RODRIGUEZ, RIZAL – Bella Belen’s Premier Volleyball League debut did not disappoint, as she displayed the skill and composure that made her the top overall pick, even as Capital1 fell short against Choco Mucho in the 2025 Reinforced Conference opener at the Ynares Center in Montalban.
Belen was the same two-way force she was during her time with National University, putting up a huge performance that kept the Solar Spikers in step with the Flying Titans before they ultimately fell short.
“Siyempre, I’m very happy kasi yung nga, nakapaglaro na ako. But sadly, hindi kami nanalo. Sayang kasi parang feeling ko kaya naman na ma-push pa yung game pero kinapos kami,” said the three-time UAAP MVP following their 33-31, 26-24, 25-23 loss on Tuesday night.
“Ako naman po, kasi lagi ko lang iniisip kung ano ‘yung kaya kong i-contribute sa game, and kung ano pa ‘yung mga kaya kong gawin sa mga susunod na games. Kasi like ‘yung mga scores, mga stats, hindi ko naman masyado iniisip. Kailangan ko lang talaga mag-perform ng maayos,” she added.
(C) PVL Images
The 23-year-old outside hitter carried the offensive load for Capital1 with 20 points. She also showcased her topnotch floor defense with 18 excellent digs and 12 excellent receptions in the close loss.
Despite the usual jitters, Belen remains confident that she still has more to offer and is determined to elevate her game in the matches ahead.
“Feeling ko, mas kaya ko pa siyang itaas. Mas may kaya pa akong gawin pero okay na rin siguro since first game, so may jitters, ganyan. I think mas kaya ko pa siyang gandahan pa sa susunod na games,” said the three-time UAAP collegiate champion.
Belen believes that with patience and by shaking off any lingering fear, she can unlock even greater consistency and impact on the court — and that’s exactly what she plans to work on in the coming games.
“Siguro kailangan ‘yung patience ko sa paglalaro doon kasi ibang level na to eh. Hindi na katulad ng UAAP. Ibang level lang talaga. Parang lahat gusto manalo ganyan. Kahit yung mga kalaban, so ayun, kailangan may patience lang talaga sa sarili and sa team,” said Belen.
“Siguro may times kasi before, nung nasa NU ako, like Season 85, may takot sa part sa galaw ko. So siguro ngayon, hindi na. So, naiwan ko na siya sa UAAP, so ngayon, parang kailangan talaga laging palaban.”
#WATCH: “KAYA PERO KINAPOS KAMI”
Bella Belen shares her bittersweet feelings after debuting for Capital1 🏐
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times#PVL2025 pic.twitter.com/KE6F87Gphq
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) October 7, 2025
