No. 1 pick Bella Belen admits to still adjusting to the pro life as she cheers on the Capital1 Solar Spikers from the sidelines in their PVL on Tour campaign in Montalban, Rizal.
Bella Belen may still be sidelined, but the PVL no. 1 overall pick is already finding her place in the professional ranks as she continues to support Capital1 away from the court.
Belen was present at the Ynares Center in Montalban on Saturday, July 6, to cheer on the Solar Spikers in their PVL on Tour match against the Chery Tiggo Crossovers, even as she remains unavailable due to ongoing national team commitments with Alas Pilipinas.
“Siyempre I'm very excited na makita kung paano sila maglaro,” Belen told reporters. “Nagte-train naman ako with them, siguro magtu-two weeks na din. So I believe kaya naman ipanalo 'yung game today. Hopefully, manalo po.”
Although Capital1 is off to a 0-2 start, the three-time UAAP MVP has slowly been adjusting to her new team and building chemistry, especially after joining practices later than fellow rookies.
“Nung una nahihiya pa 'ko, siyempre galing ako sa UAAP, so ako 'yung late pumasok,” she admitted. “Pero habang tumatagal, nagiging okay din. Mabait po talaga sila, and kilala ko naman na rin 'yung ibang players.”
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As she is yet to make her PVL debut, Belen confessed to feeling some regret about missing the action.
“Siyempre gusto ko din maglaro talaga for Capital1, pero hindi pa pwede as of now,” she said. “May panghihinayang din na dapat naglalaro ako… siguro I need to wait pa since national team muna.”
Now officially a professional, Belen also opened up about the changes she’s experienced off the court.
“Ngayon, nakakapanibago kasi before sa college, kami-kami magkakasama like sa dorm,” she shared. “Ngayon, may kani-kaniya nang buhay after training. Mag-isa ka na lang uuwi sa condo. Kailangan mo nang alagaan 'yung sarili mo at dalhin 'yung sarili mo.”
[ALSO READ: Bella Belen welcomes new challenge as PVL no. 1 pick for Capital1]
While she prefers quiet time, the transition from the tight-knit college environment is still taking time to adjust to, especially after 11 years with the National University program.
“Gusto ko talaga 'yung tahimik pero nakakapanibago lang na siyempre, hindi ko na kasama 'yung mga teammate ko, kung sino 'yung kinalakihan kong kasama,” said Belen.
Nonetheless, Belen expects to find her comfort zone being a pro athlete and with Capital1.
“Medyo nakakapanibago talaga siya, pero siyempre it takes time din para makapag-adjust,” she ended.