Bea Bonafe turns emotional during her first start in her career. PVL Media Bureau
MANILA – Bea Bonafe, in her first start in her career, immediately displayed what she is capable of, steering Akari to a 32-30, 25-22, 25-19 straight-set triumph in the PVL on Tour knockout round on Tuesday at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig.
Bonafe's emotions ran high immediately after the game, relishing the extended minutes she just had played, which she missed out during her Creamline days.
READ: PVL on Tour: Akari topples Petro Gazz, punches q'finals ticket
She joined Akari earlier this year in pursuit of growth, teaming up with her high school mentor Tina Salak.
For Bonafe, her breakthrough game was "like a championship" as she credited her teammates for the trust bestowed unto her.
Akari played without main setter Kamille Cal, and Bonafe did not waste the opportunity as she pounced on the chance.
"It feels like I won a championship. Ganun 'yung feeling. Sobrang saya po and hindi ko magagawa 'yon kung wala sina coach tsaka sina ate kasi lahat sila naniwala po sa'kin," said Bonafe, who registered 14 excellent sets in three frames.
Sharing her journey, the De La Salle-Zobel product shared it was Salak who convinced and encouraged her to transition to setter from middle blocker, even when after her time with Creamline.
"It was a very big leap. Kasi in high school, I was a middle blocker. From then on, after I graduated, coach Tina said to try being a setter," Bonafe said.
"So, ever since, that's like five years past na po 'yun. I went to Creamline, and si coach Tina pa rin nagsasabi mag-setter ka. Kaya mo 'yan, kaya mo 'yan," she added.
For her part, Salak said she was grateful as Bonafe took on the challenge, citing her hidden potential waiting to be unleashed.
"'Yung potential kasi nandun eh. It's on how you like [use it] and when to use it. Sa kanya kasi parang nade-deprive siya of showing her ‘yung kanyang talent," said Salak, referring to Bonafe.
"But for me kasi, there's no time to parang 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."
With the win, the Chargers have clinched a quarterfinal berth, ending Petro Gazz's tournament bid.