Jaja Santiago to join Japanese league as import

MANILA, Philippines – After a fruitful tryout last week, Jaja Santiago is all set to bring her talent to the prestigious V.Premier League in Japan.

Foton team manager Diane Santiago confirmed that Jaja impressed Japanese coaches and team officials, prompting them to tap her as their Asian import when the top-flight league opens this October.

Jaja is billed as one of Asia’s rising stars.

She first gained attention when University of California in Los Angeles tried to recruit her for its women’s volleyball team that is campaigning in the Division I of the US NCAA in 2013.

But she politely turned down the offer and suited up for National University in the UAAP, instead.

Then, she joined Foton in the Philippine Superliga where she was given the opportunity to compete in the AVC Asian Women’s Club Championship, FIVB Women’s Club World Championship and two editions of the Southeast Asian Games.

But now that her collegiate stint is finally over, Jaja is now free to penetrate the international arena.

Although Santiago refused to formally identify Jaja’s team pending her contract-signing and press launch in August, she confirmed that her younger sister is very eager to display her talent in Japan.

“Yes, she made it,” said Santiago.

“Unfortunately, we can’t give you any further details as the team will have a formal contract-signing and press conference in Japan around the second week of August. The league will start in October so Jaja still has time to get ready and prepare for the tough battle ahead.”

The V. Premier League offers the highest level of competition in Japan.

The reigning champion is Hisamitsu Springs, a club based in Kobe that has Japan national team members Miyu Nagaoka, Risa Shinabe and Yuki Ishii as key players.