Sports PH News | JS DEV Site

Author: Dorothy Del Rosario

  • Andrei Caracut contract talks hit standstill as Rain or Shine prepares for Governors’ Cup 

    Andrei Caracut contract talks hit standstill as Rain or Shine prepares for Governors’ Cup 

    With the PBA Governors’ Cup just around the corner, Rain or Shine is preparing for another title chase while facing uncertainty over one of its most important pieces.


    Negotiations between the Elasto Painters and Andrei Caracut remain unresolved, leaving the future of the veteran guard with the franchise still up in the air.

     

    Caracut’s previous deal expired after Rain or Shine’s Commissioner’s Cup campaign ended in the semifinals, where the Elasto Painters fell in six games to eventual champion Barangay Ginebra.

     

    The contract situation now puts Rain or Shine in a challenging position, with Caracut and fellow 27-year-old Gian Mamuyac both unsigned heading into the season-ending conference.

     

    For the past several conferences, Caracut has been a steady presence in Rain or Shine’s climb as one of the PBA’s most consistent contenders. 

     

    The 30-year-old guard played a major role in helping the franchise reach the semifinals in five of the last six conferences.

     

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    During the recently concluded PBA Season 50 Commissioner’s Cup, Caracut averaged 7.22 points, 2.00 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game, providing valuable production on both ends of the floor.

     

    His biggest moment came in the playoffs when he exploded for a career-high 29 points, including six three-pointers, to lead Rain or Shine past San Miguel Beer in a 113-104 quarterfinal victory.

     

    Despite his importance to the team, discussions between Caracut’s camp and Rain or Shine have yet to produce a new agreement. Both sides have even opened the possibility of a trade if a deal cannot be finalized.

     

    The situation is a difficult one for the Elasto Painters, who drafted Caracut in the second round (23rd overall) of the 2021 PBA Draft and watched him grow into one of the franchise’s most recognizable players.

     

    Beyond his production on the court, Caracut has also built a strong connection with fans through his popular vlog featuring teammates and close friends, including Leonard Santillan, Adrian Nocum, Jhonard Clarito, and utility staff member Eric Nanas.

     

    While Caracut’s future remains uncertain, Rain or Shine has already locked in several pieces for the upcoming Governors’ Cup. 

     

    Teammates Jhonard Clarito, Anton Asistio, and Jun Roque have secured new and extended deals, while import Aaron Fuller is set to return for the conference.

     

    As the new conference approaches, the Elasto Painters now face a crucial decision and that is to secure a deal with one of their key players or risk losing a guard who has become central to their recent resurgence.

     

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  • SIBOL MLBB coach explains Duane “Kelra” Pillas’ reserve role for the 2026 Asian Games 

    SIBOL MLBB coach explains Duane “Kelra” Pillas’ reserve role for the 2026 Asian Games 

    The Philippines has already secured its place in the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang tournament of the 2026 Asian Games, but one of the biggest talking points following SIBOL’s successful qualification wasn’t about the victories—it was about the role assigned to one of the country’s biggest stars.


    After Duane “Kelra” Pillas was named as the team’s sixth man instead of a member of the starting five, questions quickly surfaced within the Mobile Legends community. 

     

    SIBOL head coach Allec “SN4P” Alvarado, believes the decision gives the national team its strongest possible roster.

     

    Rather than viewing Kelra as merely a substitute, SN4P described the ONIC Indonesia star as the ideal insurance policy for the Philippines heading into international competition.

     

    “He was the only player in the combine who bonded well with the team. Even though he was online-based, you can see how interactive he was compared to the other players,” coach SN4P said.

     

    The coach added that Kelra’s experience gives the coaching staff confidence should adjustments become necessary during the tournament.

     

    “Also, if ever we need a backup plan since it’s Teddy’s first international scene, I’m pretty sure he will be ready,” he added.

     

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    Beyond his in-game value, SN4P admitted that Kelra’s resilience away from competition also left a lasting impression on the coaching staff.

     

    “His dad recently passed away. He definitely deserves this compared to the rest of the gold laners out there,” said SN4P.

     

    Although listed as the reserve, Kelra still made meaningful contributions during the Asian Games qualifiers. He appeared in two matches, with the Philippines winning both convincingly to punch its ticket to the 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan.

     

    The MPL Indonesia Regular Season MVP became the first Filipino import competing in an overseas Mobile Legends league to earn a place on a SIBOL national team roster.

