Jaja or Sachi, she’s amazing

MANILA, Philippines — Sachi Minowa can be likened to an eclipse – a rare sight and a spectacle to behold.

And Victorias City, Negros Occidental was witness to it all as the player known to Filipinos as Jaja Santiago was nothing short of bedazzling in helping Creamline smash Galeries Tower, 25-21, 25-16, 25-21, at the PVL on Tour’s conclusion over the weekend.

What’s scarier, Minowa hasn’t brought out all her guns yet and scattered six points as the Cool Smashers finished the short but sweet conference with a perfect 2-0 record.

But come the next one – the PVL Invitational slated Aug. 31 – expect her to unleash what she is truly capable of – towering, terrorizing and unstoppable.

Everyone was just left in awe after seeing Minowa play her first PVL match in five years, including Creamline coach Sherwin Meneses.

“Of course, we’re excited, she’s Jaja Santiago,” he said.

For Minowa, she was relishing the chance to see action on local soil again after spending the past few years playing in Japan.

“It’s overwhelming to play again here,” she said.

After more than a week of rest, the 11-time PVL champion should return to its old stomping ground and eye another championship in the six-team Invitational that also comprises defending champion PLDT, Farm Fresh and Nxled and club teams from Thailand and Vietnam.

And fans should take advantage of it as Minowa leaves the country again after her short Creamline contract and plays in the United States.

Because no one knows when she’ll be back again.

Just like an eclipse.