Alas Women's Bella Belen faces the reporters in Thailand after Philippines' loss to Indonesia in the bronze medal match of the 33rd SEA Games, December 15, 2025. POC Media
Holding back her tears, Bella Belen admitted feeling the pain after Alas Pilipinas Women's heartbreaking 26-28, 25-13, 28-30, 24-26 loss to Indonesia in the bronze medal match of the indoor volleyball competition at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games on Monday in Thailand.
Still reeling from the sad fate of missing the podium—a 20-year medal drought for the Philippines, which will be extended for at least two more years—Belen believed that the team could have won the game against the Megawati Hangestri Pertiwi-led Indonesian side.
"Masakit talaga. Kaya talaga sana. Kaya talaga, nakita ko na kaya ng team sana mag-podium ulit, pero hindi pa para sa atin," said the Capital1 star.
Notably, all Alas' set losses were in extended frames, playing with their hearts out, as Belen pointed out.
READ: SEAG medal drought continues as Alas Women put up gallant stand, but fall to Indonesia
"Kailangan pag naglalaro, puso talaga. So nakita ko naman po siya kanina sa game, talagang pinusuan ng team. Sadyang kinapos talaga tayo. I believe na kaya nangyari ito kasi meron dapat tayong ginawa before pa lang.
Belen is keeping her belief and faith in the national team program, saying that Alas is still bound to reach greater heights, citing their gallant fight against Indonesia.
"I believe pataas pa rin po tayo. Hindi naman porke't natalo, ibig sabihin pangit na 'yung program. Before hindi naman tayo nakakadikit sa Indonesia, ganiyan, ngayon natatalo na po natin sila. Sadyang ngayon, sila po 'yung nanalo," she said.
Belen, speaking on behalf of Alas Women, vowed to come back stronger.
"To all the Filipino fans po, maraming salamat po sa walang sawang pagsuporta po sa lahat ng atletang Pilipino. And babawi po kami. Hindi po namin kayo bibiguin."