Bella Belen remains confident that patience, hard work, and a winning mindset will eventually turn things around for the Capital1 Solar Spikers as they continue to build a competitive culture in the PVL.
Simply put, Bella Belen knows what it takes to win.
The three-time UAAP MVP has proven that with the NU Lady Bulldogs, bringing home multiple titles to Jhocson.
But now, in a new environment with the Capital1 Solar Spikers, Belen’s winning mentality has been tested early on after suffering two straight defeats, although their first match against the Choco Mucho Flying Titans will be replayed.
Patience is key
Still, Belen understands that success won’t come overnight, fully embracing the long road ahead as she helps build a winning culture with the Solar Spikers.
“For me talaga, it takes time to win a game, lalo na at young team si Capital,” Belen told One Sports.
“’Yung sa NU naman, hindi naman kami like nanalo agad-agad. Kumbaga tinrabaho din namin siya ng ilang years. So ganun din si Capital, I mean patience talaga.”
[ALSO READ: Bella Belen upbeat after narrow PVL debut loss with Capital1: 'Mas kaya ko pa siyang itaas']
Belen also remains unfazed, viewing the early struggles as part of Capital1’s growth.
“Patience talaga, kailangan magkaroon kami ng pasensya sa isa’t isa kasi ‘yung panalo darating din as long as magsipag kami and magtrabaho kami,” she added.
Slowly but surely
It’s no secret that the Solar Spikers have the tools to compete in the PVL.
Bella Belen and the Capital1 Solar Spikers in action during the 2025 PVL Reinforced Conference. | Photo: PVL
That’s why Belen believes that the young squad can turn close games into wins by learning from their lapses and taking things step by step.
“Siguro 'yun nga, game by game talaga,” she explained. “Katulad ngayon 'yung PLDT, I believe kaya talaga namin sana na i-push or mapanalo 'yung game, pero kinapos kami. So I think next game, kailangan namin ma-improve 'yung mga lapses namin this game. So kumbaga, one day at a time talaga 'yun.”
[ALSO READ: Bella Belen gets real on first PVL matchup against 'would-be' team PLDT]
Bringing a winning mentality
Even amid early losses, Belen continues to exude positivity, smiling through points won and lost, and even in defeat.
This, she hopes, will influence her teammates and fuel their fight throughout the conference.
“Ako kasi, ang mentality ko lang sa player is as long na kaya pa namin manalo, as long na hindi pa tapos 'yung game, kailangan namin lumaban,” she said.
“Siguro, isa rin ‘yun sa gusto kong madala sa Capital1—na makita nila na hangga't kaya lumaban, lalaban at lalaban.”
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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.