With Jaja Santiago, Jia De Guzman, and Maddie Madayag parting ways with their Japan clubs, the question now is: where could these volleyball stars land next... if we take their local mother teams out of consideration?
Fresh off the announcement of their departures from Japan’s V.League, the future of three of the Philippines’ brightest volleyball stars — Jaja Santiago, Jia De Guzman, and Maddie Madayag — has become one of the hottest topics among fans and insiders alike.
Santiago and Madayag officially closed their stints with JT Marvelous and Kurobe AquaFairies on April 15. De Guzman, fresh from her tour of duty with Denso Airybees, also confirmed her return to Philippine soil to focus on national team duties with Alas Pilipinas.
But here’s the catch — just for the fun of imagining the possibilities — let’s take their original PVL teams out of the equation.
No returning to Chery Tiggo, Choco Mucho, or Creamline. Where could they land if the door was open for a fresh start?
Jaja Santiago
One of the most dominant middle blockers the country has ever produced, Santiago, now known as Sachi Minowa, has the combination of height, international experience, and championship pedigree that makes her an instant game-changer wherever she signs with.
1. Akari Chargers
Perhaps the most intriguing fit, Santiago joining Akari would not only reunite her with husband and head coach Taka Minowa, but also give the Chargers the defensive and offensive boost they’ve been missing in the middle.
[ALSO READ: Jaja Santiago bares heartfelt message after officially acquiring Japanese citizenship]
It’s a match made for a fairytale plot twist — and indeed a major roster shake-up.
2. ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles
ZUS Coffee already made noise when they signed Jovelyn Gonzaga and Thea Gagate.
Imagine adding Jaja to that mix.
A front line anchored by Santiago and Gagate would instantly turn the Thunderbelles into a title favorite, especially with Gonzaga leading the attack from the wings.
Jia De Guzman
Wherever De Guzman goes, stability and championship culture follow. Known for her calm presence and high volleyball IQ, the seasoned setter would make any squad an instant contender.
1. Akari Chargers
Why not? The Chargers are quietly building a core that heavily features Alas Pilipinas members—Faith Nisperos, Fifi Sharma, and even Justine Jazareno.
A reunion with her national team and Creamline teammate Ced Domingo, along with the added chemistry from the national pool, would make Akari a must-watch.
2. Capital1 Solar Spikers
The young Solar Spikers have shown flashes of potential, but what they lack is a floor general who can tie it all together.
Enter De Guzman, whose leadership and vision could fast-track the team’s climb into the playoff picture, while mentoring standouts like Leila Cruz and Roma Mae Doromal.
Maddie Madayag
Another top-tier middle blocker, Madayag’s return could quietly shift the balance of power for teams looking for both experience and reliable net defense.
1. Cignal HD Spikers
Joining the Shaq Delos Santos-led Cignal would feel like the most natural fit, given the team’s veteran core and Maddie’s familiarity with the system.
The HD Spikers have always been known for solid middle play, and Madayag could add another layer of depth to an already competitive squad.
2. Nxled Chameleons
If Nxled wants to turn the corner from a promising young team to a legitimate postseason threat, a seasoned leader like Madayag would be the ideal stabilizing force at the net.
Her presence could help guide the Chameleons through growing pains and build a foundation for future success.
For now, their next moves remain a mystery, but one thing’s for sure: the Philippine volleyball landscape is about to shift once again once these three stars decide where to take their talents next.