Jaja Santiago Returns to PVL with Creamline Before US League Debut

MANILA, Philippines — Jaja Santiago, the towering 6-foot-5 middle blocker, has officially joined the Creamline Cool Smashers for the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational Conference, marking her return to Philippine volleyball after a five-year absence. The announcement was first hinted by Creamline veteran Michele Gumabao, who welcomed Santiago to the team on social media, signaling a significant boost for the powerhouse club.

Santiago, who now holds Japanese citizenship and goes by the name Sachi Minowa, last played in the PVL during the 2021 Open Conference. At that time, she was instrumental in leading Chery Tiggo to its first professional championship, defeating Creamline in a thrilling Game 3. Her performance earned her both the Conference and Finals Most Valuable Player awards, as well as the Best Middle Blocker honor, underscoring her dominance in the league.

Joining Creamline, Santiago will team up with a formidable roster that includes Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos, Michele Gumabao, Jema Galanza, Kyle Negrito, and Kyla Atienza. The team’s frontline will be further strengthened by Pangs Panaga and Bea De Leon, positioning Creamline as a strong contender to reclaim the Invitational title after a two-year gap.

Santiago’s return comes as she is currently on vacation in the Philippines. She recently expressed interest in rejoining the PVL during an interview at the Volleyball Nations League (VNL) Pasig Leg. This comeback is seen as a strategic move before she embarks on her next professional chapter in the United States.

The middle blocker has signed with the San Francisco Signal, an expansion team in the League One Volleyball (LOVB) in the US, which is set to begin its inaugural season in January 2027. Santiago’s stint with Creamline is expected to keep her competitive and in peak form ahead of her transition to the American league.

Creamline’s schedule includes one remaining PVL on Tour game in Victorias City against Galeries on August 22, following the cancellation of the Santiago, Isabela stop. Santiago’s addition is anticipated to provide a significant edge for Creamline as they pursue the Invitational crown.

This development highlights Santiago’s continued impact on volleyball both locally and internationally. Her return to the PVL not only strengthens Creamline’s lineup but also serves as a homecoming before she takes on new challenges abroad. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as Santiago balances her commitments between the PVL and the upcoming US league season.