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National University superstar Bella Belen. UAAP Media/file photo
MANILA (UPDATED) – Highly anticipated PVL Rookie Draft 2025 applicant Bella Belen did not participate in Day 1 of the Combine held at Paco Arena on Friday.
The NU superstar was out-of-town and had a conflict of schedule as she went to the 2025 Palarong Pambansa in Laoag, Ilocos Norte to support NU Nazareth.
Belen, a three-time UAAP MVP and champion, is widely considered as the best among the 60-strong class of hopefuls, seeking for a spot in the professional league.
READ: Bella Belen banners 60 aspirants in 2025 PVL Rookie Draft
By the end of Combine's opening day, Commissioner Sherwin Malonzo shared that she is expected to drop by on Day 2 this Saturday.
"Si Bella naman, kausap ko ‘yung I think manager niya. She’s arriving daw tomorrow. We’re expecting her to drop by tomorrow," said Malonzo.
"Actually, balak ata humabol ngayon pero sabi ko baka matapos na by 4 [p.m.]. Mas maganda sana kung kaninang umaga or ‘yun nga tomorrow na," he added.
Notably, the 22-year-old spiker previously said that she's still unsure whether should she continue for the PVL or withdraw from the league exercise, keeping her options open including bringing her talent overseas.
READ: PVL: Milka Romero says Bella Belen in their shortlist as Capital1 lands coveted first pick
Among those who have attended was Fil-American playmaker Tia Andaya, who also trains with Alas Pilipinas just like Belen.
Several UAAP standouts made it in Day 1, such as Ateneo de Manila University's AC Miner and Lyann de Guzman, Belen's teammates in National University Erin Pangilinan and Sheena Toring, De La Salle University’s Alleiah Malaluan, Jyne Soreño, Jules Tolentino, and Jessa Ordiales, and Far Eastern University’s Chenie Tagaod and Jean Asis, among others.
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