Jaja Santiago ready for PVL comeback, but coach has final say

Jaja Santiago with her new team Creamline Cool Smashers during a meet and greet event in the PVL on Tour at Victorias City. –LANCE AGCAOILI

VICTORIAS CITY–Will Jaja Santiago make her Premier Volleyball League comeback in Victorias City? She’s ready, but it’s up to Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses.

Santiago, Creamline’s latest signing, joined the team in Negros Occidental for the last PVL on Tour stop.

READ: PVL: Jaja Santiago cleared as local for Creamline stint

The Japan SV.League mainstay accommodated the Ilonggo fans, taking selfies, signing autographs, and making video greetings on Thursday at Victorias City Coliseum.

Asked if she would play Saturday when Creamline takes on Galeries Tower, Santiago said it depends on Meneses.

“Actually, I’ve been asking coach She. He said that we’ll wait and see. But for me? I might play,” said Santiago in Filipino.

WATCH: Will Jaja Santiago play in Victorias City on Saturday? We’ll see. #PVLOnTour #PVL2026 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/ZjrWQSS1eg

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For the 6-foot-5 middle blocker, though, simply being back in the Philippines and getting the chance to reconnect with fans in the province was already something to be grateful for.

“It’s really good to be back. I’ve really missed the fans here in the Philippines, and now we’re here in Bacolod. I think the last time I was here was for the UniGames. I’m just really happy and excited to play,” said Santiago.

The last time she played in the PVL, Santiago was nearly unstoppable, emerging as Open Conference and Finals MVP and Best Middle Blocker when Chery Tiggo captured the maiden pro crown against Creamline in a thrilling Game 3 inside the bubble in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte.

Santiago’s official comeback is set for the Invitationals starting on August 31, where she will face defending champion PLDT, Nxled, and Farm Fresh as well as guest teams EST Cola from Thailand and Ho Chi Minh City of Vietnam.

The Filipino-Japanese player joined Creamline before she heads to the US for League One Volleyball in January.