From their nene days to competing in the UAAP Finals, Bella Belen and Detdet Pepito are grateful for reaching this point of their respective volleyball careers.
The UAAP Season 86 women's volleyball Finals became more than just a battle between National University and the University of Santo Tomas.
It also put the brightest of all spotlights on BFFs Bella Belen and Detdet Pepito.
The two have been best friends since their grade school days at the Lucas R. Pascual Memorial Elementary School, and their friendship just further blossomed this season with countless moments of banter, much to the delight of UAAP fans.
And as the two faced off in the biggest of stages, it was the Belen and the Lady Bulldogs who came out on top, defeating the Golden Tigresses in Game 2 to clinch the championship.
But more than the games themselves, the newly-minted Season 86 MVP in Belen was thankful that her friendship with Pepito was highlighted during these Finals.
"Sobrang saya lang kasi may nakaka-appreciate samin kasi matagal na kami magkasama ni Detdet since elementary, so kilala ko na 'yung self niya, 'yung baho niya, 'yung budhi niya," Belen quipped to One Sports.
[ALSO READ: "‘Wag ka muna mag-libero” | NU star Bella Belen leaves a message for her bestie Detdet Pepito in time for UAAP Finals]
Belen also bared her gratitude for being able to face Pepito in the Finals, expressing as well how proud she is of the UST team captain, who was once again named as Best Libero.
"Sobrang saya lang kasi nag-harap kami sa Finals. Hindi man kami naging mag-teammate pero at least nag-tapat kami and nakita ko binigay niya 'yung best niya na talaga nakita ko kung paano niya dalhin 'yung team niya," said Belen.
Pepito, on the other hand, was grateful of how far they've come from their nene days.
"Sana proud 'yung sila kuya Henry, 'yung mga talagang nag-tiyaga sa amin nung elementary. Parang nung elementary ako, parang hindi ko inexpect na maglalaro tayo sa ganitong university," said Pepito.
[ALSO READ: UST libero Bernadett Pepito shares ‘nene days’ with former teammate Bella Belen]
The 21-year-old libero also couldn't help but be proud of Belen's achievements in her volleyball career.
"Nag-bunga naman lahat and proud ako kay Belle kasi akala ko magli-libero lang siya," said Pepito. "Nilaban niya 'yung pagiging spiker and sana pagpatuloy lang natin 'yung passion natin sa paglalaro ng volleyball."