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Tag: Bella Belen

  • Bella Belen and Capital1 teammates’ PBA appearance sparks buzz, but connections tell the real story

    Bella Belen and Capital1 teammates’ PBA appearance sparks buzz, but connections tell the real story

    It looked like a crossover moment fans didn’t expect—but one that quickly made sense the closer you looked.

     

    When Bella Belen was spotted at the Ninoy Aquino Stadium during a PBA Commissioner’s Cup game, attention shifted almost instantly from the court to the stands. The reigning volleyball star, seated near the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters bench, became an unlikely talking point in a matchup between Phoenix and Rain or Shine Elasto Painters.

     

    Adding to the intrigue, she wasn’t alone. Belen was seen alongside fellow Capital1 players Leila Cruz, Pia Abbu, and Pauline Gaston, as well as Galeries Tower’s Jules Samonte—turning the section into something of a volleyball cluster in the middle of a basketball night.

     

    When the broadcast cameras caught her on screen, Belen’s quick attempt to duck away only fueled curiosity further.

     

    The timing didn’t help quiet the noise.

     

    Fans had already begun linking her to Rain or Shine guard Andrei Caracut following a recent joint appearance at an event in Legazpi City—a trip that also included Adrian Nocum. With both Belen and Caracut now in the same venue, speculation came naturally.

     

    But according to Caracut, the situation was far less complicated than it seemed.

    “Nag-invite yung girlfriend ni Josh (David),” he said, pointing to a more grounded explanation behind the gathering.

     

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    That detail reveals a broader web of connections that stretches beyond headlines. Cruz, who was with Belen that night, is in a relationship with Rain or Shine player Joshua David. Gaston’s partner, meanwhile, is Phoenix’s Francis Escandor, while Samonte is linked to Rain or Shine’s Felix Lemetti.

    In other words, what looked like coincidence—or even intrigue—was simply a night shared among overlapping circles in Philippine sports.

     

    As for Belen and Caracut, the latter was quick to clarify the nature of their connection.

    “Friends. Nagsama kami sa Bicol, may guesting kami.”

     

    The trip itself seemed lighthearted, even memorable for its off-court moments.

    “Nakulitan kay Eric (Nanas),” Caracut added, referring to Rain or Shine’s well-known utility staff who joined the group during the Bicol engagement.

     

    In a sports landscape where stories often jump from speculation to assumption, this one turned out to be something simpler: a reminder of how interconnected athletes can be, even across different leagues.

     

    And for one night, it just so happened that those connections gathered in the same seats—right where everyone could see them.

     

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  • Bella Belen finds pickleball reset amid volleyball duties with Capital1

    Bella Belen finds pickleball reset amid volleyball duties with Capital1

    Bella Belen shared how pickleball has become her go-to outlet away from volleyball, helping her stay mentally refreshed while also sharpening parts of her game.

     

    For Bella Belen, recovery does not always mean rest. Sometimes, it means picking up another racket.

     

    As the demands of professional volleyball continue to grow, the Capital1 Solar Spikers star is learning that staying at her best is not just about training harder or getting more reps in the gym. It is also about finding space away from the sport — something that allows her to breathe, reset, and return with a clearer mind.

     

    That space, lately, has come in the form of pickleball.What began as a passing curiosity on social media has quietly turned into one of Belen’s favorite ways to decompress, especially after long stretches of training and competition.

     

    “Last year kasi, parang dumadaan na siya sa feed ko na maraming naglalaro ng pickleball. Sabi ko, gusto ko rin itong i-try pero that time, wala akong kakilala. Wala akong friends na naglalaro ng pickleball,” Belen shared during the PVL’s Media Day.

     

    “Tapos this year, nakita ko na may mga friends ako naglalaro ng pickleball. Ayun, sabi ko, i-try ko, then doon nagsimula lahat.”

     

    For an athlete whose routine has long revolved around volleyball, the appeal was not just the game itself — it was what the game offered outside of competition.