     

    SN4P believes Kelra has already proven himself at nearly every level of professional Mobile Legends.

     

     

    “Achievements-wise, he has the MSC, M-Series, and MPL PH titles. The only thing he lacks is representing the Philippines because the last time he was part of the Sibol team for IESF, they didn’t qualify,” he said. 

     

    Aside from the Asian Games roster, Kelra has also been included as one of the reserves for the Esports Nations Cup. 

     

    He joins Karl “KarlTzy” Nepomuceno, Jaypee “Jaypee” Dela Cruz, Alston “Sanji” Pabico, David “FlapTzy” Canon, Marco “Super Marco” Requitiano, and fellow reserve Kairi “Kairi” Rayosdelsol.

     

    For Kelra, the opportunity represents more than another roster selection. He has already captured the biggest club titles in Mobile Legends, including the MSC, M-Series World Championship, and MPL Philippines crown. Yet one accomplishment has remained out of reach throughout his career—winning a medal while wearing the Philippine colors.

     

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  • Philippine team delivers three golds, improves medal haul at Asia and Oceania Sambo Championships 

    Philippine team delivers three golds, improves medal haul at Asia and Oceania Sambo Championships 

    The Philippines achieved its best showing yet at the Asian and Oceania Sambo Championships after improving on last year’s gold-medal haul and finishing fifth overall in the 2026 edition held at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium.


    Backed by home support, the national team closed the tournament with three gold, four silver, and eight bronze medals, surpassing the two-gold performance it delivered in the previous championships. The result placed the host nation fifth overall among the 22 participating countries in the tournament organized by the Pilipinas Sambo Federation, Inc.

     

    The country’s breakthrough began on Saturday when Jomary Torres and Princess Aumagel Cortez delivered back-to-back gold medals in the women’s combat sambo division.

     

    Torres wasted little time asserting her dominance in the women’s -50kg final, overwhelming Kazakhstan’s Zhadyra Paiyz in just 17 seconds—one of the fastest victories recorded during the tournament—to secure the championship.

     

    While simply reaching the podium would have been enough for some, Torres admitted she entered the tournament with only one goal in mind.

     

    The momentum continued moments later as Cortez defeated Kazakhstan’s Mervet Berdikhanova, 9-2, in the women’s -59kg combat sambo final.

     

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    Cortez dictated the match from the opening exchange, building a comfortable advantage before successfully fending off Berdikhanova’s late armbar attempt to preserve the seven-point victory.

     

    The Philippines completed its golden campaign on Sunday through reigning champion Aislinn Yap, who successfully defended her women’s -80kg combat sambo crown with a hard-earned 1-0 victory over Kazakhstan’s Zamzagul Faizollanova.

     

    Yap secured the lone point of the match with a well-executed takedown midway through the contest against the five-time Kazakhstan national champion. Although Faizollanova’s corner challenged the scoring, tournament officials upheld the call after a video review, allowing Yap to retain her title.

     

    The host nation also collected three silver medals across different divisions as defending women’s +80kg combat sambo champion Sydney Sy settled for silver after falling 6-0 to former world champion Arailym Abenova of Kazakhstan in a rematch between familiar rivals.

     

    National team newcomer Jasmaine Henryk Ching also finished runner-up after losing by submission to Kazakhstan’s Gulo Almukhanbetova in the women’s -54kg sport sambo final.

     

    The Philippines’ silver haul was completed by Sophia Nicole Novino, who earned runner-up honors in the women’s youth -47kg division, and Christi Espolong, who likewise captured silver in the juniors combat -59kg category.

     

    Beyond the medal count, the tournament highlighted the continued rise of Philippine sambo, with established champions successfully defending their titles while emerging athletes delivered podium finishes against some of Asia and Oceania’s strongest competitors.

     

    By surpassing last year’s gold-medal total and finishing inside the top five of the overall standings, the Philippines leaves the 2026 Asian and Oceania Sambo Championships with renewed momentum as it continues building its presence on the international stage.

     

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  • Arvin Tolentino to honor SK Knights deal, delays Magnolia debut until after KBL season

    Arvin Tolentino to honor SK Knights deal, delays Magnolia debut until after KBL season

    Magnolia has secured the PBA rights to Arvin Tolentino, but the Hotshots will have to be patient before seeing him in their uniform.


