Despite not winning the Best Import award, he was able to lead the Aces in winning the championship over 18-time champions San Miguel Beermen which had returning import Gabe Freeman as well as Dondon Hontiveros and Arwind Santos for the locals.
After many successful years with the Beermen, he was traded to the Express along with Dondon Hontiveros, Paul Artadi and Danny Seigle for Nonoy Baclao, Rey Guevarra and Rabeh Al-Hussaini.
Tugade is one of the PBA's best three point shooter along with James Yap, Dondon Hontiveros and Jimmy Alapag.