JAJA Santiago will not be suiting up for Chery Tiggo for the remainder of the 2024 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference.
Although the Crossovers ace made it clear that she is eligible to compete as part of the team’s 20-woman pool, she decided to pass on a prospective PVL return as a precaution while her naturalization process in Japan is ongoing.
READ: 'What ifs' float as Jaja Santiago rejoins Chery Tiggo family
“Makikita niyo ko do’n (sa battle for third bukas) but not playing because I’m in the process na (of naturalization sa Japan). It’s hard to risk. I can play, but it’s hard to risk kasi nasa process na ko,” Santiago told reporters in an ambush interview.
In her first trip back to the country since her breakthrough seniors call-up with the Japanese national team, the world’s ninth-ranked women’s volleyball team, Santiago reflected on how both her Japan stints for club and country have been nothing short of a 'blessing' as the 'dynamic' style of play raised her own game to new heights.
Santiago's inclusion in Japan’s training pool was preceded by a silver medal stint, best spiker and best blocker nods and an All-Tournament Team selection with JT Marvelous in the 2023-24 season.
"I really feel blessed na lumipat ako sa JT (Marvelous). Of course, blessed rin ako nu'ng naglaro sa Ageo (Medics). I learned a lot from JT kasi. Very dynamic 'yung system nila. I felt like 'yung system nila is like men's volleyball," said Santiago.
"I'm very happy that my first experience sa team namin is nakabalik kami sa finals," she added.
Moreover, Santiago confirmed that Philippine National Volleyball Federation (PNVF) president Tats Suzara has been of great help to her naturalization process thus far.
"Actually, walang nakakaalam kung nasaan na siya ('yung naturalization bid ko). But it's (an ongoing) process. Hopefully ma-approve. Sir Tats (Suzara) is helping me, though," said Santiago.
Land of the rising sport
As Philippine volleyball hits new highs in terms of popularity and fan support, Santiago bared how such a rise provides a more enticing environment for a possible PVL return. She made it clear, however, that she won't be taking any risks that could affect her ongoing naturalization process.
But regardless of the path she opts to take in her career moving forward, to see the sport grow and inspire the younger generation compared to her collegiate playing years is already a big win for Philippine volleyball.
"That's one of the reasons why I want to play sa Chery (Tiggo) again. Because of the fans. Not only in the PVL, but also sa UAAP. When I watch replays of any team in the UAAP, I see the crowd na. 'Wow. Ito na pala ang crowd sa Pilipinas.'"
"Nu'ng ako naglalaro sa NU Lady Bulldogs, 'yung supporters bilang mo lang. Ngayon, nakakatuwa, nakakataba ng puso na maglaro and mag-inspire ng mga di lang mga matatanda pati mga bata rin na gusto maglaro ng volleyball," she added.
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