VICTORIAS, Negros Occidental — Despite her volleyball pedigree, Jaja Santiago believes learning will be a two-way street during her stint with Creamline in the Premier Volleyball League.
The 6-foot-5 middle blocker returned to the Philippines after signing with the 11-time PVL champions Cool Smashers for the Invitational Conference, which runs from August 31 to September 8 at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Santiago hopes to impart the knowledge she gained from seven seasons playing in Japan’s SV.League to Creamline’s current middle blocker rotation, which includes Bea de Leon, Nica Celis, Mich Gamit, Pangs Panaga, Erin Pangilinan, and Sheena Toring.
“Actually I’m not a perfect middle, pero if kaya ko mai-share sa kanila yung experience ko na nakuha international, little by little. I’m sharing even the small things, ganyan. Pag nagtatanong sila, I’m really sharing yung knowledge ko about volleyball,” said Santiago on Thursday during the PVL On Tour Showdown meet-and-greet at the Victorias City Coliseum.
Known as Sachi Minowa in Japan, Santiago won two Best Middle Blocker awards during her eight-year stint there and helped Osaka Marvelous win the championship in the 2024-25 season.
However, Santiago also wants to embrace Creamline’s culture during her short stint with the team before flying to the United States to play for League One Volleyball’s San Francisco Signal.
“Overwhelming kasi ang daming talented players sa Creamline and marami ding mga bata. I’m excited to learn from the young players and the OGs of Creamline Cool Smashers,” she said.
Creamline will face Galeries Tower in the main game on Saturday at 6:30 PM, while Capital1 and Farm Fresh collide at 4:00 PM.
Whether Santiago will see action, however, remains a question.
“Tinatanong ko nga si Coach She (Meneses). Sabi niya, maghintay lang ako. Baka maglalaro.”
