Three-time UAAP champion Bella Belen held NU rookie Sam Cantada in high regard after witnessing her debut game in UAAP Season 88.
Bella Belen had nothing but good words for Sam Cantada as the NU rookie uncorked a 21-point performance for the Lady Bulldogs in a character-building win over the UST Golden Tigresses to open their UAAP Season 88 bid on Sunday.
Belen, a three-time UAAP champion herself, was left impressed by Cantada’s performance, especially as the 18-year-old keyed a pivotal run in the fourth set to deny UST’s comeback in the late goings of the match.
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“Siyempre, I'm very happy sa pinakita ni Sam. Eh, hindi lang naman si Sam, siyempre sa buong team. And ngayon, kasi naka-tune up naman namin sila before. Eh, nakita ko si Sam talaga malaking potential niya. Maganda 'yung magiging contribution niya sa team. And ngayon, nag-show up talaga siya,” Belen said at the sidelines of NU’s victory over UST.
“So, I'm very proud kay Sam kasi kahit na rookie siya, talagang binibigay niya lahat para makapanalo this game.”
Belen had the honor of becoming the league’s first Rookie-MVP in women’s volleyball. While Cantada only has one game under her belt, the now Capital1 ace sees a part of her younger self in the up-and-coming freshman.
“Parang nung nakita ko siya naglalaro, parang naaalala ko 'yung self ko before. So, I'm very proud lang kay Sam. Kasi, close din naman kami ni Sam. So, ayun, I'm very proud lang talaga sa kanya,” Belen said of Cantada.
No advice needed
Despite having years ahead of Cantada, Belen stopped short of offering any tips or advice for the player that is touted to be the next face of NU women’s volleyball.
Understanding the Lady Bulldogs’ strengths now as an outsider, the 2025 PVL no. 1 pick said that there wasn’t anything she could tell them that they don’t already know.
“Hindi naman na nila kailangan ng advice. Kasi, I feel like, andyan na 'yung skills na like, kailangan na lang nila mag-show up talaga every game,” she said.
Belen was joined by fellow NU alums Sheena Toring and Erin Pangilinan at the sidelines of the NU-UST game on Sunday night.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.