    The 30-year-old forward confirmed that he will remain with the Seoul SK Knights for the upcoming 2026-27 Korean Basketball League season as he honors the final year of his contract in South Korea.

     

    “Yes, stay pa ako. Two years pa ako dito,” Tolentino said.

     

    Tolentino’s statement effectively puts to rest speculation that he could make an immediate return to the PBA following Magnolia’s recent acquisition of his playing rights.

     

    The Hotshots obtained Tolentino’s rights along with a Season 51 second-round draft pick in a trade with Titan Ultra. In exchange, Magnolia sent the rights to William Navarro and a Season 52 second-round selection.

     

    Although Magnolia has positioned itself to eventually welcome one of the league’s premier forwards, Tolentino’s focus remains on finishing what he started overseas.

     

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    His contract with Seoul SK includes a player option for its third and final year, allowing him to either stay with the Knights or enter free agency. Unless circumstances change before the PBA Governors’ Cup opens on July 10, Tolentino is expected to exercise that option and continue playing in the KBL.

     

    The decision comes after a bittersweet first season in Korea. Tolentino averaged 11.0 points and 2.0 rebounds for the Knights, helping the team reach the playoffs before its campaign ended in a quarterfinal sweep at the hands of Kevin Quiambao and the Goyang Sono Skygunners.

     

    The former NorthPort star left the PBA after winning the Best Player of the Conference award in the Season 49 Commissioner’s Cup. He last suited up for the Batang Pier during the 2024-25 season before pursuing an opportunity in the KBL.

     

    Tolentino recently returned to the Philippines for a vacation following the Korean season and was among those in attendance during Game 2 of the PBA Commissioner’s Cup Finals between Barangay Ginebra and TNT, where he watched alongside his wife, Brandy Kramer Tolentino.

    While his PBA comeback will have to wait, Tolentino acknowledged that he has already been informed of Magnolia’s move to acquire his rights.

     

    “Nasabihan din naman nila ako tungkol diyan (trade),” he said.

     

    The trade also saw Titan Ultra acquire the rights to William Navarro, who previously had a brief stint with Magnolia before continuing his career with KBL champion Busan KGC Egis.

     

    Ironically, Navarro originally arrived in Magnolia through a deal with NorthPort involving Calvin Abueva, Jerrick Balanza, and the same second-round draft pick that has now found its way back to the Hotshots.

     

    For now, Magnolia has secured a valuable piece for the future. But before Tolentino can begin his next chapter in the PBA, he remains committed to completing his final season with the Seoul SK Knights.

     

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  • FIFA World Cup preview: France, Spain, Belgium lead high-stakes group stage showdowns 

    FIFA World Cup preview: France, Spain, Belgium lead high-stakes group stage showdowns 

    The race for the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout stage reaches another pivotal day as several groups prepare for their final round of matches. Every point matters with group winners looking to secure favorable knockout-round matchups, while teams on the bubble are fighting to keep their World Cup dreams alive. From a heavyweight showdown between France and Norway to must-win clashes featuring Egypt, Iran, Cape Verde, and Saudi Arabia, Friday’s slate promises high-stakes football, dramatic moments, and plenty of storylines as the group stage nears its conclusion.


    Norway vs France 

     

    (3:00 AM)

     

    France enters its final Group I match looking to secure first place after an unbeaten start, while Norway has also impressed and remains firmly in contention after picking up positive results in its opening two matches. 

     

    France has showcased its attacking depth throughout the tournament, while Norway has relied on its organized defense and clinical finishing. With first place in the group at stake, both sides have plenty to play for.

     

    Key Players: 

     

    France – Kylian Mbappe

    Norway – Erling Haaland

     

    Senegal vs Iraq 

     

    (3:00 AM)

     

    Senegal remains in the hunt for a Round of 32 spot after a competitive group campaign, while Iraq is hoping to end its World Cup journey on a positive note after struggling to find consistency. 

    Senegal’s physical play and attacking quality have kept it in contention, but Iraq will be motivated to pull off an upset and finish with pride.

     

    Key Players: 

     

    Senegal – Ismaila Sarr

    Iraq – Aymen Hussein

     

    Cape Verde vs Saudi Arabia 

     

    (8:00 AM)

     

    Cape Verde has emerged as one of the tournament’s surprise packages after earning a valuable draw against Uruguay, keeping its qualification hopes alive heading into the final group match. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, is looking to rebound after a difficult outing against Spain and needs a strong performance to remain in contention. With both teams needing a result, expect an intense battle from the opening whistle.

