Bella Belen expressed gratitude after she was awarded the 2025 Philippine Sportswriters Association's Ms. Volleyball plum.
Bella Belen never imagined her name would one day be mentioned alongside some of the most accomplished players in Philippine volleyball.
That reality set in this week after the Capital1 rookie was named the 2025 Philippine Sportswriters Association Ms. Volleyball Award recipient, a recognition reserved for the country’s most outstanding volleyball player of the year.
"Very honored and grateful talaga kasi hindi ko naman po ineexpect na magkakaroon po ako ng ganitong klaseng award," Belen told reporters after the Solar Spikers' five-set win over the Choco Mucho Flying Titans.
"Hindi po siya birong award, maraming magagaling at talented na players. So I'm very thankful sa PSA, kung sino man po ang nagboto, maraming salamat po."
[ALSO READ: Belen downplays career-best, lauds team effort in Capital1's win over Choco Mucho]
Asked if she ever imagined reaching that level so early in her career, Belen was quick to shake her head.
"To be honest, hindi po talaga," she admitted. "Siguro inisip ko lang like kung siguro may time o may darating na 'yun, makakalaban ko sila o magiging teammates ko sila."
"Pero hindi ko inisip talaga na there will be a time na 'yun, makakasama ko sa mga list ng mga talented players."
Joining elite company
Belen was unable to personally receive the award during the 2025 PSA Annual Awards Night on Monday at the Diamond Hotel after falling under the weather.
She also cited a recommendation from her physical therapist to rest ahead of Capital1’s scheduled match against Choco Mucho.
Even so, the honor places her in rare company. With the recognition, Belen joins an elite list of past Ms. Volleyball awardees that includes Alyssa Valdez, Aby Marano, Mika Reyes, Jaja Santiago, Dawn Catindig, Sisi Rondina, Tots Carlos, and Jia De Guzman.
[ALSO READ: Jia De Guzman left in awe after PSA Ms. Volleyball citation: ‘Dream come true for me’]
Rather than viewing the award as a destination, Belen sees it as a reminder of the work still ahead.
"I mean, lagi ko naman po sinasabi, like yung every awards kahit saan, susunod talaga," said the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft.
"Basta like magtrabaho, magsumipag lagi—kailangan mag-show up every game, every training, and sa lahat ng bagay. So, ayun, I'm very thankful sa award."
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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.