Jaja Santiago carries PVL lessons, confidence to new LOVB chapter

Creamline Cool Smashers’ Jaja Santiago during the bronze medal game vs PLDT In the 2026 PVL Invitational Conference. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Jaja Santiago-Minowa still cherished her Premier Volleyball League homecoming despite missing the podium in the Invitational Conference with Creamline.

Minowa received her second PVL Best Middle Blocker award and described her journey with the Cool Smashers with a heart sign.

READ: PVL: Jaja Santiago says Creamline will get even better

“I love them. I love how they supported me, how they shared their knowledge with me about volleyball, and how connected this team is,” said Minowa in Filipino as the Creamline lost to PLDT  in the bronze medal match on Tuesday.

“Even though we lost, you can still see the positive vibes among everyone. Of course, it’s a tough loss and something we can’t easily accept right now, but we’ll move forward, fight again and learn from this.”

Minowa, a 2021 PVL champion and MVP when Chery Tiggo beat Creamline, marveled at the rise of PVL’s level in her return.

READ: Jaja Santiago rues missed chance to win PVL title for Creamline

“I think the draft is doing really well for Philippine volleyball because it’s not just one team building a strong roster. Every team is getting stronger, better and more competitive,” Minowa said. “That’s really good for the league because it makes the competition more balanced and exciting. There are a lot of really good players here, and you can see how the younger players are becoming more competitive and eager to show their talent. I think that’s really helping raise the level of the PVL.”

Minowa will now shift her focus to the League One Volleyball (LOVB) in the United States, where she will play with the San Francisco Signal.

WATCH: Jaja Santiago-Minowa on her PVL comeback. #PVL2026 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/MqMPGBViw8

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) September 8, 2026

The first Filipino homegrown talent to play in the US will also support her husband Taka Minowa and the Alas Pilipinas women in the Asian Games in Japan.

“Playing here has helped me regain my confidence. Going to San Francisco, I’m a little nervous because I don’t know how I’ll perform, what I’ll be able to deliver, or what I can contribute to the team. But playing here has given me confidence, and I know I’m ready and in good condition,” she said.

Unfinished business

“I think what I’ll bring with me are the challenges and lessons we experienced in the PVL Invitational, the things I learned from my teammates, and, of course, the good memories. Although we didn’t get the result we wanted this conference, I know God has a plan for the team and for us. This loss doesn’t define us as Creamline. It’s something we can learn from and carry into the next conference.”

When asked whether she is open to another comeback,  Minowa said she is choosing to focus on LOVB for now, but she’s not closing the door on settling unfinished business for the Cool Smashers.

“For now, I think I wanna focus one by one, step by step. I need to perform first in San Francisco and after that, we’ll see if I go back here. Creamline, they’re my family right now. I feel like I have unfinished business with them. So maybe, maybe,” Minowa said.