Grateful for a bright and colorful year.
Nxled Chameleons coach Taka Minowa and JT Marvelous middle blocker Jaja Santiago have managed to make a long-distance relationship work.
And the key might be having something to always remind themselves of each other.
When asked about the best gift he received this year, Coach Taka’s easy response was something given to him by his wife—sprinkling in a few Filipino words to boot.
"I got my dog from my asawa ko," he said in a video posted by Nxled on Instagram. "My dog's name is Akaba. She's very good and she's smart. I love her."
Who doesn't love getting fluffy affection?
Jaja has done a lot of things for her husband this year, including encouraging him to take the coaching job for Nxled and helping him get adjusted to Filipino culture.
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Santiago’s full support has worked wonders for the Japanese mentor, as the Chameleons had a pretty impressive debut in the PVL Second All-Filipino Conference, finishing ninth with a 4-7 record.
For the players, being with the new team is the best gift they received this year.
"Ang best gift na na-receive ko, actually 'di lang ako, pati 'yung teammates ko rin is nabuo ang Nxled," middle blocker Camille Victoria said. "Malaking plot twist siya sa akin, nagkaroon kami ng playing time."
"Nxled Chameleons. Awww," outside hitter May Luna added. “I think Nxled is a big plot twist sa 2023 ko kasi 'di ko siya in-expect dumating. Bigla lang siyang dumating. Sabi nga nila, wait for the right time."
Here’s to hoping that Nxled will be a gift that keeps on giving next year!
(PM)