WHEN news first broke that Jia de Guzman was headed back to Creamline, the prevailing assumption was that the 10-time PVL champions were primed for an immediate return to the top after a rare title-less year.
For the eight-time best setter, however, a season without gold does not automatically equate to regression.
READ: Coaches see retooling Creamline still as PVL's cream of the crop
“People keep saying na parang kapag walang championship, hindi successful ‘yung year. I don't think so,” she said.
“Every tournament, whether you win or you lose, things don't go your way, the important thing is may natutunan ka. Yes, it was a tough year for Creamline, but it doesn't mean na wala kaming natutunan, even ako na wala sa lineup.
“It just goes to show na it's part of the journey. It's not always up. There's a lot of downs, but what matters is what you do after.”
Rather than chasing headline-grabbing acquisitions, the Cool Smashers' offseason was instead centered on internal recalibration through addressing gaps, refining systems, and rediscovering habits that fueled their long reign.
“’Yung nakaraan, tapos na yun. How do we bounce back from that? Ano ‘yung mga butas or ‘yung mga improvements na pwede namin gawin moving forward to make it easier for us to play as a team and to go up against the teams na nag-evolve din with the sport?” she added.
Her return also revived conversations about Creamline’s playmaking hierarchy, particularly after Kyle Negrito capably steered the ship during her absence.
“With me and Kyle kasi, we've played together for years na and I totally respect what she has done. She was there nung nag-Grand Slam ‘yung Creamline and they were able to establish a system with her being the main setter,” she said.
But whether she immediately reclaims a starting role remains out of her hands.
“Whatever the coaches ask from us, whether it's me inside or Kyle inside, we're just really ready to support each other in the same way na we have a lot of liberos, but whoever's inside is always supported by those on the outside,” she said.
“The coaches have better data about that kasi kami, we're really getting used pa to play with each other again.”
Jia is (still) gold?
After nearly three years away from league play, de Guzman knows the adjustment period won’t be instant, especially with the rest of the league evolving in her absence.
“Magti-three years na akong wala sa PVL, but it doesn't mean I wasn't watching when the other teams were evolving also, so very excited talaga ako to see how much PVL has changed and I would really love to embrace the challenge,” she said.
And despite heightened expectations surrounding her comeback, one that's 922 days in the making, pressure is the last thing on her mind.
As she put it, “There's really no pressure. The team is not making me feel any form of pressure at all kasi they also know na pabalik pa lang din ako.”
“With all of the teams stepping up, with a new Creamline team coming together, I'm also trying to find my way with the team.”
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