     

    Key Players: 

     

    Cabo Verde – Helio Varela 

    Saudi Arabia – Salem Al-Dawsari

     

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    Uruguay vs Spain (8:00 AM)

     

    One of the marquee matches of the day features Spain aiming to lock up first place after an impressive win over Saudi Arabia, while Uruguay looks to bounce back after being held to a draw by Cape Verde. Both traditional football powers are well-positioned to advance, but finishing atop the group remains the primary objective.

     

    Key Players: 

     

    Spain – Lamine Yamal 

    Uruguay – Federico Valverde

     

    Egypt vs Iran 

     

    (11:00 AM)

     

    Egypt revived its campaign with an impressive comeback victory over New Zealand, while Iran earned a valuable draw against Belgium to stay in the qualification race. 

    With both nations still chasing a place in the knockout rounds, this matchup could ultimately decide which team moves on.

     

    Key Players: 

    Egypt – Omar Marmoush  

    Iran – Mehdi Taremi

     

    New Zealand vs Belgium 

     

    (11:00 AM)

     

    Belgium is searching for its first victory of the tournament after settling for a draw against Iran, while New Zealand looks to recover following its loss to Egypt. 

     

    The Red Devils can strengthen their position atop Group G with a win, while New Zealand needs a positive result to keep its hopes alive heading into the knockout stage.

     

    Key Players: 

     

    Belgium – Jeremy Doku  

    New Zealand – Chris Wood

     

    With the group stage entering its decisive stretch, every goal, save, and point could determine who advances to the FIFA World Cup 2026 knockout rounds. Several group winners have yet to be decided, while a number of nations are still fighting to extend their stay in the tournament. As the pressure continues to mount, fans can expect a day filled with tactical battles, standout individual performances, and the drama that makes the FIFA World Cup one of the biggest sporting events in the world.

     

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  • Rain or Shine locks up Jhonard Clarito with three-year contract extension 

    Rain or Shine locks up Jhonard Clarito with three-year contract extension 

    Rain or Shine is making continuity a priority ahead of the PBA Season 50 Governors’ Cup, rewarding one of its biggest success stories after handing Jhonard Clarito a fresh three-year contract extension.


    The new deal keeps one of the Elasto Painters’ most dependable players in the franchise for the foreseeable future, reinforcing the team’s commitment to a core that has transformed Rain or Shine into a legitimate title contender over the past two conferences.

     

    Clarito, who was accompanied by his longtime agent Danny Espiritu during the signing, inked the extension with team governor Atty. Mert Mondragon representing the organization. 

     

    The agreement is another vote of confidence for a player who entered the league with little fanfare after Rain or Shine selected him 17th overall in the second round of the 2022 PBA Draft out of De Ocampo College.

     

    Since then, the 30-year-old has steadily carved out a major role under coach Yeng Guiao. From being a reserve fighting for minutes, Clarito has developed into one of the team’s most trusted two-way players, providing hustle, defensive versatility and timely offense whenever called upon.

     

    His impact became even more evident during the recently concluded Commissioner’s Cup, where he averaged 10.4 points, 7.05 rebounds and 2.16 assists per game. 

     

    His consistent production helped Rain or Shine finish atop the elimination round before knocking out powerhouse San Miguel Beer in the quarterfinals and advancing to the semifinals.

     

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    Although the Elasto Painters eventually bowed to eventual champion Barangay Ginebra in an emotional six-game semifinal showdown, the conference further proved that Rain or Shine’s young nucleus is capable of competing with the league’s elite. 

     

    Clarito’s emergence was among the biggest reasons behind that breakthrough campaign.

    The franchise’s latest move also reflects its philosophy of rewarding players who have grown within the system. 

     

    Clarito is now the third Elasto Painter to receive a contract extension before the season-ending Governors’ Cup, joining injured rookie Jun Roque and guard Anton Asistio, who both signed one-year renewals.

     

    Rain or Shine also addressed another key piece of its Governors’ Cup campaign by bringing back familiar reinforcement Aaron Fuller. 

     

    The veteran import already knows Guiao’s demanding system and previously played a major role in helping the Elasto Painters make deep playoff runs with his rebounding, toughness and all-around game.

     

    For Clarito, the new contract represents a reward earned through years of perseverance and steady improvement, while for Rain or Shine, it is another important step toward keeping a promising championship window wide open. 

