Bella Belen rallies behind Capital1 in their game against Chery Tiggo in the PVL on Tour, Saturday at Ynares Center Montalban. PVL Media Bureau
RODRIGUEZ, Rizal – Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft No. 1 overall pick Bella Belen showed support for her team, Capital1, while waiting for her debut in the pro ranks.
Belen, 23, is the prized acquisition of the Solar Spikers from the recent league exercise on June 8.
However, she has yet to play for Capital1 due to national team responsibilities.
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Although currently not suiting up for Alas Pilipinas Women as the national team participates at the VTV Cup 2025 in Vietnam, Belen and those in the pool are barred from playing for pro teams, prioritizing the flag first.
While there is some "regret" for Belen as she cannot join the Solar Spikers in their PVL on Tour campaign, she understands that the national team takes precedence.
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"Siyempre, gusto ko din maglaro talaga for Capital1, pero hindi pa pwede as of now. May mga panghihinayang din na dapat naglalaro ako, ganiyan, [pero] I need to wait pa since national team muna," Belen told reporters before Capital1's game against Chery Tiggo on Saturday at Ynares Center Montalban.
Belen is also hopeful that Alas Pilipinas can clinch the bronze the VTV Cup tonight, expressing trust in her competing Alas crewmates.
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"I'm very happy kasi ang ganda po nung pinakita nila this VTV, and sayang 'yung game kahapon, talagang kayang ipanalo sana. Pero may game pa naman sila mamaya, hopefully maipanalo po natin."
Belen also shared a bit of the adjustments she's currently undertaking as the three-time UAAP MVP transitions to the pros, including not being with her former National University (NU) teammates.
She joined the PVL Draft alongside ex-Lady Bulldogs Sheena Toring, Erin Pangilinan, and Pearl Denura.
"Ako naman kasi, mas gusto kong mag-isa, I mean, ako, gusto ko tahimik. Parang ganon, pero nakakapanibago lang na siyempre, hindi ko na kasama 'yung mga teammate ko, kung sino 'yung kinalakihan kong kasama," Belen expressed.
"So 'yun, medyo nakakapanibago talaga siya, pero siyempre it takes time din para makapag-adjust."
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