Another reason why the volleyball star is a true inspiration.
Jaja Santiago is in the house!
In her house, to be exact.
At 26 years old, the Filipina volleyball star has achieved her dream of having her own abode in the Philippines, where she said she feels "relaxed" and "at peace."
Her house is beautiful and elegant. She said she wanted to have a "minimalist style" that feels like "living in a hotel."
Helping the JT Marvelous middle blocker achieve it is fellow volleyball star Jessey de Leon of the PLDT High Speed Hitters. In case you're not aware, de Leon is also a licensed architect. She regularly shares her designs on Instagram and her vlog.
In the latest episode of de Leon's vlog, she talked to Santiago about the latter's house. Santiago said their family's house is barely big enough to fit them all. But now, through her hard work, she's able to afford a build a way better one for all of them.
"Sobrang saya na nakapagpatayo ako ng bahay, 'yung masasabi ko na 'Bahay ko 'to,'" said Santiago. "Sobrang blessed (ako). Hindi ko in-expect na makakapagpatayo ako ng bahay."
She also admitted that it was a daunting dream, at least initially.
"Nung una parang ang hirap. Sabi ko, 'Kakayanin ko kaya?" Kasi sobrang mahal magpatayo ng bahay. Ang daming pagsubok. Ang dami ko ring try before na magpatayo ng bahay kaso urong-sulong. Tapos ito, finally, ito na talaga, nakatayo na, nakatira na ko," added the veteran spiker.
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Santiago shared she was inspired by her family, her grandparents, in particular, to push through to own her house. But she admitted she also drew inspiration from another source, including de Leon.
"Mahilig ako magtingin sa mga vlogger. Tapos naiisip ko, 'Saan kaya sila pumupunta, kapag nagva-vlog sila parang nasa hotel sila o nasa ibang lugar?'" said Santiago. "Gusto ko ganun din 'yung magiging hitsura ng bahay ko. Kaya talaga nung nag-usap na tayo na anong gusto kong design, 'di ba sabi ko, 'Ikaw na po bahala.' Kumbaga lahat ng type mo, hindi na ko magsa-suggest (ng iba) kasi alam ko na 'yung gusto mo, gusto rin."
Santiago, who's currently Japan V.League's top blocker, owns multiple championships and awards from her storied career. But perhaps, nothing's more fulfilling than owning her house. As the adage goes: Home is where the heart is.
"Para kong nabunutan ng tinik. Hindi ko inakala na makakapagpatayo nga ako ng bahay. Kasi siyempre trabaho ka lang nang trabaho, kapag naglalaro tayo ng volleyball, feeling mo nawawalan ka na ng social life. Tapos lahat talaga sina-sacrifice mo. Kaya pagdating ko dito, ito na talaga 'yung sinakripisyo ko. Medyo maluha-luha rin ako. Unbelievable talaga," said Santiago.
Believe it, queen. You deserve it.