Jia Morado braces for second season in Japan V. League with Denso Airybees
At A Glance
- Alas Pilipinas setter Jia Morado is bracing for another professional volleyball season in Japan after re-signing with Denso Airybees for her second stint.
Alas Pilipinas setter Jia Morado is bracing for another professional volleyball season in Japan after re-signing with Denso Airybees for her second stint.

"This time for the 2024-25 season. We are pleased to inform you that we have agreed to renew the contract [of] De Guzman, Julia Melissa Morado," the team announced on social media on Tuesday, Aug. 20.
The 29-year-old playmaker has had her hands full as soon as she landed back in the Philippines to fulfill her duties with the national team.
Morado helped the Airybees capture the 2023-24 championship title in Japan V. League in April before heading back home where she then led the Nationals to a historic AVC Women’s Challenge Cup bronze medal finish the following month.
In previous interviews, Morado said that her stint abroad doesn’t only benefit her personal career but has allowed her to fully play her crucial role in the national team's sustained international success.
Although Alas came up short in its 2024 FIVB Challenger Cup in July, the momentum followed the Nationals to their Southeast Asian (SEA) V. League campaign where they brought home another bronze medal.
After a hectic yet meaningful time back home, Morado is holding out hope that consistent program and high level of play will continue for Alas in its international exploits.
For now, she shifts her focus to her club team in the Japanese league while having the national team at the back of her mind.
Aside from Morado, the only Filipina seeing action in Japan is Jaja Santiago, who has recently obtained a Japanese passport and is set to change federations two years after tying the knot with Japanese coach Taka Minowa.