa under-18 na Alas. So, yung project namin, we're happy to see na it’s successful,” he continued.
Facing older and more experienced opponents doesn’t intimidate Guerra — if anything, it fuels him.
“Yung skills din po kasi na tinuturo sa amin nila coach ay advanced na po kasi nga bawal na po maging bata kasi ‘yung nilalaruan namin is pang matatanda na,” he said with a grin.
It’s a challenge he embraces wholeheartedly, armed with the discipline and maturity Ocampo and the VNS program have instilled in him. After all, the Griffins have produced some of the country’s most promising names in men’s volleyball — Al-Bukharie Sali (UST), Peng Taguibolos (NU), and Barbie San Andres (Alpha Insurance) — all of whom honed their skills under the same system.
“Itong mga batang ito, sila ‘yung next big thing,” Ocampo said proudly. “Let’s watch out for these kids.”
