Tina Salak believes Bea Bonafe has what it takes to thrive as Akari’s playmaker after her impressive first start as a setter with the Chargers during the PVL on Tour knockout round.
After Akari’s stunning sweep of Petro Gazz to secure a PVL on Tour quarterfinal berth, head coach Tina Salak had nothing but praise for setter Bea Bonafe.
The game marked Bonafe's first-ever career start in the PVL as she put up 14 excellent sets in the Chargers’ huge victory.
For Salak, Bonafe’s breakout performance is just the beginning of what could be a promising career.
“'Yung potential kasi nandun eh. It’s on how you like [use it] and when to use it,” Salak shared. “Sa kanya kasi parang nade-deprive siya of showing ‘yung kanyang talent. But for me kasi, there’s no time [na] itago mo pa eh. Ito na eh. So, either let it be or let it go away. And good thing lang in-embrace niya ‘yung challenge na yun.”
[ALSO READ: Bea Bonafe savors first career start after orchestrating Akari’s PVL on Tour quarterfinal berth]
Salak revealed that she’s been mentoring Bonafe since high school in De La Salle Zobel, which made this moment extra special.
The 24-year-old playmaker was part of Salak’s championship squad in the juniors, along with the likes of Angel Canino, Justine Jazareno, Jewel Encarnacion, Alleiah Malaluan, and Lyka De Leon, back in UAAP Season 81.
“For me as a coach, coach ko rin siya kasi siya na yung high school eh. So, nakita ko din na up to the challenge siya. Malayo mararating niya parang ngayon ‘yung naging breakthrough game niya,” Salak said. “Marami pa tayo makikitang ganyan na plays ni Bea.”
“Sobrang seryoso niya. Mag-aga siya lagi sa training. Makikita mo yung mga little efforts na gusto talaga niyang gawin to para sa team. So, gusto niyang gawin para sa sarili,” she added.
[ALSO READ: Tina Salak sets immediate goals for Akari after debut win in PVL on Tour]
Prior to joining Akari in the offseason, Bonafe had always been seen as third or even fourth setter for the loaded Creamline Cool Smashers.
That’s why once she made her move, Salak immediately challenged Bonafe to step out of the shadows and create her own identity on the court.
“When she came sa Akari, inunlock ko ‘yun,” Salak explained. “Sinabi ko, you have to be yourself. Not just parang li-imitate mo yung gusto mo, ‘yung taong gusto mo. Hindi mo makikita yung best mo because you’re thinking ‘yung ibang tao ‘yung niro-role mo."
[ALSO READ: Bea Bonafe finds fresh PVL start in move to Akari: ‘It’s time for me to pursue my personal goals’]
With a new-found confidence in herself, Salak believes this is just the start for Bonafe as she carves out a role with the Chargers.
“Ibahin niya lahat—lahat ng ideas niya, lahat ng forms niya, yung techniques niya. Kasi para at least makita mo po sino talaga si Bea.”