Jaja Santiago Biography: Age, Real Name, Career, Education, Height, Parents, Siblings, Husband, Children, Nationality, Ethnicity and Citizenship

Here is a list of Jaja Santiago names:

1. Full Name: Alyja Daphne Antonio Santiago

2. Nickname: Jaja

3. Married Name: Sachi Minowa

These names reflect her personal, professional, and married identities.

Early Life and Family Background

Jaja Santiago was born on January 20, 1996, in Cavite City, Philippines. She grew up in a family with a strong sports background. Her father, Jojo Santiago, was a former basketball player who played for the University of Manila Hawks and the San Juan Knights in the Metropolitan Basketball Association. Her mother worked as an overseas Filipino worker in Israel. Jaja Santiago has four siblings: Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Axel Leonard Santiago, Diane Angeleen, and Abigail Robelle, who have also been involved in sports. Her sister Dindin is also a professional volleyball player, while her brother Axel has coached the National University (NU) Bulldogs volleyball teams.

Educational Background 

Jaja Santiago attended National University-Manila, where she played college volleyball and gained recognition for her exceptional skills. She graduated in 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology, two years after finishing her stint in the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

Volleyball Career

Jaja Santiago volleyball career began at an early age, quickly rising through the ranks to become one of the Philippines' most prominent volleyball players. She played for several clubs in the Philippines, including the PLDT Home Fibr Hitters and Foton Tornadoes. She also competed with the Philippine national team, representing the country in the Southeast Asian Games in 2015 and 2017, and again in 2022.

In 2018, Jaja Santiago took a significant step in her career by joining Ageo Medics in Japan's V.League. She played with the team for nearly five years, during which she earned various awards, including "Best Blocker" and "Best Middle Blocker" titles. In May 2023, Santiago decided not to renew her contract with Ageo Medics, ending her long stint with the team. Shortly after, she signed with JT Marvelous for the 2023–24 season, continuing her professional career in Japan.

International Recognition and Awards

Throughout her career, Jaja Santiago has accumulated numerous awards and accolades. Her impressive achievements include multiple "Best Attacker" and "Most Valuable Player" titles in the UAAP, Philippine Super Liga, and Premier Volleyball League. Internationally, she has been recognized as one of the top middle blockers in Japan’s V.League.

Personal Life

In August 2022, Jaja Santiago married Takayuki Minowa, a Japanese volleyball coach associated with Ageo Medics. Prior to her marriage, Jaja Santiago had been in a relationship with her former teammate, Maika Ortiz. After her marriage, Santiago began the process of acquiring Japanese citizenship, a move that could allow her to represent Japan in international competitions. In August 2024, she officially obtained Japanese citizenship and adopted the name Sachi Minowa.

Current and Future Endeavors

As of 2024, Santiago continues to play for JT Marvelous in Japan’s V.League. Her recent acquisition of Japanese citizenship opens new opportunities for her in the volleyball world, including potential participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics. Santiago's dedication to the sport, coupled with her remarkable skills and experience, ensures that she remains a significant figure in both Filipino and Japanese volleyball.

Legacy

Jaja Santiago journey from a young volleyball player in the Philippines to an internationally recognized athlete is a testament to her talent, hard work, and perseverance. Her contributions to Philippine volleyball and her success in Japan have inspired many young athletes in both countries. With her recent transition to Japanese citizenship and her continued excellence on the court, Jaja Santiago legacy is set to grow even further.

Jaja Santiago Parents 

Jaja Santiago parents played significant roles in her life. Her father, Jojo Santiago, was a basketball player who competed for the University of Manila Hawks and the San Juan Knights in the now-defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association. He was a strong influence in Jaja’s athletic career, instilling in her the discipline and passion for sports. Unfortunately, Jojo passed away in 2014.

Her mother worked as an overseas Filipino worker in Israel to support the family. Despite the challenges of being away from home, her mother’s hard work and sacrifices provided the foundation for Jaja Santiago and her siblings to pursue their dreams. The values of determination and resilience that Jaja learned from her parents have greatly contributed to her success as a volleyball player.

Jaja Santiago Height and Weight Measurements 

Jaja Santiago stands at an impressive height of 1.93 meters, which is about 6 feet 4 inches, making her one of the tallest volleyball players from the Philippines. Her height gives her a significant advantage on the court, especially in blocking and spiking. Weighing approximately 74 kilograms (163 pounds), Jaja Santiago maintains a strong and athletic build that complements her position as a middle blocker. Her height and weight, combined with her agility and skills, make her a formidable presence in the volleyball world, both in the Philippines and internationally.

FAQs 

1. What is Jaja Santiago real name?

Her real name is Alyja Daphne Antonio Santiago.

2. How old is Jaja Santiago?

As of 2024, Jaja Santiago is 28 years old, born on January 20, 1996.

3. What is Jaja Santiago height?

Jaja Santiago stands 1.93 meters tall, which is approximately 6 feet 4 inches.

4. What is Jaja Santiago educational background?

She graduated with a bachelor's degree in psychology from National University-Manila in 2020.

5. Who are Jaja Santiago parents?

Her father was Jojo Santiago, a former basketball player, and her mother worked as an overseas Filipino worker in Israel.

6. Does Jaja Santiago have any siblings?  

Yes, she has four siblings: Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Axel Leonard Santiago, Diane Angeleen, and Abigail Robelle.

7. Is Jaja Santiago married?

Yes, Jaja Santiago married Japanese volleyball coach Takayuki Minowa in 2022.

8. Does Jaja Santiago have any children? 

As of now, Jaja Santiago does not have any children.

9. What is Jaja Santiago nationality and ethnicity?

Jaja Santiago was born Filipino with Filipino ethnicity, but she acquired Japanese citizenship in 2024.

10. What are some of Jaja Santiago major awards and achievements?

Jaja Santiago has won numerous awards, including UAAP Season 80 Most Valuable Player (2018), multiple Best Attacker awards, and the Premier Volleyball League Open Conference MVP (2021). She was also named Best Blocker in the 2021-2022 Japanese V.League Division 1.