The two collegiate players got the opportunity to train with Santiago, even for only a brief moment, when the Philippine National Volleyball Federation held a tryout for the women's national team last week in Subic.
Speaking to "Off the Record with Migs Bustos and Cesca Litton-Kalaw," they expressed their excitement at getting to play again after long months away from the sport. The two players relished the opportunity to suit up next to their idols, including longtime national team captain Abigail Maraño and former UAAP Most Valuable Player Majoy Baron. But even among these veterans, the towering Santiago stood out.
"And seeing her achieve all those things in Japan, like, grabe. Doon ako nag-start na, it's really possible pala for a Filipino to achieve those kinds of things, 'yung mga na-achieve ni Ate Ja," she added. "So being with her lang, parang isang karangalan na for me."