Chery Tiggo's Jaja Santiago was hailed as the Most Valuable Player in the 2021 PVL Open Conference and the Finals MVP after a 26-point performance against Creamline in Game 3 at the PCV Socio-Civic & Cultural Center in Bacarra, Ilocos Norte Friday, Aug. 14.
Santiago fired 22 kills and posted four blocks for 26 points to lead Chery Tiggo in a thrilling five-set win, 23-25, 20-25, 25-21, 25-23, 15-8.
This also marks Santiago as the first MVP honoree, both in the conference and in the Finals, since PVL began its transition to a professional league.
"Sobrang saya kasi actually, akin kasi 'di ko talaga inexpect any awards. Ang sa akin lang lagi kong iniiisip na makuha lang namin talaga 'tong championship title na 'to," said Santiago, who also became the first Filipina volleyball player to win a title in an overseas league with the Saitama Ageo Medics in the Japan V.League V Cup.
"It's big, big blessing for us. Itong MVP award nagpapasalamat ako kay God kasi kung baga another achievement for me. For me, this award I want to give it to my sister (Dindin) and all of my teammates kasi kung 'di dahil sa kanila, wala kami dito. Kung 'di dahil sa kanila, 'di ko to makukuha."
The 25-year-old Santiago also captured the Best Middle Blocker award along with Petro Gazz's Ria Meneses.
Alyssa Valdez of Creamline and Myla Pablo of Petro Gazz won the Best Outside Spiker awards while Kat Tolentino of Choco Mucho bagged the Best Opposite honor.
Creamline's Jia Morado was named Best Setter while Kath Arado of Petro Gazz was selected Best Libero.