Dindin Santiago-Manabat did not feel surprised when her sister, Jaja Santiago, announced that she had finally obtained Japanese citizenship on Saturday.
Santiago-Manabat shared that Jaja, who will carry the Japanese name of Sachi Minowa, had already broken the news to their family before the start of the 2024 Paris Olympics.
“Actually, matagal na niya sa amin sinabi ‘yun. Bago pa lang mag-Olympics – pero sorry Ja, ‘di ko alam kung tama ba sabihin ko ‘to – pero bago pa lang mag-Olympics, lumabas na ‘yung passport niya and dineclare na sa amin na Japanese citizen na siya,” said the Choco Mucho star.
The 6-foot-2 opposite spiker couldn’t be happier about the development, knowing it had been her younger sister’s lifelong dream to become an Olympian and compete on the biggest stage in volleyball.
(C) PVL Images
“Sobrang happy ko kasi ‘yun naman talaga ‘yung hinihintay ni Jaja,” Santiago-Manabat told reporters following the Flying Titans’ straight-sets loss to Creamline at the SM Mall of Asia Arena.
“Di ‘man siya nakapasok sa Olympics para i-represent ‘yung Japan [this year], happy naman siya na isa sa mga pangarap niya is natupad,” she added.
While she missed her chance to play in this year’s Games, Santiago-Manabat is confident that Jaja has what it takes to become part of the Japan contingent that will vie for a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, barring any major injuries.
The 6-foot-8 middle blocker will be 32 years old by the time the LA Olympics begin and will have to compete for the naturalized spot on the roster.
“May chance siguro ‘yung susunod after four years if kaya pa ng katawan niya. Kasi by that time, 32 years old na siya, pero healthy naman si Jaja. So alam ko kaya niya kasi sa edad ko kinakaya ko pa, siya pa kaya na mas healthy pa sa’kin,” said the 30-year-old Santiago-Manabat.
Dindin Manabat is thrilled that her sister, Jaja Santiago—aka Sachi Minowa—is now officially a Japanese citizen!
#PVL2024
@JustinValencia_ /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/8KSspgsqTY
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) August 17, 2024
