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Former NU superstar Jaja Santiago cheers for the Lady Bulldogs in their UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball Final 4 game against the FEU Lady Tamaraws, May 8, 2024 at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
MANILA – Volleyball star Jaja Santiago is back in the Philippines after an impressive stint in the Japan V.League with JT Marvelous and training with the Japanese women's national team.
The decorated middle blocker has been in the country for two days, she revealed, and has reunited with her husband Taka Minowa and PVL team Chery Tiggo.
Santiago was at the Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City on Wednesday to show support to the National University, which is gunning for a Finals berth in the UAAP Season 86.
"So far, so good. Kasi, ika-two days ko dito sa Pilipinas. I went to Chery [Tiggo]'s practice. 'Yun pa lang ang nagagawa ko kasi nasa bahay ako kahapon. Nag-pamper. Today, pumunta sa UAAP and support the NU Lady Bulldogs," she told reporters.
READ: Jaja, JT Marvelous fall to NEC in V.League Finals
The Lady Bulldogs have a 2-0 set lead as of posting time.
"I really feel blessed na lumipat ako sa JT (Marvelous.) Of course, best rin ako noong naglaro sa Ageo (Medics). I learned a lot from JT kasi. Very dynamic yung system nila. I felt like yung system nila is like men's volleyball," Santiago said.
"I'm very happy that my first experience sa team naming is naibalik naming sa finals."
Santiago said her naturalization for a Japanese citizenship is still in the process, with PNVF president Tats Suzara helping her with the procedure.
"Actually, walang nakakaalam kung nasaan na siya. But it's on the process. Hopefully ma-approve. Sir Tats [Suzara] is helping me though."
READ: Jaja Santiago to train with Japan national volleyball team