Player Profile Series: “The Captain” Alvin Patrimonio’s lion heart
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Jia De Guzman prioritizes national duty as she rejoins Creamline
Jia De Guzman is making her Premier Volleyball League (PVL) return with the Creamline Cool Smashers, but her heart and full attention remain with Alas Pilipinas as they gear up for a busy international calendar.
Speaking during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum, the veteran setter made it clear that her main focus is on the national team’s ongoing campaign.
“Of course, I’m going back to Creamline, but I went to a team that also knows that I have responsibilities also for the flag,” said De Guzman. “This is national team season, and Rebisco management made it clear that they’re fully supportive while we serve the country.”
Jia Morado-De Guzman
“Of course, I’m going back to Creamline, but I went to a team that also knows that I have responsibilities also for the flag,” said De Guzman.
De Guzman last suited up for Creamline in 2023 before heading to Japan, where she played two seasons with the Denso AiryBees, winning a V.Cup title, and competing in the SV.League Division 1.
In her absence, Kyle Negrito stepped up as Creamline’s main setter, achieving a grand slam season in 2024 before narrowly losing the All-Filipino Conference crown to Petro Gazz.
Despite her club success, De Guzman has embraced a larger mission—bringing glory to the national team. She recently earned her second straight Best Setter award at the AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup, where she helped Alas Pilipinas to a historic silver medal finish.
“I’m very grateful because they’re allowing me to focus entirely on Alas Pilipinas because we know that we have a responsibility to the country also so I’m very grateful to Creamline,” the veteran playmaker added.
Now 30, De Guzman is preparing to compete in the VTV Club in Vietnam, two V.League legs, and the highly anticipated 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, where she hopes to end the country’s 20-year medal drought.
