All eyes will be on Bella Belen as she makes her much-anticipated PVL debut with the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the Reinforced Conference.
The long wait is nearly over for Bella Belen, as she is set for a new chapter with the Capital1 Solar Spikers in the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference.
Belen, the top overall pick of the 2025 draft, was unable to suit up during the PVL on Tour because of Alas Pilipinas duties.
Now, the former NU Lady Bulldogs star admitted that expectations are high, but she chooses to treat the pressure as motivation.
“Ako naman kasi, I love being challenged talaga kasi, kahit saang liga, kahit sinong kalaban pa ‘yan,” Belen told reporters at the sidelines of the league's press conference.
“For me, kailangan ko lang mag-prepare talaga kung paano ako magpe-perform this conference, lalo na’t first time ko maglalaro sa PVL. So siguro may pressure din as a rookie, pero tine-take ko siya as privilege. Kailangan ko lang mag-perform kung anong kaya kong gawin for the team.”
[ALSO READ: Capital1 excited for new PVL era with Bella Belen, coach Jorge de Brito at the helm]
Motivation to lift Capital1
Belen is also driven by the chance to help the Solar Spikers rise in their PVL campaign.
Bella Belen joins a revamped Capital1 Solar Spikers for the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference. | Photo: RM Chua/One Sports
Capital1’s best run came in last year's Reinforced Conference, where they reached the quarterfinals behind the historic performances of import Marina Tushova.
“Excited talaga ako kung paano magpe-perform ‘yung team namin ngayong conference. Kapag tinignan naman tao-tao, kaya naman sumabay sa bawat teams na makakalaban. Kailangan lang namin mag-triple work hard para makamit namin ‘yung goal namin,” she said.
Familiar foes
Asked about which opponents she looks forward to facing, Belen pointed to her past connections.
“For me, ‘yung dating kong teammates si ate Sheena and ate Erin, kasi after 11 or 12 years, makakalaban ko sila. Sa tagal ng panahon na naging teammate ko sila, excited ako kung paano ako magpe-perform against them. And syempre kay coach Sherwin [Meneses], dati kong coach, excited na rin ako makalaban siya,” Belen shared with a smile.
[ALSO READ: Capital1 and Alas Pilipinas star Bella Belen gamely names her dream UAAP, PVL lineup]
Bella Belen 2.0
As she debuts in the country’s premier pro league, Belen promised a fiercer version of herself, looking to continue her MVP form.
“Siguro ano pa rin naman, same Bella pero 2.0. Mas palaban kasi syempre ‘yung mga makakalaban ko mas may experience na sa’kin. Kumbaga, veterans na sila so marami akong matututunan sa kanila and kailangan ko lang mag-perform talaga kung ano ‘yung alam kong kaya kong gawin,” she said.
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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.