Creamline eyes PVL All-Filipino title after star-studded comeback

Even after missing out on a title last season, Creamline remains the team to watch as the PVL All-Filipino Conference kicks off Saturday in San Juan. 

Despite roster shake-ups across the league, rival coaches are wary of the Cool Smashers’ mix of championship pedigree, returning stars, and depth.

Eight-time Best Setter Jia de Guzman makes her much-anticipated return after nearly three years abroad with Japan’s Denso Airybees, where she captured a V.Cup title. 

Alongside her, former league MVP Bernadeth Pons comes off a busy national team season, which included winning the country’s first-ever SEA Games beach volleyball gold medal with Sisi Rondina and others.

“The return of Jia really makes a difference,” noted Capital1 coach Jorge Souza de Brito. Choco Mucho head coach Dante Alinsunurin agreed: “Sa’kin siguro ‘yung Creamline pa rin kasi maraming nagbalik, maraming naghahangad na matalo sila.”

Adding more firepower is Jema Galanza, who sat out last season’s import-laden conference with a foot injury, and former Chery Tiggo libero Jennifer Nierva, strengthening Creamline’s defensive wall. 

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Jia De Guzman and Bernadeth Pons are ready for their PVL comeback with Creamline. #PVL2026 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/QMNdbTkHXg

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) January 28, 2026

Even as teams like PLDT, Akari, and Choco Mucho refresh their lineups, coaches admit Creamline remains the benchmark. “Agree ako kay coach Shaq saka kay coach Sherwin – sarili muna, tapos Creamline,” said PLDT coach Rald Ricafort, acknowledging the Cool Smashers’ intimidating presence.

Cignal head coach Shaq Delos Santos echoed the sentiment: “I think siguro ‘yung pinaka-excited kami makalaban ‘yung team muna namin… but to be honest PLDT, Creamline, Akari, Choco – lahat talaga.” Nxled coach Ettore Guidetti also singled out Creamline as a team he’s most eager to face, along with the High Speed Hitters.

 With 10 teams competing and talent spread evenly across the league, parity has never been higher. Yet, as the All-Filipino Conference begins, it’s the seasoned, reloaded, and refocused Creamline Cool Smashers who command the spotlight—and the questions: can they reclaim their place atop the PVL, or will last year’s empty finish cast a shadow?

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