By REYNALD MAGALLON
Jaja Santiago could soon see herself suiting up for the Japanese national volleyball team.
That, after the naturalization of the 28-year-old Filipina has finally given green light making her eligible to don the Japanese colors in international competitions.
Santiago, now with a Japanese name Sachi Minowa, announced the development in an Instagram post on Saturday, Aug. 17, thanking everyone who supported and helped her to achieve her dream.
“Changing my nationality was never an easy decision. It came with many sacrifices in order to fulfill my dreams. Some people will support my decision, while others may not understand it,” Santiago wrote in Japanese.
“This is for my dream. As we build our careers, we also grow older, and we don’t know how long we can remain professional volleyball players. What I do know now is that I will give my all, trusting in the God-given talent I have, for my family, for my dreams, and for those who believe in and support me,” she added.
Santiago has been playing in Japan since 2019 and is married to Japanese coach Takayuki Minowa in August 2022.
She is now a prominent volleyball figure in Japan currently playing for JT Marvelous and has long been a prospect for the Japanese national team pool.
“First, I want to thank God for giving me the opportunity and blessing to make this significant decision in my life,” said the 6-foot-5 middle blocker
“Second, I am deeply grateful to my husband and entire family. Despite the challenges and enormous efforts this process entailed, they have continued to support me. They have made many sacrifices to help me achieve my dreams,” she added.
Santigo also extended her thanks to the Philippine National Volleyball Federation headed by Tats Suzara for their support as well as the Japan Volleyball Association and Osaka Marvelous for their help in the naturalization process.
Now a full-pledged Japanese, Santiago insisted that she remains proud of her roots and the she will always be a Filipino no matter what.
“I sincerely appreciate your love and support. Now, I have acquired Japanese citizenship, but my heart, blood, mind, and soul will always be that of a Filipino, born in the Philippines. I will never forget that,” she added.