     

    Belen admitted that when everything starts to revolve around volleyball, the pressure can build faster than people realize. Bad training days, frustrating performances, and the natural weight of expectations can easily stay with a player long after practice ends.

     

    That is where stepping away, even briefly, has made a difference.”Feeling ko kasi, pag puro volleyball nalang isipin ko, mas lalo akong ma-stress and mas clouded ‘yung utak ko, lalo na siguro if may days na pangit ‘yung training or pangit ‘yung game ko, so mas lalo ko siyang i-overthink,” she said.

     

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    “Maganda rin siguro may hobbies outside volleyball para mas stress-free.” More than just a distraction, pickleball has become a way for Belen to mentally hit reset.

     

    The shift in environment — from teammates and team systems to a completely different set of people and a more relaxed setting — has given her a kind of break that volleyball itself cannot always provide.

     

    “Kasi, siyempre, iba naman ang kasama ko—hindi teammates ko—so new environment naman,” Belen shared.

     

    “Ayun, very refreshing siya every time maglalaro ako ng pickleball. Parang na-reset ‘yung utak ko pag naglalaro ako ng pickleball, then volleyball naman.”

     

    That sense of balance may be one of the more important adjustments Belen is making as she continues settling into the professional ranks.

     

    For years, she has been defined by winning, consistency, and the pressure that comes with being one of the country’s brightest volleyball stars. But life as a pro is teaching her that performance is not just built during training sessions and matches — it is also shaped by how well an athlete manages everything in between.

     

    And interestingly enough, the sport she picked up for fun may also be helping her game.Belen sees familiar demands in pickleball, particularly in the way it forces quick movement, coordination, and fast reactions — all of which translate naturally to volleyball.

     

    “Sa pickleball kasi need mabilis footwork and coordination mo. So, I think natutulungan niya ako since sa volleyball need mabilis na reaction since mabilis ‘yung bola,” Belen explained.

     

    “Medyo napagtutugma ko naman sila at hindi ako nalilito sa rules. Hindi ko pa sila namimix-and-match. May tulong din naman si pickleball sa volleyball,” she laughingly added.

     

    Now with her 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference campaign behind her, Belen has a small but meaningful window to recharge.

     

    And for one of Philippine volleyball’s busiest stars, that reset no longer comes from doing less. Sometimes, it comes from playing something else.

     

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  • Bella Belen laughs off fan vote surge, embraces growing star power ahead of PVL All-Star Showcase

    Bella Belen laughs off fan vote surge, embraces growing star power ahead of PVL All-Star Showcase

    Bella Belen has spent most of her volleyball life winning matches, collecting awards, and proving she belongs on the biggest stage.

     

    Now, she is learning what comes with that kind of rise: a fanbase that shows up just as hard as she does.

     

    As voting intensifies for the upcoming PVL All-Star Showcase, the Capital1 rookie has become one of the most talked-about names in the race for a starting spot — and in typical Bella fashion, she chose to meet the moment with humor first.

     

    “Malay niyo ako po yun. Charot! Nag-create ako ng accounts (Who knows, maybe it’s me. I created those accounts. Just kidding),” Belen said.

     

    The joke landed the way many things involving Belen usually do — naturally, lightly, and with the kind of charm that has helped make her one of the easiest stars in Philippine volleyball to root for.

     

    But behind the playful answer is a reality that has become harder to ignore: Belen’s popularity is no longer just a reflection of what she did in college.

     

    It is now following her into the pros.

     

    After building one of the most decorated careers in UAAP women’s volleyball history with National University, Belen entered the Premier Volleyball League carrying enormous expectations. Instead of shrinking under them, she turned her rookie conference into a statement.

     

    The No. 1 overall pick of Capital1 finished the preliminary round as the league’s Best Scorer with 218 points, powered by 199 attacks, eight blocks, and 11 aces — numbers that quickly validated why the Solar Spikers chose to build around her.

     

    Capital1’s campaign ultimately ended in the Play-In against Galeries Tower, but Belen’s individual impact was already impossible to miss.

     

    That is what makes her current All-Star push feel less like a popularity spike and more like the natural next step of a player whose profile has only continued to grow.

