Bella Belen embraces challenge of leading new-look Capital1 in PVL All-Filipino

A new year brings a new test for Bella Belen, who enters the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference as the on-court leader of the retooled Capital1 Solar Spikers.

Capital1 underwent significant changes in the offseason, adding eight new players in Cherry Nunag, Pauline Gaston, Ezra Madrigal, Rachel Jorvina, France Ronquillo, Ysa Jimenez, Shaya Adorador, and Jasmine Nabor.

Amid the major changes, Belen admitted that gelling with new teammates did not come easily at first.

“‘Yung mga nangyari kasi very unexpected talaga. Parang ngayon na maraming nadagdag sa team, almost half nung team namin talagang bago,” Belen told One Sports.

“Siguro nung una medyo nahirapan since magkakaiba ng sistema na pinanggalingan, pero ngayon naman sa training, unti-unting nagkakaroon ng connections yung bawat isa.”

Building chemistry & form

As the Solar Spikers continue to find their footing, Belen said the focus has shifted toward building cohesion and defining how the group wants to play.

“Paunti-unti pa naming tinatry i-build yung sistema, kung paano kami dapat maglaro sa court,” she added. “Very excited ako kung ano yung puwede naming dalhin and kung ano pa ‘yung puwede naming i-improve from the last conference.”

[ALSO READ: PVL preview: Are the pieces in place for Capital1 to maximize Bella Belen?]

For Belen, the All-Filipino Conference also represents a personal reset after a Reinforced campaign she felt did not reflect her best form.

“Panibagong conference, panibagong challenge nanaman since All-Filipino now,” she said.

“Kailangan ko lang i-set sa mind ko kung ano pa yung mga puwedeng i-improve from the last conference kasi I think hindi ‘yun yung best shape ko nun.”

Belen expressed confidence that the addition of her new teammates will help elevate both her game and the Solar Spikers’ overall performance.

“With the help of my teammates, feeling ko magiging maganda yung conference namin ngayon,” Belen said.

[ALSO READ: Bella Belen embraces tough PVL rookie campaign as foundation for Capital1 future]

Capital1 begins its All-Filipino charge against the ZUS Coffee Thunderbelles on Tuesday, February 3, at the FilOil EcoOil Arena in San Juan.

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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.