A video message by Bella Belen plays during the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft after the three-time UAAP MVP was selected first overall by Capital1 Solar Spikers.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MONTALBAN, Rizal — Still out of action for her new team, Bella Belen got the opportunity to support the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the PVL on Tour at Ynares Center Montalban for the first time.
The first overall pick of the year’s draft made her first appearance on Saturday in the PVL on Tou where the Solar Spikers were scheduled to Chery Tiggo Crossovers during the preseason tournament’s Montalban stop.
READ: Accolades continue to pile up for Bella Belen
“Of course, I’m very excited to see how they’ll play. I’ve been training with them for about two weeks now, and I believe they can win today’s game. So, hopefully, they get the win,” Belen told the reporters in Filipino.
Bella Belen is excited to watch Capital1 vs Chery Tiggo. #PVLonTour #PVL2025 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/mFZSrpSnba
— INQUIRER Sports (@INQUIRERSports) July 5, 2025
Belen, who has yet to make her debut due to her commitment to Alas Pilipinas, said she is raring to play for her first pro team.
“I also really want to play for Capital1, but I can’t for now. There’s a bit of regret, like thinking I should already be playing, but I know I just need to wait since I’m still with the national team for now,” said the three-time UAAP MVP out of National University.
READ: PVL: Bella Belen to bring same all-out approach at Capital1
“At first, I was a bit shy since I came from the UAAP and I joined the team late, while players like Pia (Abbu) started training earlier than me. But as time went on, it got better because they’re not hard to get along with, and I already knew some of the players. They’re really kind.”
The life of a professional athlete is slowly sinking in for Belen, who helped Alas finish as a runner-up in the AVC Nations Cup.
“It’s really an adjustment. Back in college, we were always together in the dorm, but now, everyone has their own life. After training, you go home alone to your condo, and you really need to take care of yourself and learn to handle things on your own,” Belen said.
“It’s still a big adjustment not being with the teammates I grew up with. It really feels different, but I know it just takes time to adjust.”
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Belen, who sat out in Alas’ current campaign in Vietnam, lauded the squad composed of newcomers Brooke Van Sickle, Leila Cruz, and MJ Phillip. THey will play for a bronze medal in the VTV Cup against Chinese Taipei on Saturday.
“I’m very happy with how they performed at VTV, and it’s a bit of a shame about yesterday’s game because they could have won it. But they still have a game later, so hopefully, we can get that win,” Belen said.
