Bella Belen looks up to these PVL stars as she builds her pro career

Bella Belen’s transition to the professional stage has come with immediate attention—but for the young standout, development still begins with learning from the players who defined the league before her.

Now carving out her role with the Capital1 Solar Spikers, Belen recently shared how several established stars in the Premier Volleyball League continue to shape her mindset and playing style. Despite her rapid rise, the rookie standout remains focused on absorbing lessons from veterans known for their consistency and versatility.

Speaking to One Sports, Belen pointed to players whose work ethic and all-around impact have become benchmarks for her own growth.

At the top of her list is Jema Galanza, a player she has already observed closely both on and off the court.

“Siguro si ate Jema since nakasama ko na siya and nakita ko kung paano siya magtrabaho as a player and as a teammate. So, siya rin and all-around player siya,” said Belen.

Belen also credited Ara Galang, whose influence dates back to her collegiate days and continues to carry over into the professional ranks.

“Second, si ate Ara. Ever since collegiate level pa lang siya, parang UAAP pa lang siya, idol ko na talaga siya.”

It was only natural for Alyssa Valdez to make Belen’s list—one of the sport’s most recognizable figures whose reliability remains a standard across generations.

“Siyempre si Ate Alyssa since isa siya sa mga legend sa UAAP and ngayon naman napapakita niya parin na every time ipapasok siya sa court talagang maasahan siya ng team,” Belen said.

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Bella Belen vs Creamline

3 SETS
Total: 26
Attack: 24/63
Block: 1
Ace: 1
Exc. Dig: 9

#PVL2026 #volleyball pic.twitter.com/9JJQvncFdj

— Volleytrails (@volleytrails) February 21, 2026

Another influence is Brooke Van Sickle, whom Belen previously played with in the national team setup.

“Ate Brooke, naging ka-teammate ko rin siya before sa national team,” said Belen. “Kala ko nga makukuha namin siya [sa Capital1]. So ayun, Ate Brooke kasi all-around player din siya.”

Rounding out her list is one of the league’s most respected playmakers, Jia De Guzman—though Belen kept her admiration playful.

“Ate Jia talaga. So, wait. Ate Jia, pag tayo po nagkalaban, please sit out muna kayo, ha?”

Belen’s appreciation for elite competition was put into perspective when the Creamline Cool Smashers showcased their defensive depth in a straight-sets victory over Capital1 at the Filoil EcoOil Centre.

Despite the loss, Belen emerged as a bright spot—continuing to prove why she is considered one of the league’s most promising young stars.

For Belen, the experience reinforced a simple reality: the path to becoming a complete professional player is built not only through performance, but through studying the standards set by the very athletes she now competes against.

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