Bella Belen arrived at National University a champion — and eleven years later, she walks away the same way: draped in gold, head held high, legacy cemented.
The three-time UAAP women’s volleyball Most Valuable Player ended her storied run with NU in fitting fashion, leading the Lady Bulldogs to a masterful sweep of the De La Salle University Lady Spikers in the UAAP Season 87 Women’s Volleyball Finals.
It wasn’t just another title — it was a full-circle moment for Belen, who first tasted UAAP glory back in 2015 as a Girls’ Volleyball champion in Season 77.
“For me, extra special siya kasi isa na rin siya sa factor na last playing year namin,” said Belen, who tallied 18 points, 11 excellent digs, and eight excellent receptions in her final UAAP appearance.
“Parang kung gaano kami kaganda pumasok nung Season 84, dapat ganoon din kaganda yung pag-alis namin.”
A Promise Kept, A Dynasty Built
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
Her final act with NU marked her eighth UAAP title overall: five in the girls’ division (Seasons 77 to 80 and 82) and three in women’s volleyball.
And yet, Belen admits this most recent title was the sweetest.
It wasn’t just about redemption, although it certainly felt like one after La Salle denied them a back-to-back crown in Season 85.
It was about a promise kept — a commitment Belen made to herself, to her teammates, and to the program she helped shape.
“May hinahanap din kasi kami na goal na back-to-back [titles]—gusto namin maiwan siya sa NU kasi hindi namin nagawa nung Season 85 and history din siya for NU,” she shared.
“Para rin makita rin ng susunod na batch na walang imposible and kaya naman nila, as long as nagtatrabaho and as one.”
Her departure leaves a void, but it also leaves behind a blueprint.
Belen is not just the face of a dynasty — she’s the heart of it.
Her accolades speak volumes: three UAAP women’s MVPs, three Best Outside Hitter citations, and a place among the elite alongside volleyball icons like Alyssa Valdez and Ailyn Ege.
Even before college, she was already a standout, earning two MVPs and a Best Outside Hitter award in the girls’ division.
More Than Championships
Still, for Belen, it’s not the awards she’ll treasure most — it’s the people.
“Ako, siguro yung mga teammates ko talaga and yung community. Kasi yung teammates ko matagal ko na nakasama, parang 11 years ko na rin sila kasama,” she said. “Pag linook back ko yung panahon ko sa NU, sila agad una ko na maaalala.
“Hindi yung mga championship, hindi yung mga trophy, kumbaga yung pagsasama namin kasi ‘yon yung hindi mapapalitan ng kahit sino — yung nabuo namin na samahan.”
With her eyes now set on a professional career, Belen departs NU with pride, leaving behind a squad ready to carry the torch.
Emerging stars like libero Shaina Jardio and outside hitter Vange Alinsug have already begun to carve their own paths — sharing Finals MVP honors, a first in UAAP volleyball history.
“Malaki ang tiwala namin, lalo na sa mga maiiwan,” Belen said. “Malaki ang tiwala ko sa kanila and sa ibang teammates ko na maiiwan kasi syempre, sa training pa lang, kita na namin kung gaano sila ka-hardworking and kilala namin sila personally na hindi nila papabayaan yung team na kahit sino ‘man yung grumaduate or kung sino ‘man yung umalis.
“Talagang alam ko na in good hands pa rin yung NU.”
From a young prodigy to program pillar, Bella Belen leaves NU not just as one of its greatest student-athletes, but as a symbol of sustained excellence, unshakable loyalty, and unforgettable legacy.
#WATCH: Bella Belen shares mixed emotions after leading NU to their third championship in four years, knowing it’s her final game 🏆💙
📹 @ernesttuazon /Tiebreaker Times#UAAPSeason87 pic.twitter.com/WPxDq7DXTG
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) May 14, 2025
