Photo from Jaja Santiago's Instagram
MANILA – Jaja Santiago has finally obtained Japanese citizenship, the volleyball star announced in an Instagram post on Saturday.
She's now going by the name Minowa Sachi in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Santiago explained that it was part of the process of achieving her dream.
"Changing one’s nationality is not an easy decision. It requires many sacrifices to achieve your dream," she said.
READ: Jaja Santiago to train with Japan national volleyball team
"There are people who will support you, but there are also those who may not understand your decision. However, this is for my dream, because we are not getting any younger, and we don’t know how long we’ll be in this field," Santiago went on.
Earlier this year, Santiago was called to train with the Japanese women's volleyball team. Her husband, Taka Minowa, also confirmed that she was undergoing naturalization process.
"The only thing I know is that I will do everything for my family, my dream, and for the people who support me and believe in the talent that God has given me," said Santiago.
The former National U star started playing in Japan in 2019 as import.
READ: Alyssa Solomon offers UAAP championship to Jaja Santiago
Santiago, in the same Instagram post, took time to thank God, her husband and family, her PVL club Chery Tiggo, several executives and the Philippine National Volleyball Federation, JT Marvelous, Japanese Language Research Center (JLRC), and all the people who supported her.
Santiago acknowledged her roots as a Philippine-born volleyball star and asserted that she will remain a Filipina.
"All of you are part of my journey, and I fully appreciate all the love and support. Now that I have already obtained my Japanese citizenship, in my heart, blood, mind, and soul, I am always a Filipina who was born in the Philippines. And I will not forget that. My name is Alyja Daphne Santiago, now Minowa Sachi. I’m looking forward to your continued support. Thank you!" she concluded.
READ: PVL: Taka Minowa admits LDR tough for him, wife Jaja Santiago
During Chery Tiggo's postgame press conference Saturday, coach Kungfu Reyes revealed that one of Santiago's dreams was playing in the Olympics.
Well, she might achieve it by playing for Japan.
"Ito na 'yung dream niya, kaya that's why nandu'n naman siya sa Japan, and nakapag-asawa na rin ng Japanese," Reyes said, referring to his Akari counterpart Minowa.
"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," he went on. I think 'yun ang pinaka, one of the biggest dream nung bata, 'di na pala bata, may asawa na."
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