     

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  • Sophia Nicole Novino wins silver, three Filipinas grab bronze as PH Sambo shines in Asia-Oceania Championships 

    Sophia Nicole Novino wins silver, three Filipinas grab bronze as PH Sambo shines in Asia-Oceania Championships 

    A promising new face in Philippine sambo announced her arrival on the international stage as Sophia Nicole Novino fought her way to a silver medal finish at the opening of the 11th Asia-Oceania Sambo Championships at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium in Manila.


    The 17-year-old grappler reached the Youth Women’s -47-kilogram division final, putting together an impressive run before eventually falling to Kazakhstan’s Karakat Rakhybay in the championship bout via submission.

     

    Despite missing out on the gold medal, Novino viewed the result as a major step forward in her young career, describing the silver as something far more valuable than its color suggests.

    “It felt like I achieved a lot since I didn’t expect a lot here,” Novino said.

     

    Before reaching the finals, Novino displayed composure beyond her years by overcoming opponents from Vietnam and Kyrgyzstan, securing victories that pushed her into the title match of one of Asia-Oceania’s biggest sambo competitions.

     

    The young Filipina’s performance also highlighted the growth of the country’s emerging sambo program, with the tournament serving as a major test for local athletes against some of the strongest competitors in the region.

     

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  • SBP focuses on development after UST, FEU fall short in NBA Rising Stars Invitational 

    SBP focuses on development after UST, FEU fall short in NBA Rising Stars Invitational 

    The Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) backed UST Junior Growling Tigresses and FEU Diliman Baby Tamaraws as the two teams represented the Philippines in the Singapore tournament, which brought together elite youth teams from 11 Asia-Pacific countries in a showcase of emerging basketball talent across the region.

     

    Both Philippine squads faced tough international competition, with the defending UAAP girls’ basketball champions from UST suffering a narrow 81-78 loss to Australia’s Rowville Secondary College. Meanwhile, the reigning UAAP boys’ basketball champions from FEU Diliman fell to Japan’s Tottori Johoku High School, 81-75.

     

    Despite the setbacks, the SBP emphasized that the tournament served as a valuable development opportunity for the young athletes as they gained experience against different playing styles and basketball cultures.

     

    SBP Executive Director Erika Dy traveled to Singapore to personally support the Philippine delegation, joining UAAP Executive Director Rebo Saguisag in watching the teams compete on the international stage.


    Rather than focusing on the losses, Dy pointed to the exposure gained by the players and coaches throughout the tournament.

     

    “Well, it’s a very good experience for both the players and the coaches. I was able to talk to some of the staff members of both our boys and girls team here, and they’re very happy about the exposure that the players are receiving or getting from this tournament,” Dy said.

     

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    Beyond competition, Dy also highlighted the importance of building connections among athletes and basketball officials from different countries. She described the tournament as a platform where young players could develop relationships that could benefit them in future international competitions.

     

    “And on my end, I think one thing that they can really take home is the sports diplomacy that’s involved here. So you can see the players making friends with other players from the other countries and carrying themselves really well. So that’s something for sure they will bring to the national team also once they make it there,” she said.

     

    That focus on long-term development was also echoed by Saguisag, who stressed that the tournament was about creating opportunities and strengthening the basketball community beyond borders.

     

    “Right now, it’s not necessarily bringing home [the championship], but really expanding the global community, networking to begin with, just establishing new linkages and bridges.” he said.

     

    With the NBA Rising Stars Invitational experience now added to their journey, the UST Junior Growling Tigresses and FEU Diliman Baby Tamaraws return home with lessons that extend beyond wins and losses. For the SBP, these international opportunities are part of the bigger mission of preparing young Filipino players for the global basketball stage.

     

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  • Gilas Pilipinas veteran Jack Animam heads to Poland, signs with Energa Torun

    Gilas Pilipinas veteran Jack Animam heads to Poland, signs with Energa Torun

    Jack Animam’s latest destination now takes the Gilas Pilipinas Women standout back to Europe, where she will suit up for Energa Torun in the 2026-27 Orlen Basket Liga season following a championship campaign in Japan.


    Animam arrives in Poland with momentum after helping Denso Iris capture the Women’s Japan Basketball League (WJBL) championship. 

     

    The triumph came after Denso defeated the Toyota Antelopes in four games, with Animam starting in the series-clinching victory to cap a memorable season.

