Jaja Santiago Biography: Parents, Siblings, Net Worth, Age, Height, Awards, Husband, Family, Pictures, Team, Goals

Jaja Santiago, now known as Sachi Minowa, is a towering Filipino-Japanese volleyball star celebrated for her dominance as a middle blocker.

Born in Cavite City, she proudly represented the Philippines before acquiring Japanese citizenship in 2024, inspiring fans with her powerful plays and international success.

Profile

• Full Name: Alyja Daphne Antonio Santiago
• Stage Name: Jaja Santiago
• Born: January 20, 1996
• Age: 29 years old
• Birthplace: Cavite City, Cavite, Philippines
• Nationality: Filipino-Japanese
• Occupation: Volleyball Player
• Height: 6’5” (193 cm)
• Religion: Christianity
• Parents: Jojo Santiago, Alma Antonio
• Siblings: Dindin Santiago-Manabat, Axel Leonard Santiago, Diane Angeleen Santiago, Abigail Robelle Santiago
• Spouse: Taka Minowa (m. 2022)
• Children: None
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $1 million to $5 million

Early Life

Jaja Santiago was born on January 20, 1996, in Cavite City, Cavite, Philippines, to Jojo Santiago, a former basketball player for the University of Manila Hawks and San Juan Knights, and Alma Antonio, a caregiver who worked in Israel.

Her ethnicity is Filipino, and she was raised in a Christian family. Growing up in Tanza, Cavite, with four siblings—Dindin, Axel Leonard, Diane Angeleen, and Abigail Robelle—Jaja was immersed in a sports-driven household. Her older sister, Dindin Santiago-Manabat, and brother, Axel, a former NU Bulldogs player and coach, also pursued volleyball.

Education

Jaja attended the University of Santo Tomas (UST) for one year before transferring to National University (NU) in Manila, where she played for the NU Lady Bulldogs. She graduated from NU in 2020 with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

Career

Jaja’s volleyball career began at UST, where she played alongside her sister, Dindin, for the Golden Tigresses. At 14, she joined NU as a guest player in Shakey’s V-League Season 7 Conference 2, becoming the youngest player in the league’s history.

She led NU to back-to-back championships in the Shakey’s V-League 13th Season Collegiate Conference (2016), earning MVP and Best Middle Blocker awards. In 2017, she won the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) 1st Season Collegiate Conference championship and MVP with NU, plus a bronze in the PSL Grand Prix with Foton Tornadoes.

She joined the Philippine women’s national team, competing in the 2015 SEA Games and the 2016 FIVB Club World Championship with the PSL All-Stars. In 2018, Jaja signed with Ageo Medics in Japan’s V.League, helping them win a bronze in 2019–20 and the Division 1 V.Cup in 2020–21, her first foreign club title.

In 2022, she moved to JT Marvellous, where she led in attacking (55.7%), blocking (56 blocks), and serving (15 aces) by January 2024. In 2024, she acquired Japanese citizenship and adopted the name Sachi Minowa, opening the door to potentially representing Japan. Her global success elevates Filipino and now Japanese volleyball.

Awards & Nominations

• 2016: Shakey’s V-League 13th Season Collegiate Conference MVP, Best Middle Blocker
• 2017: PVL 1st Season Collegiate Conference MVP
• 2017: PSL Grand Prix Conference 1st Best Opposite Spiker, Bronze Medal (Foton Tornadoes)
• 2018: UAAP Season 80 Most Valuable Player
• 2021: Japan V.League Division 1 Best Blocker
• 2021: Japan V.League Division 1 V.Cup Champion (Ageo Medics)
• Multiple UAAP and PSL Best Attacker Awards
• 2021: PVL Open Conference MVP

Social Media

• Instagram handle: @santiagooja

Personal Life

Jaja Santiago, now Sachi Minowa, is 29 years old and 6’5” tall, living in Japan. She married Taka Minowa, a Japanese volleyball coach with Ageo Medics, in August 2022. Before her marriage, she was in a relationship with former teammate Maika Ortiz.

In August 2024, Jaja acquired Japanese citizenship, adopting the name Sachi Minowa, a significant step that could allow her to play for Japan internationally. She’s close to her family, especially her sister Dindin, also a pro volleyball player. Jaja faced challenges moving to Japan but adapted, learning the language and culture.

Net Worth

Jaja Santiago’s net Worth is estimated at $1 million to $5 million. She earns from her professional volleyball contracts with JT Marvellous in Japan’s V.League, past stints with Foton Tornadoes, and endorsements. Her international career and social media presence boost her income, reflecting her success as a Filipino-Japanese athlete.