     

    She may no longer be eligible for the conference MVP race due to the league’s long-standing rule limiting consideration to players from the top four teams, but Belen remains a strong contender for Rookie of the Conference — another sign that her first PVL run was not just promising, but highly productive.

     

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    Still, for Belen, the strongest takeaway from all the support is personal.

     

    “I’m really happy because people are seeing how I’ve been playing this conference in the PVL, what I can contribute and share with the fans,” Belen said in Filipino.

     

    That appreciation has shown up clearly in the All-Star returns.

     

    The 23-year-old remains firmly in the mix for a starting outside hitter role for Team Heart in the May 1 showcase at Candon City, sitting at 16.03 percent of the vote and staying on track to claim the second open spiker spot.

     

    Creamline veteran Jema Galanza has surged into the top position with 27.15 percent, while fellow three-time UAAP MVP Alyssa Valdez trails just behind Belen at 15.48 percent.

     

    Even in a field packed with established names and fan favorites, Belen has managed to hold her ground — another reflection of how quickly she has earned both respect and visibility at the pro level.

     

    And while the fan voting has brought another layer of excitement, Belen’s anticipation for the All-Star event goes beyond the recognition.

     

    For her, the bigger draw is the chance to share the court with players she has long admired from afar.

     

    “I’m also very excited to be teammates with players I haven’t played with before, especially my idols. It’s a different feeling when you actually get to share the court with them, even for a short time,” said Belen.

     

    “I just want to absorb as much as I can from them. So I’m really excited to see what the final tally of the votes will be.”

     

    That outlook says as much about her as the numbers do.

     

    Even after winning three UAAP titles, three MVPs, becoming the first rookie MVP in league history, having her No. 4 jersey retired by National University, and being named the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s Miss Volleyball after a standout 2025, Belen is still approaching moments like this with the curiosity of someone who feels she still has more to learn.

     

    That mindset may be one reason why her rise has felt so sustainable.

     

    She already has the résumé. She clearly has the game. And now, more than ever, she also has the crowd behind her.

     

    The PVL All-Star Showcase may only be an exhibition.

     

    But for Bella Belen, it is also becoming another reminder that her reach in Philippine volleyball is getting bigger by the day.

     

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  • PVL All-Filipino Conference: Savannah Davison, Mhicaela Belen head early projected Individual Award winners

    PVL All-Filipino Conference: Savannah Davison, Mhicaela Belen head early projected Individual Award winners

    As the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference heads into the semifinals, the race for individual honors is heating up. Among the frontrunners, Savannah Davison of the PLDT High Speed Hitters stands out not only for her scoring and spiking prowess but also for her team’s dominance. 

     

    Davison ranks third in total points with 185, and her spiking efficiency of 34.23% has powered the No. 1 team in the conference. Her combination of elite production and playoff relevance makes her the early favorite for Conference MVP.

     

    Right alongside her in the award conversation is Mhicaela Belen of Capital1 Solar Spikers, who led the league in total points with 218. While her team’s early elimination in the play-in round weakens her MVP chances, Belen’s statistical dominance cannot be ignored. 

     

    Her high-volume scoring and consistent output put her in contention for positional honors, particularly Best Outside Spiker, where production and impact matter most.

     

    Cherry Ann Rondina of Choco Mucho Flying Titans rounds out the early frontrunners in the outside spiker category. Rondina tallied 178 points, ranking fourth in total scoring, and contributed significantly in serving and reception efficiency. 

     

    Despite her team bowing out early, Rondina’s all-around stats ensure she remains a strong candidate for positional awards.

     

    Cignal Super Spikers, the conference’s second-best team, also injects star power into the mix with Vanessa “Vanie” Gandler and Erika Santos. Gandler ranks sixth in scoring with 166 points, seventh in spiking efficiency at 31.60%, and sixth in reception efficiency, anchoring Cignal’s two-way game. 

