Angel Canino and Bella Belen expressed their excitement and gratitude after the Philippines was officially named host of the 2029 FIVB Women's World Championship.
The future of Philippine volleyball just got brighter.
With the announcement that the Philippines will host the 2029 FIVB Women's World Championship, the spotlight immediately shifted to the next generation of stars who may get their chance to shine on the sport’s biggest stage.
Among those leading the charge for Alas Pilipinas Women are Angel Canino and Bella Belen, who are expected to still carry the flag when the world comes to Manila in four years time.
[ALSO READ: Angel Canino, Bella Belen among Alas Pilipinas' AVC standouts per Vietnam coach]
‘Dream come true’
For Canino, the moment the announcement was made was unforgettable, even if she wasn’t inside the arena.
“Actually, nasa labas ako nung lower box, ayaw ako papasukin ni kuya [guard], so pag-announce nag-cheer ako mag-isa sa labas,” Canino told One Sports.
“Pero naisip ko 26-27 [years old in 2029], so okay lang masaya ako and for sure masaya buong Pilipinas na kasama kami sa Women’s World Championship.”
The DLSU superstar described it as a dream come true, knowing the opportunity to face the world’s biggest volleyball nations is within reach.
“Siyempre siguro, it’s a dream come true for us na makalaban yung mga ganun ka big country talaga [when] it comes to volleyball. So, thankful kami and sobrang grateful kami if mangyari yun,” she said.
But Canino was quick to emphasize that the 2029 tournament will not be just about admiration for their idols — it’s about proving themselves.
“Of course, we will do our best na ipakita sa kanila na kung ano talagang kaya namin. And it’s not just a dream na parang idol namin sila, gusto namin silang mga kalaban. Gusto din namin ipakita kung anong kaya namin.”
‘Four years to prepare’
For Capital1 star Bella Belen, the moment was filled with emotion.
“Kasi wala kaming idea kung ano po yung i-announce. Basta ang alam lang namin parang very big announcement siya for the Philippine Volleyball,” Belen also told One Sports.
“And then nung nalaman nga namin na tayo po yung mag-host sa 2029, siyempre parang we’re very happy. “
Belen also underscored the significance of preparation, with four years now on the clock for Alas Women to rise through the ranks.
“Siyempre yung preparation, kailangan lang talaga consistent. And sana po, like, magtugma yung calendar, schedule ng national team and sa mga ibang liga para hindi rin siguro mahirapan,” she explained.
“Kasi iba pa rin talaga na ano na, tuloy-tuloy yung preparation kasi mas nakakatulong sa pag-improve and pag-gel nung team.”
A generation’s defining opportunity
With the 2029 Women’s World Championship set to bring 32 of the world’s best teams to Philippine soil, Canino and Belen represent the generation of Filipino athletes who will carry the flag in front of home fans.
The road to Manila 2029 now runs through four years of international exposure and steady development.
By then, Alas Pilipinas Women could be built around a core led by Canino and Belen, supported by fellow young stars and veteran presence needed to compete against the world’s elite.
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Kiko Demigillo’s journey in sports storytelling began with a deep passion for games and athletes, which eventually grew into a full-fledged career.
Now a dedicated sportswriter, Kiko covers a wide range of beats for One Sports, including the PVL, UAAP, PBA, and various international tournaments.