IS there any truth to the rumors surrounding Jaja Santiago's long-awaited PVL return after five years?
Apparently, there might just be.
The impending blockbuster comeback of the former national team ace now appears to be only a matter of time after SPIN.ph learned that Santiago, now known as Sachi Minowa, is all but set to reinforce Creamline for the 2026 PVL Invitational.
Fueling the speculation was a photo that has since made the rounds on social media showing Santiago joining training with the Rebisco-backed squads.
She was seen with Creamline team manager Alan Acero alongside veteran spiker Michele Gumabao, further adding weight to talks that one of Philippine volleyball's biggest names is headed to the Cool Smashers.
Sources told SPIN.ph that Santiago is in line to suit up for Creamline pending the PVL's review on how she will be classified for the tournament.
League officials are expected to determine whether Santiago will be considered a local player, having previously suited up in the league for Chery Tiggo, or as an import following her acquisition of Japanese citizenship in 2024 after marrying Japanese coach Taka Minowa.
Regardless of the classification, all signs point to Santiago making what would be one of the biggest player acquisitions in recent PVL history.
If approved, this year’s Invitational will mark Santiago's first appearance in the league since the historic 2021 Open Conference bubble in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.
That tournament saw Santiago power now-defunct Chery Tiggo past Creamline in the finals to capture the first-ever PVL pro championship, with the towering middle blocker also bagging conference MVP honors.
Her departure afterward opened a successful chapter in Japan.
Santiago first won the 2020-21 V.Cup title with Ageo Medics before embarking on stints with multiple clubs in the country's top league.
The 6-foot-5 middle blocker eventually reached the pinnacle of Japanese volleyball after helping Osaka Marvelous capture the 2024-25 SV.League championship, cementing her reputation as one of the Philippines' most accomplished exports.
Now, another chapter appears set to unfold back home.
Barring any last-minute hurdles or change of heart, Santiago is poised to provide Creamline with a massive boost in its bid for the Invitational crown in what is expected to be a one-conference engagement.
The stint also shapes up as a fitting homecoming before Santiago begins another overseas journey, with the decorated middle blocker scheduled to head to the United States afterward for the new League One Volleyball (LOVB) season, which starts in January next year.
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