Bea Bonafe is ready to grow and embrace her role as one of the Akari Chargers' newest playmakers ahead of the PVL on Tour.
VIGAN, ILOCOS SUR—Bea Bonafe has officially opened a new chapter in her volleyball career after signing with the Akari Chargers, following her time with the Creamline Cool Smashers.
Bonafe’s move to the Chargers came after the end of her two-year contract with the Cool Smashers. She has since joined Akari in time for the PVL on Tour, which start Sunday here.
The 24-year-old setter expressed gratitude for her former club’s support as she took the leap to explore new opportunities.
“My contract with Creamline ends in June, so I wanted to look for another team and get new growth as a player,” Bonafe told reporters.
“I asked if it was okay to be released early, and Creamline was really supportive during the process. It’s time for me to pursue my personal goals.”
Her arrival at Akari couldn’t have come at a more fitting time, as the Chargers recently bid farewell to long-time captain Michelle Cobb, who announced her retirement.
Bonafe now steps in to help fill that void at setter, with guidance from none other than Cobb herself.
“The adjustments have been great. The coaches and teammates have been really helpful, very hands-on with me,” she said. “Ate Mich helping out every day in training also makes the transition a lot faster and better.”
More than just a fresh start, joining Akari marks a homecoming of sorts for Bonafe. She reunites with former high school coach Tina Salak, now at the helm of the Chargers.
“Super full-circle moment kasi si coach Tina was my coach in Zobel. We were together for four years in high school,” she recalled. “Coming back under her, now as a setter, it’s really just a dream come true.”
Bonafe also finds comfort in reconnecting with another familiar face: former Zobel teammate Justine Jazareno.
“It’s a huge help to have Justine around. Coming from the same high school system, the bond is already there,” she said. “Coach Tina really wants to rebuild that culture from our Zobel and FEU days. It’s about building a family again.”
Bonafe will look to make her mark in Akari’s opening match against the Cignal HD Spikers on Sunday, June 22, at the Chavit Coliseum.