BACARRA, ILOCOS NORTE — Jaja Santiago raked everything that there are on Friday night.
Santiago topped off her Premier Volleyball League Open Conference title with the Conference and Finals Most Valuable Player awards.
After completing her haul in the Philippines’ biggest stage, what’s next for the 6-foot-5 star?
Will she go back to Japan and join Ageo Medics or will she stay here for a while?
“Next ko actually national team,” said the 25-year-old Santiago moments after winning the championship — her first in a domestic league since 2016.
“But narinig ko kasi na namove yung national team so hindi ko pa alam. After nito kakausapin ko pa si Sir Tats [Suzara] and then next is yung Japan ko babalik ako don.”
Santiago was supposed to suit up for the Philippines in the 21st Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Asian Senior Women’s Volleyball Championship.
However, several reports have stated that the AVC has been postponed due to the rise of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines.
Now, with everything still uncertain, the 25-year-old pride of Tanza, Cavite will return home to spend time with her family.
Photo from Ageo Medics
“Pero siyempre uwi muna ako ng bahay namin kasi pagkadating na pagkadating ko after japan deretso na training and then andito na ko sa Ilocos,” shared Santiago, a native of Tanza, Cavite.
“Wala pa kong time for my family gusto ko magspend time with them and magcelebrate ng championship.”
Santiago led Chery Tiggo to a historical win over Creamline, delivering the Crossovers the first-ever professional volleyball title in the Philippines. She finished with a total of 26 points off 24 attacks and four blocks.
And after non-stop of playing for one month, Santiago finally gets to rest.
