CANDON, Ilocos Sur – Bella Belen arrived at the 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase carrying modest expectations, unsure if she truly belonged among the league’s brightest stars.
By the end of it all, she had not only fit in — but stood out.
The Capital1 rookie powered Team Heart to a 25-18, 18-25, 25-23, 25-17 victory over Team Hustle on Friday night, clinching the Premier Volleyball League All-Star match at the Candon City Arena here and ultimately taking home the Most Valuable Player award after putting up a game-high 15 points on 13 attacks and two blocks.
It was a striking turnaround from just a day earlier, when she admitted she never expected to be part of the showcase.
“Parang siyempre po as a rookie, hindi ko pa nilalagay yung sarili ko sa ganoong bagay,” said the top overall pick of the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft.
(C) PVL Images
Coming off a strong PVL All-Filipino Conference campaign, where she earned a spot in the Premier Team and was named Rookie of the Conference, Belen entered the All-Star event already riding a wave of recognition.
Still, she remained grounded, quick to emphasize that she still has plenty to learn.
“Kumbaga, marami pa po akong dapat matutunan from them kasi kahit na medyo nakakasabay sa skills, iba pa rin po talaga yung binibigay nila pagdating sa loob ng game,” she said.
“Kumbaga, yung pagiging veterans nila, nakikita talaga namin, lalo na po ako. Marami akong natututunan talaga sa kanila. So ayun po, I’m thankful to be part of Team Heart,” she added.
Surrounded by seasoned stars, Belen embraced the opportunity to learn, treating the All-Star stage as both a reward and a learning experience. Sharing the court with players she once looked up to, she acknowledged the gap in experience while soaking in every moment on the floor.
Beyond the competition, the event also gave her a chance to connect with fans in a more personal way.
“So ayun, we’re very happy and lalo na po ako kasi first time ko po maging ka-teammates sina Ate Myla (Pablo) and si Ate Aly (Valdez),” said Belen.
“Ayun po, masaya po kami kasi nakapag-interact kami with the fans. So, parang sa part namin mas nakakatuwa na makita po yung fans na nag-e-enjoy.”
