Bella Belen opened up about the PVL stars that she looks up to and how their work ethic and all-around play influence her approach to the professional game.
Bella Belen may already be one of the PVL’s most talked-about stars, but she remains grounded in the players who set the standard before her.
Now finding her own footing in the PVL, Belen shared with One Sports which players she considers her idols and have made an impact in her young but already illustrious volleyball career.
At the top of her list is Jema Galanza, whom Belen has already had the chance to observe up close.
"Siguro si ate Jema since nakasama ko na siya and nakita ko kung paano siya magtrabaho as a player and as a teammate. So, siya rin and all-around player siya," said Belen.
The Capital1 superstar also cited Ara Galang, whose influence dates back to her days with the DLSU Lady Spikers and continues to resonate at the pro level.
"Second, si ate Ara. Ever since collegiate level pa lang siya, parang UAAP pa lang siya, idol ko na talaga siya."
[ALSO READ: Rival to idol? La Salle's Angel Canino reveals her top UAAP players]
Multiple time MVP winners
Another name that naturally came up was Alyssa Valdez, a pillar of Philippine volleyball and whose reliability remains evident every time she steps on the court.
"Siyempre si Ate Alyssa since isa siya sa mga legend sa UAAP and ngayon naman napapakita niya parin na every time ipapasok siya sa court talagang maasahan siya ng team," Belen said.
Belen also highlighted three-time PVL Conference MVP Brooke Van Sickle, a fellow all-around threat she once played alongside in the national team.
"Ate Brooke, naging ka-teammate ko rin siya before sa national team," said Belen. "Kala ko nga makukuha namin siya [sa Capital1]. So ayun, Ate Brooke kasi all-around player din siya."
Completing her list is Creamline’s Jia De Guzman, one of the PVL's most respected playmakers—though Belen made sure to keep things light.
"Ate Jia talaga. So, wait. Ate Jia, pag tayo po nagkalaban, please sit out muna kayo, ha?"
Speaking of facing De Guzman, Belen will mark her first match against the complete Creamline Cool Smashers on Saturday, February 21, at the FilOil Centre in San Juan.
All eyes will be on the three-time UAAP MVP as she goes up against the winningest team in the PVL.
[ALSO READ: Alyssa Valdez praises Bella Belen's rise, excited for first PVL showdown]
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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.