Undoubtedly, Tai Bundit has elevated the Ateneo Women’s Volleyball program to unforeseen heights, winning the school’s first two championships in his first two seasons in Loyola.
In third year, the Lady Eagles are again on track for another Finals appearance, clinching a top two seed in the Final Four and a twice-to-beat advantage.
Bundit’s tenure with Ateneo, however, hinges on Ateneo’s performance in the Final Four.
“When we were talking this month, if we play in the Finals, most probably we will renew him. Basta mag-Finals yan, for sure babalik siya,” said Ateneo team manager Tony Boy Liao.
Apparently, Bundit’s contract is negotiated on a year-to-year basis, as Liao says.
“When we won last year, he was asking kung marere-new yung kanyang contract. So sabi ko definitely. When we starting this year, he asked kung papaano na raw ang contract niya after this season. I told him we’ll talk after the first round. Noong nag 6-0 na kami tapos natalo sa La Salle, he asked again about his contract kasi nga siguro worried siya,” Liao recalled.
It seems that Bundit was looking for confirmation of an extension, as he has been offered a promotion in Thailand’s Air Force, where he is a ranking officer.
“Once in a while, umuuwi siya nang Thailand. Ngayon, meron siyang mga boss doon na gusto siyang pabalikin na. Kung bumalik siya, one rank higher siya. Pinapipili siya, one rank higher or dito siya,” Liao said.
Bundit already earns more coaching Ateneo than what he could earn in Thailand.
“His family wants him to stay here kasi mga mas malaki nga ang kinikita niya,” Liao reveals.
