Bella Belen Finally Set for PVL Debut with Capital1 Solar Spikers

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by Misha Cruz

Alas Pilipinas and National University star Bella Belen.
Alas Pilipinas and National University star Bella Belen. Photo: AVC.

The wait is over — Bella Belen is officially stepping into the PVL spotlight.

After making waves with Alas Pilipinas earlier this year and closing out her storied UAAP career with National University — where her jersey was fittingly retired — the No. 1 overall pick of the 2025 PVL Draft is now ready to wear the yellow-and-blue of Capital1 Solar Spikers in the upcoming Reinforced Conference this October.

Belen, the last rookie from her draft batch yet to appear in the league, admitted the anticipation has only made her hungrier to compete.

Bella Belen (4).
Bella Belen (4). Photo: AVC.

“I’m really excited to finally play in the PVL,” she said. “Parang ako na lang yata ang ’di pa nakakapaglaro na na-draft, so sobrang looking forward na ako.”

Watching her fellow rookies already making noise during the PVL on Tour and Invitational pushed the three-time UAAP MVP even more. With Capital1 struggling in the preseason, Belen’s arrival could be the much-needed spark to energize the Solar Spikers.

Bella Belen (third from left) during her jersey retirement ceremony with NU officials.
Bella Belen (third from left) during her jersey retirement ceremony with NU officials. Photo: UAAP.

Now that the PVL and the Philippine National Volleyball Federation have cleared her return to her mother team, there’s nothing standing in the way of her professional debut.

“Nakakatuwa panoorin ’yung mga kasabayan kong nag-eexcel sa kani-kanilang team,” Belen added. “Excited ako kung ano ’yung pwede kong madala for Capital1 and kung paano ako makakatulong.”

Known for her consistency, athleticism, and fiery competitiveness, Belen isn’t shying away from the pressure of being the top overall pick. Instead, she’s embracing the challenge.

“Mas excited ako kaysa kinakabahan. First time ko sa PVL, pero dadalhin ko lang ’yung laro na ginagawa ko sa UAAP. Alam ko mas mataas ang level ng competition dito, pero ready ako magpakita.”

With October fast approaching, the star spiker is already hard at work blending with her new teammates.

“Sa training, unti-unti ko nang nakikilala ’yung mga teammates ko. Nagje-jell na kami, kaya by the time the league starts, buo at handa na kami.”

The countdown begins: Bella Belen’s PVL era is about to start — and fans can expect fireworks.