FILE–Former NU Lady Bulldogs’ star Bella Belen, a PVL Draft aspirant, during a UAAP game. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.n et
MANILA, Philippines — Bella Belen missed the first day of the PVL Rookie Draft Combine on Friday at Paco Arena.
The three-time UAAP MVP Belen is currently in Laoag and won’t make it to the first day of the event, according to Inquirer Sports sources.
READ: PVL: Capital1 eyes best use of No. 1 pick amid Bella Belen uncertainty
Belen is supporting the Nazareth School-represented NCRAA team, which battles the squad of Bacolod Tay Tung High School, in the 2025 Palarong Pambansa secondary girls’ volleyball final.
Belen, a member of the Alas Pilipinas’ training pool and part of No. 1 pick Capital1’s shortlist, previously said she is keeping her options open despite entering the draft.
Last year, PVL Rookie of the Year Thea Gagate and third overall pick Julia Coronel were initially expected to attend only the final day of the combine due to their Alas commitments, but the La Salle duo still chose to suit up for the scrimmages.
Appearance is required for the PVL Draft aspirants. Absences may be excused for valid reasons–illness, family emergency, and national team duties, among others–pending approval of the league.
Tia Andaya, straight from Alas Pilipinas training, attended the combine, where most of the 60 hopefuls went through drills, anthropometric measurements, medical tests, and media training.
READ: Bella Belen declares for PVL Rookie Draft but keeps options open
Alohi Robins-Hardy, reportedly in Hawaii, was also absent on Day 1. Both Belen and Robins-Hardy still have a chance to participate on Saturday, when scrimmages are scheduled.
Among those present on Friday were National University’s Erin Pangilinan and Sheena Toring; La Salle’s Alleiah Malaluan, Jyne Soreño, Jules Tolentino, and Jessa Ordiales; Ateneo’s AC Miner and Lyann De Guzman; FEU’s Chenie Tagaod, Jean Asis, and Ann Monares; Adamson’s Mayang Nuique and Ayesha Juegos; UP’s Nica Celis; and UE’s Riza Nogales.
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Former NCAA MVP Mycah Go also attended but left early for her NCAA game with College of Saint Benilde at FilOil EcoOil Centre.