     

    Meanwhile, Santos has delivered 139 total points, ranked third in spiking efficiency at 35.53%, and contributed with 124 attacks, showing she can be counted on in both front- and back-row situations.

     

    Their combined performance has propelled Cignal to the top tier of the conference highlighted by a combined 46-point effort to push their team past Creamline in the early qualifying round, making both players serious contenders for Best Outside Spiker and even MVP consideration should their team reach the finals.

     

    In the middle blocker category, Mary Joy Baron of PLDT and Jeannette Panaga of Creamline remain the leading choices. Baron’s defensive presence and blocking average of 0.79 per set anchor PLDT’s front line, while Panaga balances blocking and serving, providing one of the most versatile middle blocker résumés in the league. 

     

    Meanwhile, Trisha Tubu of Farm Fresh Foxies continues to dominate as Best Opposite Spiker with 189 total points, a league-leading spiking efficiency of 40.99%, and 0.71 blocks per set.

     

    Setter honors appear to be heading toward Jia De Guzman of Creamline, whose 5.44 excellent sets per set top the league, though Kim Fajardo of PLDT could mount a late challenge if her team’s strong finish continues. 

     

    The libero race is still led by Tonnie Rose Ponce of Choco Mucho, with 4.71 digs per set, but Alyssa Eroa of ZUS Coffee is close behind with elite back-row efficiency at 43.37%, making this category one of the most open.

     

    As the semifinals unfold, voters will weigh not just raw statistics but team success and playoff relevance. At this stage, Savannah Davison, Mhicaela Belen, Cherry Rondina, Vanessa Gandler, and Erika Santos are shaping up as the leading projected award winners, blending individual brilliance with the impact of being key players on the conference’s top-performing squads.

     

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    Projected PVL Individual Awards Leaderboard – 2026 All-Filipino Conference

     

    Most Valuable Player (MVP) – best overall player of the conference

    • Savannah Davison (PLDT High Speed Hitters) – 185 points, 34.23% spiking efficiency, No.1 team
    • Vanessa Gandler (Cignal Super Spikers) – 166 points, 31.60% spiking efficiency, 2nd-best team
    • Mhicaela Belen (Capital1 Solar Spikers) – 218 points (league leader), team eliminated early

    Best Outside Spikers – the top wing scorers / all-around OHs

    • Mhicaela Belen (Capital1 Solar Spikers) – 218 points, high-volume attacker
    • Cherry Ann Rondina (Choco Mucho Flying Titans) – 178 points, strong serve & reception
    • Savannah Davison (PLDT High Speed Hitters) – 185 points, spiking efficiency 34.23%
    • Vanessa Gandler (Cignal Super Spikers) – 166 points, 31.60% spiking efficiency
    • Erika Santos (Cignal Super Spikers) – 139 points, 35.53% spiking efficiency

    Best Middle Blockers – best net defenders / quick attackers

    • Mary Joy Baron (PLDT High Speed Hitters) – 26 blocks, 0.79 avg per set
    • Jeannette Panaga (Creamline Cool Smashers) – 26 blocks, versatile front-row stats

    Best Opposite Spiker – top opposite / right-side hitter

    • Trisha Tubu (Farm Fresh Foxies) – 189 points, 40.99% spiking efficiency, 0.71 blocks per set

    Best Setter – top playmaker

    • Julia Melissa De Guzman (Creamline Cool Smashers) – 5.44 excellent sets per set
    • Kim Fajardo (PLDT High Speed Hitters) – 4.88 excellent sets per set

    Best Libero – best defensive specialist

    • Tonnie Rose Ponce (Choco Mucho Flying Titans) – 179 digs, 4.71 digs per set
    • Alyssa Eroa (ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles) – 97 receptions, 43.37% reception efficiency

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  • “Our growth doesn’t stop here”: Bella Belen eyes improvement after Capital1’s PVL exit

    “Our growth doesn’t stop here”: Bella Belen eyes improvement after Capital1’s PVL exit

    The Capital1 Solar Spikers saw their 2026 Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference campaign come to a heartbreaking end on Tuesday, March 24, at the hands of ninth-seed Galeries Tower Highrisers. The loss marked a disappointing finish for a team that showed flashes of brilliance but ultimately fell short in a must-win clash.

