There are now four Filipino volleyball athletes heading to Japan to showcase their exceptional talent and make the country proud on the international stage.
The talents of Filipino volleyball players are truly making waves on the global stage, and it's incredibly heartwarming to see their skills being recognized worldwide.
Some of our brightest volleyball stars are now taking their talents to Japan, showcasing their passion and dedication in an international platform.
Here’s a look at the remarkable athletes who are proudly representing the Philippines and shining brightly in Japan for the 2024-25 season.
Sachi Minowa (Jaja Santiago) | Osaka Marvelous
Former Chery Tiggo star Sachi Minowa has paved the way for Filipino women in volleyball by making her mark in Japan.
Since launching her international career in 2018, the 6-foot-5 middle blocker has become a key player for for the Saitama Ageo Medics and now, for the Osaka Marvelous.
With her recent acquisition of a Japanese citizenship, Minowa is now set to elevate her impact even further by potentially joining the Japanese women’s national volleyball team.
ALSO READ: Jaja Santiago bares heartfelt message after officially acquiring Japanese citizenship
Jia Morado-De Guzman | Denso Airybees
The Creamline Cool Smashers' standout playmaker in Jia Morado-De Guzman embarked on her Japanese volleyball journey last year with the Denso Airybees.
RELATED: It's official! Jia de Guzman to play in Japan
Her remarkable skills and leadership were key in achieving a strong 12-10 record to finish at fifth place in the V.League Division 1, firmly establishing her as one of the Philippines' top setters. Jia was then part of the Denso team that won the V.Cup, making her the second homegrown Filipina to win a volleyball title in Japan.
Following her stellar performance with Alas Pilipinas at the AVC Challenge Cup 2024 and her back-to-back podium finishes in the recent 2024 SEA V.League, the women's national volleyball team captain has been re-signed by the Airybees for the 2024–25 season.
ALSO READ: Alas Pilipinas captain Jia de Guzman set to rejoin Denso Airybees in Japan V.League
Maddie Madayag | Kurobe Aqua Fairies
Choco Mucho Flying Titans' captain Maddie Madayag is set to make history as the third homegrown Filipina to compete in Japan's SV.League next season, alongside Sachi Minowa and Jia De Guzman.
As one of three international players for the Kurobe lineup, joining Iris Scholten and Lena Stigrot, Madayag's journey reflects her extraordinary talent and determination.
ALSO READ: Maddie Madayag to Japan's SV.League as she transfers from Choco Mucho to Kurobe Aqua Fairies
Marck Espejo \ Kubota Spears Osaka
Criss Cross King Crunchers' Marck Espejo made an impact in Korea, where he was drafted third by the Incheon Korean Air Jumbos in the Korean V-League's Asian Player Quota in 2023.
Prior to this, he had already established himself internationally with stints at Oita Miyoshi Weisse Adler and FC Tokyo in Japan, Visakha in Thailand, and Bani Jamra in Bahrain.
RELATED: Marck Espejo joins MJ Phillips as first Filipino athlete drafted in Korean V-League
After leading Alas Pilipinas Men in the AVC Challenge Cup in Bahrain last June, Espejo is returning to the Land of the Rising Sun, now signed with The Kubota Spears Osaka for the upcoming Japan V.League 2024-25 season.
The increasing recognition of Filipino volleyball athletes abroad, especially in a prestigious country like Japan, is a powerful testament to the exceptional talent and skill of Filipinos.
Here’s to hoping that this is just the beginning of even greater achievements and global success for our athletes.