     

    The move also marks a return to familiar territory. Before her stint in Japan, the 6-foot-4 center played for FCC UAV Arad in Romania in 2025 and has steadily built one of the most extensive international careers among Filipino basketball players. 

     

    Her passport already includes professional stops in Serbia with Radnicki Kragujevac, France with Toulouse Metropole Basket and USO Mondeville, China with Wuhan Shengfan, and Australia with the Ringwood Hawks.

     

    Long before becoming a sought-after import overseas, however, Animam established herself as one of the best players in UAAP women’s basketball. 

     

    As one of the centerpieces of the National University Lady Bulldogs, she helped build one of the league’s most dominant dynasties, leading NU to five straight championships from Seasons 78 to 82. Along the way, she collected Rookie of the Year honors in 2015, the Most Valuable Player award in 2017, and Finals MVP in 2018.

     

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    Her success at the collegiate level naturally opened the door to a long national team career. Wearing the colors of Gilas Pilipinas Women, Animam has represented the country in the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup, FIBA 3×3, and the Southeast Asian Games, becoming one of the program’s cornerstone players. 

     

    She was instrumental in the Philippines’ breakthrough campaign at the 2019 SEA Games, where the country captured gold medals in both the women’s 5-on-5 and 3×3 basketball competitions on home soil.

     

    Her championship run in Japan further reinforced her reputation as one of the Philippines’ premier exports. 

     

    Joining Denso Iris for the 2025-26 campaign, Animam quickly became part of a historic season as the club claimed its first-ever WJBL championship. Now carrying that winning experience into another competitive European league, the Filipino star begins yet another chapter of a career defined by embracing new challenges.

     

    With another overseas contract secured, Animam’s journey continues to reflect not only her own growth as a player but also the increasing presence of Filipino women’s basketball on the global stage. 

     

    As she prepares for her debut with Energa Torun, she brings with her the experience of winning championships and leading the national team.

     

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  • Jaja Santiago takes talents to US, joins LOVB after decorated career in Japan 

    Jaja Santiago takes talents to US, joins LOVB after decorated career in Japan 

    For almost a decade, Japan served as the foundation of Jaja Santiago’s rise into one of Asia’s most respected middle blockers. Now, the Filipino volleyball star is preparing to write a new chapter and this time on American soil.

     

    Santiago, who now competes under the name Sachi Minowa, confirmed that she will continue her professional career in the United States after securing a spot in League One Volleyball (LOVB), one of the sport’s newest and fastest-growing professional leagues.

     

    During the Philippine leg of the 2026 Volleyball Nations League (VNL) at PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, the 30-year-old told reporters that her move to the United States is already confirmed, with her team assignment still awaiting official announcement.

    “I’m going to US next season,” Santiago confirmed.

     

    Days after her announcement, LOVB officially welcomed the Filipina through its social media channels.

     

    “Adding a new country to our list: the Philippines! Welcome, Sachi “Jaja” Minowa!!”

     

    The move signals the end of a remarkable nine-year stay in Japan, where Santiago steadily established herself as one of the country’s elite middle blockers.

     

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    She first suited up for Saitama Ageo Medics, spending five seasons with the club before transferring to Osaka Marvelous, where she played a key role in capturing the 2024–25 SV.League championship. 

     

    She wrapped up her Japanese career with the Denso Airybees during the 2025–26 season before deciding to pursue a fresh challenge in the United States.

     

    Across her successful stint in Japan, Santiago collected two Best Middle Blocker awards, cementing her reputation as one of the league’s most dominant forces at the net.

     

    Her next destination also represents another step into volleyball’s evolving professional landscape. 

     

    League One Volleyball launched its inaugural professional season in 2025 and has quickly attracted elite talent from around the world.

     

    Unlike traditional leagues, LOVB signs players directly before distributing them among its 10 professional teams, meaning Santiago’s club assignment will be announced at a later date.

     

    She joins an expanding roster of international stars in the league, including Thailand standout Pimpichaya Kokram, as LOVB continues to strengthen its global reach.

     

    While awaiting the announcement of her new team, Santiago shared that her focus remains on staying in top condition as she prepares for another major transition in her career.

     

    With Japan behind her and a new opportunity waiting in the United States, Santiago’s journey continues to expand beyond borders—adding another milestone to one of the most accomplished international careers by a Filipino volleyball player.

     

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