     

    Among the Spikers, Bella Belen stood out as the team’s driving force. The 23-year-old outside hitter delivered a stellar performance, nearly carrying her squad to victory with 21 points, 12 digs, and nine excellent receptions. However, her 20-of-71 attempts highlighted the team’s reliance on a single scorer and underscored the need for a more balanced offensive approach.

     

    In a post-match press conference, Belen admitted the defeat was painful but emphasized that it provided valuable lessons for both herself and her teammates.

     

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    “It’s really disappointing because I feel like we could have won. I feel like I could have done more to help the team. But we learned a lot this conference. Lessons we really need to absorb so we can come back stronger next time,” Belen said.

    She added, “I was actually looking forward to our next game on Saturday, but we just weren’t able to make it. For now, we regroup, reset, and go back to training. Our growth as a team and as players doesn’t stop here.”

     

    Belen’s individual campaign was nothing short of impressive. She scored 20 or more points in 10 games and finished as the top scorer of the preliminary round with 218 points from 199 kills, alongside eight blocks and 11 aces. Her consistency and resilience throughout the conference have firmly established her as one of the league’s rising stars.

     

    Reflecting on her own development and the team’s potential, Belen remains focused on improvement.

     

    “I’m never really satisfied. Every game, every conference, I feel like I have to raise my standard, not for others, but for myself. Like in this game, I know I could have done more. So from here, I will look at what else I can improve for the next conference and the next tournament with Capital1.

     

    “For me, that’s really how I am when it’s a tough situation—I feel like I can step up. But it would be better if the whole team can do that together. Coach Jorge De Brito told us earlier that it’s really a mental game, having courage and heart. I think that’s something we still lack, maybe because we don’t have that much experience yet as a team or as players. But I believe we will get there, where no matter who’s on the court, anyone can score and contribute,” she concluded.

     

    While the Capital1 Solar Spikers’ campaign ended sooner than they hoped, Bella Belen’s breakout performance provides a bright spot for the team’s future. Her leadership, consistency, and determination set the tone for the next chapter of the franchise. With lessons learned and a renewed focus on teamwork and mental toughness, Belen and the Solar Spikers are poised to come back stronger, aiming for a deeper run in the upcoming PVL conferences.

     

     

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  • Bella Belen calls for Capital1 adjustments ahead of crucial knockout clash

    Capital1 Solar Spikers star player Bella Belen emphasized the urgency of tightening their overall performance as they prepare for a high-stakes play-in showdown in the PVL All-Filipino Conference against the Galeries Tower Highrisers.


    With Capital1 holding an even 4-5 record for eighth place and Galeries Tower trailing at 2-7 in ninth, the upcoming clash carries significant weight for both squads. 

     

    The Solar Spikers find themselves in a must-win situation, and Belen made it clear that refining their execution will be key to extending their campaign.

     

    “Siguro yung mindset lang namin is, ayun nga, must win na eh. So kung gusto namin makaabot ng series, kailangan mas puliduin pa namin yung galaw namin,” Belen, the former UAAP MVP said.

     

    “And we all know naman na Galleries ulit yung kalaban namin. So siguro titignan namin kung ano yung pinerform namin this game. And then, ayun, mag-training kami tomorrow, tingnan namin kung ano pa yung pwede namin ma-improve para mas magpadali yung game namin on Tuesday against them,” she added.

     

    Belen pointed to one of the team’s recurring struggles—falling behind early in matches—as a major concern that needs immediate correction. 

     

    In their previous outing, slow starts allowed opponents to dictate the tempo, forcing Capital1 to play catch-up for most of the game.

     

    “Siguro huwag yung nagpapauna kami ng ilang points. So siguro yun yung kailangan namin ma-improve, lalo na yung side-out game namin na kailangan… makakuha agad kami ng point. Ang baga, point by point lagi,” the 23-year-old outside hitter of Capital1 said.

