Fresh from securing the Philippines’ first silver medal in the SEA Women’s V Cup, Bella Belen believes Alas Pilipinas Women can compete with Asian powerhouses China and Kazakhstan at the 2026 Aichi‑Nagoya Asian Games.
Belen, who watched the Capital1 Solar Spikers’ final game in the 2026 PVL On Tour Showdown on Saturday at the Victorias City Coliseum, said the Filipinas can hold their own against their Pool B opponents with more preparation ahead of the continental tournament.
“Yun nga first time ko if ever and then siguro yung team naman, I feel like ready naman kami kasi after nung SEA V Cup namin nagkaroon din kami ng assessment as a team and syempre as an individual,” said Belen, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 PVL Draft.
The 24‑year‑old spiker said the team has already identified areas for improvement following the SEA V Cup, giving Alas Pilipinas a clearer picture of what it needs to work on before facing China and Kazakhstan.
“Tiningnan namin kung ano yung mga puwede naming i‑improve as a team and kung ano yung mga kulang namin na puwede naming gawin for Asian Games kasi since kilala na naman natin kung sino yung unang magiging kalaban, yung dalawa, so ayun. I feel like kaya ng team makipagsabayan sa Asian Games,” she continued.
Belen Leads Stellar Alas Pilipinas Cast
Belen, Alyssa Solomon, and Eya Laure played key roles in Alas Pilipinas’ turnaround at the SEA V Cup. After going winless in the opening leg, the Filipinas bounced back in Chiang Mai, Thailand, with victories over Vietnam and Indonesia to secure the historic silver medal.
Solomon was named Best Opposite Spiker in both legs, while Laure earned a spot among the Best Outside Spikers in the second leg.
For Belen, the result was especially encouraging given the team’s limited preparation time under newly appointed head coach Taka Minowa.
“Kumbaga hindi naman po naging madali ‘yung SEA V Cup for us kasi yung training namin, yung preparation namin maikli lang, so talagang binigay namin yung best namin na kaya pala namin na maikli lang yung preparation namin. I’m very happy na nakita namin na lumaban talaga yung team para makuha yung silver medal,” shared Belen.
A Tough Road Ahead
The Asian Games will provide Alas Pilipinas with an even bigger challenge, with the competition scheduled to begin on September 16.
Belen’s Capital1 teammates Erika Santos and Vanie Gandler will also be part of the Asian Games squad, alongside captain Jia de Guzman, Mars Alba, Vange Alinsug, Celine Marsh, Niña Ytang, Dell Palomata, Jen Nierva, Dawn Catindig, Justine Jazareno, Thea Gagate, and Fifi Sharma.
With the SEA V Cup silver serving as a confidence boost, Alas Pilipinas now has its sights set on making an impact against some of Asia’s strongest teams in Aichi‑Nagoya.
