Bella Belen continues to thrive even in PVL All-Star spotlight
Bella Belen leads Team Heart in the PVL Volleyball All-Star Showcase in Candon, Ilocos Sur. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
CANDON CITY — Being a rookie in the league, Bella Belen admitted to some self-doubt when she was named a PVL All-Star starter for Team Heart.
But true to her promise, she embraced the moment while entertaining fans and relishing the chance to share the court with her idols in her first All-Star appearance.
READ: PVL: Bella Belen savors All-Star nod after breakout conference
Belen was later named the All-Star Volleyball Showcase MVP after leading Team Heart past Team Hustle, 25-18, 18-25, 25-23, 25-17, on Friday at Cando City Arena.
“As a rookie, I still don’t see myself at that level yet. I know I still have a lot to learn from them. Even if I can somehow keep up skill-wise, it’s different when you see how they perform in games; their experience really shows. I’ve learned so much from them, so I’m just thankful to be part of Team Heart,” said Belen in Filipino.
Bella Belen leads Team Heart in the PVL Volleyball All-Star Showcase in Candon, Ilocos Sur. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Belen impressed her teammates, including former league MVPs Alyssa Valdez and Myla Pablo as well as coach Rald Ricafort of PLDT.
Beyond her performance, Belen also brought entertainment to the showcase, briefly switching roles with a line judge and jokingly subbing in Ricafort as a service specialist, while also helping court assistant Jhyson Manzano, who scored the game-winning attack.
WATCH: Bella Belen as a linesman and a volunteer playing for Team Hustle. #PVLAllStar #PVL2026 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/wPxgLLzTxW
— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) May 1, 2026
“Dream come true! Thank you to the All-Star. Even if it was just for a short moment, it was a dream come true. Maybe next time… one full game? Or even first referee?” Belen said with laughter.
“During a technical timeout, I even told them, ‘Let me try!’ They said they might get in trouble, but I said I’d take responsibility. It was all just for fun. I’m just really happy.”
Belen has been on a steady rise since being drafted by Capital1 as first overall in last year’s Rookie Draft. She played her best pro outing yet in the All-Filipino Conference, emerging as the tournament’s Top Rookie and Best Outside Spiker.