     

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    As the conference’s current top scorer with 218 total points, Belen has consistently delivered on offense, but she acknowledged that individual production alone won’t be enough. 

     

    For Capital1 to survive the knockout round, a more cohesive team effort will be required on both ends of the court.

     

    Interestingly, Belen’s transition into the professional ranks this 2026 season has further highlighted her evolution as more than just a prolific scorer. 

     

    Beyond piling up points, she has taken on a growing leadership role—often seen directing teammates on the floor and helping stabilize the squad during tense stretches. 

     

    Her ability to balance scoring with on-court guidance could prove crucial as Capital1 navigates its most pressure-filled game yet.

     

    Capital1 and Galeries Tower are set to face off in a knockout play-in match, with the winner advancing to the next phase of the league.

     

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  • Bella Belen nears 200-point mark in PVL All-Filipino run

    Bella Belen nears 200-point mark in PVL All-Filipino run

    Capital1 Solar Spikers standout Bella Belen is on the verge of reaching another major milestone as she closes in on the 200-point mark in the ongoing 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

     

    Belen currently leads the conference scoring race with 195 total points, built on 177 attacks, 10 blocks, and eight service aces, putting her within striking distance of becoming the first player this conference to breach the 200-point barrier.

     

    The former UAAP star has separated herself from the rest of the field with a sustained scoring surge that has powered Capital1 through key stretches of the tournament.

     

    Trailing Belen in the scoring leaderboard is Savannah Davison of PLDT with 167 points (148 attacks, 14 blocks, five aces), followed by Cherry Rondina of Choco Mucho with 160 points (147 attacks, three blocks, 10 aces).

     

    Brooke Van Sickle of Nxled sits fourth with 154 points, while Trisha Tubu of Farm Fresh rounds out the top five with 148 markers.

     

    Belen’s climb toward the milestone has been fueled by an impressive scoring run over the past several weeks.

     

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    During a six-game stretch from mid-February to late February, the Capital1 star piled up 155 points while consistently delivering at least 20 points per outing, including a standout 29-point performance.

     

    Her recent scoring outputs further highlight her consistency. Belen finished with 16 points against Cignal on March 14, after earlier producing 23 points against Farm Fresh (Feb. 26), 26 points against Creamline (Feb. 21), 29 points against Choco Mucho (Feb. 17), and 28 points against PLDT (Feb. 12).

     

    Those performances were part of a seven-game streak of 20-point outings, underscoring her role as the focal point of Capital1’s offense.

     

    With the conference entering its crucial stretch, Belen now stands just a handful of points away from the 200-point mark — a milestone that would further cement her status as one of the league’s most dominant scorers this season.

     

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  • Bella Belen, Kim Kianna Dy excited for PVL All-Star Showcase return

    Bella Belen, Kim Kianna Dy excited for PVL All-Star Showcase return

    The Philippines’ top volleyball stars are set to take center stage when the Volleyball All-Star Showcase brings together standout players from the Premier Volleyball League and Spikers’ Turf on May 1 at the Candon City Arena.

     

    The event marks the long-awaited return of the league’s All-Star festivities, which were last staged in 2019. Its comeback has generated considerable excitement across the Philippine volleyball community, not only among fans eager to see their favorite stars share the same court but also among the players themselves, many of whom are looking forward to the rare opportunity to compete alongside athletes from rival clubs.

     

    Among those enthusiastic about the upcoming showcase is Bella Belen, the rising superstar of the Capital1 Solar Spikers. One of the league’s brightest young talents, Belen shared her excitement during a recent media interaction, expressing hope that she could be selected to participate in the special exhibition match.

     

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    “I saw the All-Star announcement. It’s the first time in the pros right? I’m very happy that we will have one. And if ever I make it to the team, do you also want me to be a referee? I might give you a yellow card even before we get there,” Belen said in a media interaction.

     

    Beyond the fun and lighthearted atmosphere expected during the event, Belen emphasized that the All-Star showcase ultimately serves as a celebration for the fans who support the sport year-round.

