No. 1 pick Bella Belen shows growth in Capital1’s tough PVL campaign

Widely regarded as one of the brightest stars to emerge from the University Athletic Association of the Philippines, Bella Belen continues to carry the weight of expectations that she will become the next face of Philippine volleyball — and perhaps a cornerstone of the national team’s future on the international stage.

The former collegiate standout wasted little time making her mark in the professional ranks after being selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft by the Capital1 Solar Spikers. From the moment she donned the Solar Spikers jersey, Belen has embraced the responsibility of leading a rebuilding franchise hungry to establish itself as a legitimate contender.

Now 23, the dynamic outside hitter has shown flashes of brilliance early in her PVL career, spearheading Capital1’s offense in the ongoing All-Filipino Conference. However, the transition from collegiate dominance to professional consistency has not come without challenges. The Solar Spikers currently sit eighth in the standings after three games, a position that underscores the growing pains of a young squad still searching for cohesion against more seasoned opponents.

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Despite the setbacks, Belen’s competitive fire and willingness to learn have stood out. Her development was evident in Capital1’s recent meetings with the PLDT High Speed Hitters. In their first encounter, she was limited to 13 points as PLDT’s formidable blocking corps repeatedly shut down her attacking lanes. But just days later, Belen responded with a statement performance, erupting for a PVL-leading 28 points on 26 attacks in a spirited rematch — a testament to her adjustments and resilience.

Reflecting on the experience, Belen pointed to preparation and in-game awareness as key factors in her bounce-back outing.

“Naalala ko pa yung last na paghaharap namin sa Reinforced. Grabe, naba-block nila ako. Dapat from that, kung makaka-block man sila sa akin, siguro dalawa, isa, pero hindi ganon karami. Kailangan mas marami pa rin akong napuntos for the team. Siyempre, yung coverage nandiyan kahit ma-block ako, meron na ka-support na sa akin. So, ayun, inaral naman namin yung PLDT po, na alam namin na yung advantage talaga nila is yung blocking nila. Kasi, malalaki at mabibilis talaga sila,” Belen said in a media interaction.

‘PARANG NAALALA KO YUNG SELF KO BEFORE’

Former NU Lady Bulldogs star Bella Belen is all praises for rookie Sam Cantada, who put up an impressive performance in her collegiate debut. | via @PaigeJavier pic.twitter.com/hb7vzMKnBB

— ABS-CBN News (@ABSCBNNews) February 15, 2026

Her comments highlight not only her individual accountability but also the team’s collective effort to dissect opponents and improve tactically — a crucial trait for a young roster aiming to climb the standings.

Even in defeat, Belen found reasons for optimism.

“Siyempre, despite the loss, nakita ko naman na lumaban yung team. Kumbaga, mayroong glimpse na kaya, kaya sana ng team. Sadyang, siyempre yung kalaban namin, sobrang veterano na matagalan sila magkasama, ganyan.

“Meron pa kami dapat, sana pinush pa namin yung sarili namin na kung ano pa yung pwede namin gawin sana, para ma-push pa yung game into 5-set. At sana nanalo kami, gano’n. So, I’m very happy pa rin naman sa naging performance ng team na kahit gano’n yun, natalo. Nakita ko naman na lumaban ko yung team,” she concluded.

For Belen, the emphasis remains on growth — turning painful lessons into stepping stones. Her scoring leap from 13 to 28 points against the same opponent illustrates both her adaptability and her determination to shoulder the offensive burden when needed.

Capital1’s journey in the All-Filipino Conference is far from over, and Belen will once again be at the forefront when the Solar Spikers face the Choco Mucho Flying Titans at the FilOil Centre on Tuesday, February 17. Against another established contender, the young star will have another opportunity to showcase her evolution — not just as a prolific scorer, but as a leader intent on steering her team back to winning ways.

If early signs are any indication, Bella Belen’s professional story is only just beginning — and Philippine volleyball fans may very well be witnessing the rise of their next superstar.

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