Chery Tiggo head coach Kungfu Reyes could not be happier for Jaja Santiago after she finally completed her naturalization process to become a Japanese citizen, marking a significant milestone in her quest to compete in the Olympics.
The 28-year-old Santiago, who will carry the Japanese name Sachi Minowa, made the announcement earlier on Saturday which coincided in the final moments of the Crossovers’ sweep of ZUS Coffee to advance to the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference quarterfinals.
Reyes expressed his pride and excitement, saying, “Ito na ‘yung dream niya, kaya that’s why nandu’n naman siya sa Japan, and nakapag-asawa na rin ng Japanese, siyempre.”
Santiago married Japanese head coach Taka Minowa of Akari which hastened the naturalization process.
Reyes highlighted that it has always been Santiago’s dream to compete in the Olympics.
With her gaining Japanese citizenship, she is now one step closer to realizing that dream.
(C) Jaja Santiago
“Konti pa, mas ma-fulfill niya ‘yung dream niya to join the Olympics, ‘yun lang naman ang target that’s why nag-migrate siya sa Japan,” said Reyes, who also coached Santiago during her time at University of Santo Tomas.
Santiago’s journey in Japan began in 2019 when she joined the Ageo Medics.
During her tenure with the team, she played a crucial role in leading them to a championship in the Japan V.League. In 2023, Santiago transferred to JT Marvelous.
The 28-year-old from Tanza, Cavite, also achieved a historic milestone with the Chery Tiggo Crossovers.
She led the team to their first-ever championship in the 2021 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) All-Filipino Conference, a landmark achievement in the league’s professional history.
Reflecting on Santiago’s achievements and the significance of her new citizenship, Reyes shared, “I think ‘yun ang pinaka, one of the biggest dream nung bata, ‘di na pala bata, may asawa na. I’m happy for her na nakuha niya ‘yung isa sa mga talagang pangarap niya. Hindi na lang siya pangarap, andiyan na.
“I’m happy for her.”
