Filipina middle blocker Jaja Santiago is hoping for a successful Japanese naturalization as her bid remained in the process. 

The 28-year-old middle blocker formally joined the Japan women’s national team as a trainee just last month.

But Santiago initially started her bid to officially become a Japanese citizen last year after tying the knot with Japanese coach Taka Minowa in 2022, who also calls the shots for PVL team Nxled Chameleons. 

“Actually, walang nakakaalam kung nasaan na [exactly] pero it’s in the process and hopefully ma-approve. Sir Tats [Suzara] is helping me though,” Santiago said, who was back in the Philippines and was supporting her alma mater UAAP Finals-bound National University following its straight-set semifinal win over Far Eastern University on Wednesday, May 8, at the Big Dome.

The former Chery Tiggo standout has been spotted with the Crossovers earlier in the day who is then gearing up for a bronze medal match against the Petro Gazz Angels in the PVL the following day. 

Though Santiago can, she opted not to play for the squad due to her ongoing naturalization status. 

Likewise, Santiago is also just coming off a successful pro stint herself in the local Japanese league after steering her new Division I squad JT Marvelous to a silver medal finish in the recently concluded V. League season.  

There, the former national team member was named as one of the league’s Best Six on top of clinching the Spiking, Blocking and Fighting Spirit awards. 

“I really feel blessed na lumipat ako sa JT. Blessed rin ako noong naglaro ako sa Aego [Medics], but I learned a lot from JT kasi very dynamic ‘yung system nila. I felt like system namin is for men’s volleyball,” she said. 

“So, I’m happy ‘yung first experience ko doon sa team namin naibalik namin sila into the finals,” she added. 

Taking a much-needed pause from her professional career in Japan, Santiago still found herself meaningfully involved in Philippine volleyball. 

Beaming with energy was Santiago among the 13,054 weekday fans inside the venue as she finally witnessed her collegiate team display its mighty form. 

“Actually, I haven't seen them playing because whenever they are playing, I am playing also. Hindi nag ma-match ‘yung araw na pag gusto ko manood sa kanila online, [usually] tapos na [‘yung laro]. Sometimes nag-aanalyze rin ako ng laro ko. So hindi ako nakakapanood,” Santiago detailed. 

“I think ‘yung UAAP kasi parang hindi gano’n kalaki ‘yung gap ng teams. So tingin ko talaga half games every game for NU and the other teams."