CANDON, Ilocos Sur – Capital1 rookie Bella Belen views the 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase as a welcome breather from the demanding schedule of the 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, while also giving her a chance to bond with fellow players.
“Very relaxing. I mean, siyempre parang may change of scenery na rin kasi usually, ano lang eh… Sa Manila lang ganyan, hindi nakakita ng nature and all,” said Belen after the tree-planting activity at the Candon Ecopark here on Thursday.
The All-Star festivities have kept players busy with a packed schedule leading up to the main showcase.
The weekend opened with a fireworks display and drone show during the welcome dinner last Wednesday night in front of the Van Gogh Hotel here, followed by a tree-planting activity at the Candon Ecopark on Thursday morning.
Players then took part in a meet-and-greet session at the Candon City Arena in the afternoon, before wrapping up the day with a visit to the Candon City Aquarium Park here.
(C) PVL Images
The series of activities not only filled the All-Star week with celebration and engagement but also gave players ample opportunity to bond and interact away from the intensity of competition — something Belen said she has particularly enjoyed.
“So ayun, masaya lang kasi nakasama ko rin yung ibang mga Ates ko from the PVL. So ayun, konting bonding and all,” said the top overall pick of the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft.
Belen earned a starting spot for Team Heart following an impressive individual campaign with the Solar Spikers in the recent All-Filipino Conference, where she finished third overall in scoring despite her team bowing out in the first round of the play-in stage.
She is the only rookie starter in the All-Star Game, with No. 2 overall pick Jean Asis also making the cut as a reserve for Team Heart in the PVL showcase.
Belen admitted she was initially surprised by her All-Star selection, but said she feels equally excited at the prospect of sharing the court and teaming up with players she has never played alongside before.
“Ah, siyempre, ano po siya, malaking bagay siya for me. Since yun nga, rookie ako, parang I’m not expecting na mapapasama dito. Since yun nga, bago pa lang po sa PVL,” said the three-time UAAP MVP.
“But siyempre, at the same time, masaya kasi parang bago ako pero na-recognize kung ano po yung kaya kong gawin sa volleyball and all. So ayun, I’m very happy talaga na napasama ako sa All Star.”
