Returning to the SM Mall of Asia Arena on Tuesday brought a flood of memories for Capital1 rookie Bella Belen.
It was on this very court where she captured three championships and three MVP awards with National University in the UAAP — and stepping back onto the familiar hardwood felt nothing short of nostalgic.
“Kahapon pa lang, niloloko na ako nila coach na home court ko daw,” shared Belen.
“And then kahit kanina, sabi ni coach, ‘This is home court.’ Kung naalala ko daw ba yung — like, confetti kasi yun nga yung last game ko,” she added, recalling her last championship moment with the Lady Bulldogs almost six months ago.
Belen admitted that the moment tugged at her heartstrings as she walked through the halls of her old stomping grounds, the very place that had witnessed her rise into one of the country’s top volleyball talents.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“So siyempre, very nostalgic siya for me, kasi yun nga yung last game ko. Doon pa ako naka-dugout, sa NU na Bulldog dugout,” said the top overall pick of the recent PVL Rookie Draft.
But while the past stirred up nostalgia, Belen is already creating new memories with Capital1.
The 5-foot-8 outside hitter helped the Solar Spikers clinch a top-three finish in Pool A of the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Reinforced Conference after a straight-set victory over Choco Mucho, 25-23, 26-24, 25-19.
Her jersey may have changed, but Belen returned to the MOA Arena with the same fire, contributing 11 points before exiting midway through the third set due to cramps.
“So siyempre, maganda rin ngayon na ibang team na yung kasama ko na naglalaro. Pero siyempre, same pa rin yung fire — like yung pagka-love sa volleyball,” said Belen.
“And I’m very happy talaga kasi pagkabalik ko sa MOA, panalo kami, and straight sets pa rin.”
