MANILA — Bella Belen is excited about a lot of things in the upcoming 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference, including the possibility of facing Alas Pilipinas teammates and returning Jia de Guzman and Eya Laure.
De Guzman is set for a Creamline return this conference, while Laure has joined Choco Mucho, reuniting with fellow University of Santo Tomas product Sisi Rondina.
Belen shared that they even joke about "not playing" whenever their teams are scheduled to face each other.
"Niloloko ko nga sila before nung nasa national team pa kami na kapag kami 'yung magkalaban, huwag silang maglalaro," said Belen during the media launch of the season-ending tournament on Wednesday in Ortigas.
The National U legend said she wanted to see how she would perform against them.
"Ayun, kasi nakasama ko na rin sila nang matagal as teammates, I’m very excited din kung paano ako magpe-perform kung sila 'yung kalaban ko kasi kilala ko sila, pero siyempre magkakaibang sistema bawat team, and I’m very excited sa matchup namin."
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The Capital1 sophomore also said she's excited to compete in a leveled up PVL playing field.
"Siguro malaki rin siyang challenge for us since 'yun nga kahit nagkalaban na before. Ibang klase pa rin this conference, kasi lahat ng teams talagang nag-level up siyempre sana kami din tina-try namin 'yung best namin every training to level up 'yung game namin para maganda 'yung mapakita namin this conference," she said.
Belen believes Capital1's newest additions will deliver and contribute to the team.
They signed Shaya Adorador, Jasmine Nabor, Rachel Jorvina, Ezra Madrigal, Pauline Gaston, Cherry Nunag, Ysa Jimenez, and France Ronquillo during the offseason.
"Sa team din namin halos half ng players bago talaga, so I’m very happy din kasi 'yung mga napunta sa aming players alam kong makakatulong talaga for our team. And I’m very excited kung ano 'yung pwede kong matutunan from them and kung ano 'yung pwede naming madala sa conference."