     

    “This is for the fans. For sure, they have players they would like to see playing together on one team, so this is their chance to see that dream happen,” she added.

    Another player who expressed excitement about the event is Kim Kianna Dy of the PLDT High Speed Hitters. A consistent crowd favorite in the PVL, Dy highlighted how meaningful it is to bring a major volleyball event outside the capital, giving provincial fans a rare opportunity to witness top-tier professional players up close.

     

    “I guess it’s also good for the fans who can’t travel to Manila. They will get to experience the games that usually happen here in Manila. It’s nice to bring the event to Candon, and I think it’s going to be a fun event since it will be the first time it’s happening there,” Dy said.

     

    Meanwhile, the Cignal HD Spikers will also be well represented, with star players Vanie Gandler and Dawn Catindig welcoming the return of the All-Star spectacle. For them, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity for players across different clubs to interact, compete together, and showcase a lighter side of the sport.

     

    Gandler believes the event mirrors the excitement typically associated with the All-Star festivities in the Philippine Basketball Association, where fans relish the chance to see players from rival teams share the same stage.

     

    “It’s going to be fun, of course, especially if we get to be part of it. We will have the chance to play with other players from different teams. For sure, it will be a fun experience, just like the PBA,” Gandler said.

     

    For Catindig, the All-Star event goes beyond competition and entertainment. She noted that it is also an opportunity for players to show appreciation to the fans who continue to support Philippine volleyball.

     

    “It’s a way of giving back to the fans – for them to see their volleyball idols. And maybe to show them a different side of us,” Catindig added.

     

    With the return of the All-Star festivities after several years, the showcase is expected to be one of the highlights of the PVL calendar this season. Bringing together some of the biggest names from the women’s and men’s professional leagues, the event promises an entertaining mix of high-level volleyball, fan engagement, and a celebratory atmosphere that honors the continued growth of the sport in the Philippines.

     

     

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  • Does Bella Belen have a chance to become the first rookie-MVP in the PVL?

    Does Bella Belen have a chance to become the first rookie-MVP in the PVL?

    Few rookies arrive in the professional league carrying the weight of expectations the way Bella Belen has. Yet, if the early stretch of the Premier Volleyball League 2026 All-Filipino Conference is any indication, the Capital1 open hitter is not only embracing that pressure—she is thriving under it.

     

    The question now being asked around the league is simple: Can Belen become a Rookie-MVP in the PVL?

     

    Based on her performances so far, the answer is increasingly leaning toward yes because in just seven games with the Capital1 Solar Spikers, Belen has already established herself as the team’s offensive engine. 

     

    She has scored in double digits in every match, showcasing a level of consistency rarely seen from first-year players. More impressively, Belen currently leads the league in total scoring with 179 points, a considerable margin ahead of second-placer Brooke Van Sickle, who has 134.

     

    Her impact isn’t limited to scoring alone. Belen also finds herself among the top five in both best spiker and server, while ranking inside the top ten in best digger and receiver which is a testament to her all-around game.

     

    For a rookie adjusting to the speed and physicality of the professional level, those numbers are not just impressive—they are MVP-caliber.

     

    Belen’s success should hardly come as a surprise. Before turning pro, she built one of the most decorated collegiate careers in recent Philippine volleyball history with the NU Lady Bulldogs.

     

    During her time with the Lady Bulldogs, Belen became a three-time UAAP women’s volleyball MVP and etched her name into history as the first rookie-MVP in UAAP women’s volleyball. 

     

    Her impact on the program was so profound that National University retired her jersey, making her the first player in school history to receive the honor.

     

    Her journey with the NU program spanned 11 years, dating back to her time with NU Nazareth School Lady Bullpups, where she helped build a championship core alongside fellow star Alyssa Solomon.

     

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    That long stretch of development turned Belen into a complete player—one capable of leading a team offensively while still contributing defensively.

     

    When Belen declared for the 2025 PVL Draft, there was little doubt about where she would land.

    She was selected first overall by Capital1, becoming the centerpiece of the Solar Spikers’ rebuilding effort among a deep pool of 57 draft aspirants.

