Less than a year into her professional career, Bella Belen has already entered rare company.
The Capital1 Solar Spikers star was named Miss Volleyball by the Philippine Sportswriters Association on Monday, joining a distinguished list that includes Alyssa Valdez, Aby Maraño, Mika Reyes, Jaja Santiago, Dawn Catindig, Sisi Rondina, Tots Carlos, and Jia De Guzman.
“To be honest, hindi po talaga,” Belen exclaimed when asked about receiving the prestigious recognition. “Siguro inisip ko lang na kung may time na darating, makakalaban ko sila o magiging teammates ko sila. Pero hindi ko talaga inisip na darating ‘yung time na makakasama ako sa listahan ng talented players.”
Bella Belen Humble as Ever
Despite the milestone, Belen maintained her trademark humility, expressing gratitude to the country’s oldest sports media organization, which covers both collegiate and professional leagues.
“Very honored and grateful talaga kasi hindi ko naman po ini-expect na magkakaroon po ako ng ganitong klaseng award, kasi 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,” she added.
Showing Out From College to the Pros
On the court, Bella Belen has continued to mirror in the PVL the production that made her a three-time UAAP MVP with the NU Lady Bulldogs. In Capital1’s recent upset of the Choco Mucho Flying Titans, she delivered a professional career-high 29 points, further reinforcing why she was the first overall pick in the 2025 PVL Draft.
Yet for Belen, accolades remain secondary to the work.
“I mean, lagi ko naman po sinasabi, like, ‘yung every award kahit saan, susunod talaga. Basta, like, magtrabaho, magsumikap lagi, like, kunyari kailangan mag-show up every game, every training, and sa lahat ng bagay. So, ayun, I’m very thankful sa award,” she said.
Bella Belen received her award on Tuesday during Capital1’s recent victory over Choco Mucho in the PVL.
