There are moments in an athlete’s life when everything suddenly feels bigger and brighter.
For Capital1 rookie Bella Belen, being named Ms. Volleyball by the Philippine Sportswriters Association was one of those moments.
“To be honest, hindi po talaga,” Belen said when asked if she ever imagined being mentioned alongside the sport’s biggest names.
The 23-year-old rookie received her award from the PVL Press Corps shortly after leading the Solar Spikers to a thrilling five-set win over Choco Mucho, making up for missing the awards night at the Diamond Hotel the previous evening due to illness.
In doing so, she joined an elite group of past recipients — Alyssa Valdez, Aby Marano, Mika Reyes, Jaja Santiago, Dawn Catindig, Sisi Rondina, Tots Carlos, and Jia De Guzman — names that have helped define an era of Philippine volleyball.
“Siguro inisip ko lang na kung may time na darating, makakalaban ko sila o magiging teammates ko sila. Pero hindi ko talaga inisip na darating ‘yung time na makakasama ako sa listahan ng mga talented players,” said the top overall pick of the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft.
(C) PVL Images
Belen said she felt truly honored and grateful, especially that the country’s oldest media organization recognized her efforts — a validation she described as both humbling and inspiring.
“Very honored and grateful talaga kasi hindi ko naman po ini-expect na magkakaroon po ako ng ganitong klaseng award, kasi hindi po siya birong award,” Belen said.
“Maraming magagaling at talented na players. So I’m very thankful sa PSA. Kung sino man po ang nagboto, maraming salamat po.”
It was a fitting moment for Belen, whose stellar performance on the court mirrored the honor she received off it.
The three-time UAAP MVP erupted for 29 points, matching the career-high she set back in the UAAP Season 85 semifinals when she carried National University past Adamson University in four sets on May 3, 2023.
This is also her highest scoring output in the league, which she reset three times over the last four games.
Even amid the spotlight and accolades, Belen stayed grounded, insisting that awards are a byproduct of hard work, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence.
“I mean, lagi ko naman po sinasabi, like, yung every award kahit saan, susunod talaga. Basta, like, magtrabaho, magsumikap lagi, like, kunyari kailangan mag-show up every game, every training, and sa lahat ng bagay. So, ayun, I’m very thankful sa award.”
