MANILA – Filipina volleyball star Alyja Daphne “Jaja” Santiago is not closing her doors to Japan’s naturalization offer as she aspires to step on the Olympic volleyball stage in the future.
The former National University Lady Bulldogs star told Volleyball DNA on Sunday that there was indeed a naturalization bid after her impressive stint as import for Saitama Ageo Medics in the Japan V Cup.
“Kalagitnaan pa lang ng liga, gusto na nila ako mag-stay. Gusto nilang palitan ‘yung nationality ko actually,” Santiago said.
“May dream ako makapaglaro sa Olympics pero siyempre may pride pa rin naman ako bilang Pilipino,” she added. “Kung wala talagang chance, why not? Pero it’s on the back of my mind na puwede ako magpalit ng nationality.”
Japan is known for its volleyball program, with its national teams placing 7th and 9th in the latest Fédération Internationale de Volleyball ranking for women’s and men’s, respectively.
The 25-year-old Santiago was the first Filipina volleybelle to capture a gold medal in international stage following Ageo Medics’ championship run in the Japan V. Cup. It was the second medal that Santiago achieved while playing as reinforcement for the said team after finishing with bronze in the same league last year.
“Hindi ko ine-expect na mangyayari ito – na magcha-champion kami at ako ang makakakuha ng first Filipino to win a championship internationally. Nakaka-proud na kahit Pilipino tayo… Alam naman natin na maraming talento ang Pilipino na hindi nakikita internationally so ito na ‘yung simula. Isa ako dun sa una naipakita kung ano ang talento ng Pilipino,” Santiago said.
Now that her stint with Ageo Medics is done, the 6-foot-3 Santiago wants to focus with the Chery Tiggo team in the Premier Volleyball League, which is tentatively tipped to open next month./PN