     

    The transition to the professional league can often be difficult even for top prospects, but Belen appears to have carried her collegiate form almost seamlessly into the PVL.

     

    Her ability to produce points, stabilize the team’s reception, and bring leadership qualities—even as a rookie—has made her indispensable to Capital1’s system.

     

    Statistics alone, however, do not fully capture Belen’s value. Her calm presence on the court and relentless competitiveness have made her a natural leader despite being one of the newest players in the league.

     

     Those qualities were also evident during her stint with Alas Pilipinas, where she contributed to the national squad’s campaign in 2025. That international experience has given her a maturity that many rookies take years to develop.

     

    One challenge that could affect her Rookie-MVP case is Capital1’s current standing. The Solar Spikers hold a 3–4 record, putting them in the middle of the pack as they attempt to push toward the top four in the standings. 

     

    Historically, individual awards often favor players from higher-seeded teams. However, Belen’s production may be strong enough to transcend that factor—especially if Capital1 improves its record as the conference progresses.

     

    When you combine her statistical dominance, winning pedigree, and experience at multiple levels of competition, it becomes clear why Bella Belen is already in the Rookie-MVP conversation.

    She is not just performing well for a rookie—she is performing like one of the best players in the league.

     

    If she maintains her current level of play and Capital1 climbs further up the standings, Belen could add yet another “first” to her already historic career as a PVL Rookie-MVP.

     

    Given her track record of breaking barriers, it would hardly be surprising if she does. 

     

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  • Bella Belen’s scoring surge continues with sixth straight 20-Point game for Capital1

    Bella Belen’s scoring surge continues with sixth straight 20-Point game for Capital1

    Consistency has become the defining theme of Bella Belen’s breakout run in the Premier Volleyball League All-Filipino Conference, as the young star once again powered the Capital1 Solar Spikers with another 20-point performance—her sixth straight game at that level.

     

    In a grueling five-set battle against the Farm Fresh Foxies, Belen delivered 23 points built on 20 attacks and three blocks, while also anchoring the floor with 12 digs and 19 receptions. More importantly, she struck the decisive point in the closing stretch of the fifth set to seal Capital1’s third win of the conference after a marathon two-hour, 28-minute contest.

     

    Her latest outing reinforced a growing pattern: Belen is no longer producing isolated scoring explosions—she is delivering sustained offensive output regardless of opponent or match situation.

     

    That consistency has been tested repeatedly. Just days earlier, the Solar Spikers absorbed a reality check at the hands of the defending powerhouse Creamline Cool Smashers, who leaned on balanced scoring from veterans Jema Galanza and Bernadeth Pons to complete a straight-sets victory. 

     

    Even in that loss, however, Belen still carried the offensive burden and finished with 26 points—extending her 20-point streak and further highlighting her role as the centerpiece of Capital1’s attack.

     

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    Through the early stretch of the conference, Belen’s scoring progression has been steady and impressive. She opened the tournament with multiple 20-plus point performances before erupting for a career-high 29 points in one outing. She followed that with a 28-point effort in another tightly contested match, showing her ability to sustain production even in physically demanding back-to-back games.

     

    Across those performances, her offensive range has expanded—from sharp crosscourt hits to improved transition scoring—while her all-around contributions in reception and defense continue to grow.

     

    The numbers reflect her dominance, Belen currently leads the All-Filipino Conference with 155 total points, creating a sizable gap over the next closest scorer, Trisha Tubu, who has 110. The margin underscores not just volume but consistency—Belen has remained productive regardless of match outcomes.

     

    More telling than the totals, however, is how Capital1 has begun to evolve around her. While earlier games leaned heavily on Belen’s offense alone, the Solar Spikers’ recent win over Farm Fresh showed improved support scoring and defensive structure—an encouraging sign for a team still building its identity.

     

    For now, though, the storyline remains clear. Win or lose, Bella Belen continues to deliver—and with six straight 20-point games, she is shaping one of the most consistent individual runs of the conference.

     

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