By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña
One of the most decorated volleyball stalwarts in the Philippines just got an offer of becoming a Japanese citizen.
After leading Japanese volleyball team Aego Medics to an astonishing Japan V Cup title, Jaja Santiago’s performance was all over the news in Japan.
Santiago has been a staple Asian import in Japan for three years already and the Filipina middle-blocker just proved that she can carry a foreign team.
She also made PH volleyball history as the first Filipina import to ever win in an international volleyball league with the likes of Jaja’s older sister Dindin, Alyssa Valdez, Bryan Bagunas, and Marck Espejo yet to win one in their overseas career.
With her impressive stint overseas, Japan’s volleyball association actually offered her to become a naturalized citizen.
“Kalagitnaan pa lang ng liga kinakausap na nila ako na sana mag-stay pa ako ng maraming taon. Gusto nilang palitan ’yung nationality ko, actually. Gusto nila akong mag-stay pa doon, tapos gusto nila akong tulungang palitan yung nationality ko,” said Santiago.
Can you imagine losing such talent like Santiago if she agrees to Japan’s mega offer?
However, Santiago confirmed that she has no initial plans to accept the offer and will forever be committed to the PH national team and give them the best that they can reach.
“Well, may dream akong maglaro ng Olympics, pero gusto ko munang.. syempre may pride pa rin naman ako, Pilipino pa rin naman ako di ba? Gusto kong tulungan ‘yung bansa natin. Doon sa goal ko na ’yun, gusto ko kasama ko yung mga kapwa Pilipino ko,” added Santiago.
