Bella Belen’s name is already etched in UAAP history, but she’s far from done writing her volleyball story.
After an illustrious 11-year run with National University — where she won eight championships and five MVP trophies across both the girls’ and women’s divisions — the three-time UAAP Women’s Volleyball MVP is stepping into a new arena.
Belen capped off her collegiate career by leading the Lady Bulldogs to their third title in four seasons, sweeping the DLSU Lady Spikers in Season 87.
Now, as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Draft, Belen joins the Capital1 Solar Spikers. And she is bringing her trademark grit and competitive fire to a franchise still seeking its first win in the PVL on Tour.
“Ako, ang gagawin ko lang, hihigitan ko siguro ‘yung mga pinakita ko noong UAAP,” said Belen during the 2025 Collegiate Press Corps Awards Night held Monday, June 30, at Discovery Suites Manila. “Kahit na alam po natin na magkakaiba ang paglalaro sa pro at sa UAAP, siyempre I will do my best talaga. Siguro ang maipapangako ko lang sa Capital1, paglalaban ko sila gaya ng ginawa ko sa NU.”
“Kasi gano’n naman ako eh, gano’n akong tao,” she added with a laugh.
“Once na mag-commit ako, kaya kong ipaglaban. Parang relasyon lang ‘yan. So ayun, basta yun—paglalaban ko talaga ‘yung team ko as long as kaya ko.”
While many already see her as a game-changer for Capital1, Belen knows that building a winning program won’t happen overnight.
She emphasizes that her journey with NU wasn’t built on instant success, but on years of culture-setting with teammates like Alyssa Solomon, Lams Lamina, Sheena Toring, and Erin Pangilinan — all of whom rose through the Lady Bullpups program with her.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“It takes time talaga to build a strong team,” Belen explained. “So ayun, siguro uunti-untiin lang din namin — kagaya ng ginawa namin sa NU. Kasi ‘yung NU, hindi naman naging strong in just one year. Talagang matagal. So ngayon, kahit konting years lang, susubukan namin. Since pare-parehas naman kaming gustong manalo, and ‘yung drive namin sa sports, pare-parehas din.”
Helping ease her transition into the professional ranks are several familiar faces. National team head coach Jorge de Brito, who first mentored Belen during her 2022 international debut, is now also calling the shots for Capital1.
She’s also reunited with longtime teammates and friends Ivy Aquino and Roma Doromal, as well as former UAAP rival Pia Abbu, who joined the Solar Spikers through the same draft class.
“Siguro po hindi ako masyadong nahihirapang mag-adjust, since naging coach ko na po si Coach Jorge sa National Team since 2022 — so medyo matagal na rin. Medyo kilala ko na po siya,” Belen shared. “And I’m very happy naman kasi may mga players doon na naging ka-teammate ko na before — like si Ate Roma, si Ate Iris. Ayun, very excited lang ako for the future with Capital1.
“I believe very talented ‘yung mga players doon, lalo na ‘yung mga nakuha nila ngayon sa draft — sina Pia and Ate Ivy. So malaking tulong talaga ‘yun for the team, and for me to adjust.”
Fresh off a silver medal finish with Alas Pilipinas in the 2025 AVC Women’s Nations Cup, Belen carries a newfound maturity into her professional career.
With expectations mounting from both fans and critics, the 23-year-old outside hitter remains grounded, focusing on her own standards rather than external pressure.
“Siguro ‘yung pressure, hindi naman mawawala. Lalo na ‘yung expectations ng ibang tao,” she admitted. “Pero siguro mas iisipin ko kung ano ‘yung expectations ko sa sarili ko. We’re gonna fight until the end — kung hanggang saan ang kaya namin.
“Since medyo young team pa kami — kaka-build lang nila last year, if I’m not mistaken — so ayun, I’m really excited kung ano ‘yung pwede kong ma-contribute sa team.”
#WATCH: Bella Belen is feeling overwhelmed with blessings after a stellar #UAAPSeason87, going No. 1 in the #PVLDraft, and earning a breakthrough silver with Alas Women in the #AVCNationsCup 🏐
📹 @ErnestTuazon /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/cdxfmvAwSP
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) June 30, 2025
