The Chery Tiggo Crossovers have been supportive of Jaja Santiago's dream to play for Japan in the Olympics.
As the news broke out of Jaja Santiago finally acquiring her Japanese citizenship, her mother team in the Philippines, the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, had just swept the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles in the 2024 PVL Reinforced Conference, 25-18, 25-18, 25-19, on Saturday, August 17.
Following the victory, Chery Tiggo head coach Kungfu Reyes entered the press room for his usual post-game chat. He was immediately told about the news, and a bright smile appeared on his face.
Santiago played for Reyes in high school at the University of Santo Tomas, Jaja likewise played with coach Kungfu for several national team stints with the Philippines.
In the PVL, Santiago last played for the Chery Tiggo Crossovers in the 2021 Open Conference, delivering the team's first-ever league title.
The 6-foot-5 Santiago, who currently plays for JT Marvelous, recently joined training with the Japanese national pool following an impressive 2023-24 V.League season where her team finished second.
With her Japanese citizenship already acquired, Santiago will now have a chance to play for the Hinotori Nippon in the Volleyball Nations League, the 2026 Asian Games, and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
“Ito na 'yung dream niya, that's why nandu'n naman siya sa Japan, and nakapag-asawa na rin ng Japanese, siyempre. 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,” Reyes said during the post-game press conference.
[ALSO READ: Jaja Santiago bares heartfelt message after officially acquiring Japanese citizenship]
Though Santiago will likely no longer join the Crossovers in their future PVL campaigns, Reyes is glad to see the 28-year-old middle blocker achieve her dreams overseas.
“I think 'yun ang pinaka, one of the biggest dream nung bata, 'di na pala bata, may asawa na. I'm happy for her na nakuha niya 'yung isa sa mga talagang pangarap niya. Hindi na lang siya pangarap, andiyan na. I'm happy for her,” said Reyes.