'MAYBE' was all Jaja Santiago-Minowa could offer when the possibility of another run with Creamline next year was raised.
But it was a maybe that came with plenty behind it.
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After a blockbuster move to the Cool Smashers for the 2026 PVL Invitational that ended without a championship or a podium finish, Santiago-Minowa could not help but feel there was still something left to accomplish with the team.
“Creamline is my family right now, and I feel like I have unfinished business with them. So maybe, maybe," she said.
For now, however, that unfinished business will have to wait as she begins the next chapter of her career in the US in January, where she will make her League One Volleyball (LOVB) debut for expansion club San Francisco Signal.
And before entertaining another possible return to the PVL, the veteran middle blocker wants to take things a step at a time.
“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," she said.
Her time with Creamline may not have ended with the medal expected from them, but Santiago-Minowa said she leaves the Cool Smashers with nothing but appreciation for how quickly she was embraced by the country's most successful volleyball franchise.
“Made-describe ko siya as a heart. I love them. I love how they supported me. I love how they share their knowledge sa volleyball, and I love how talaga how connected the team is," she said.
Even the best falters
Santiago-Minowa also saw firsthand the culture that has kept Creamline together through both championships and heartbreak.
Even after a painful loss that ended their campaign without a medal, she said the Cool Smashers never lost the signature 'good vibes' that have long defined the franchise.
“Even though we lost, makikita mo talaga ‘yung positive vibes ng lahat na it's okay, we lost. I know it's a tough loss na we cannot accept it right now, but we will move forward and fight again and learn from this," she said.
That is why Santiago-Minowa is not ready to completely shut the door.
San Francisco is the priority and LOVB is the immediate challenge. But somewhere down the road, if the opportunity comes again, Creamline's unfinished business could still be waiting.
While the PVL Invitational Best Middle Blocker is not saying yes just yet, she is not saying no, either.
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