MANILA — Bella Belen was in disbelief as she received the Ms. Volleyball honor from the Philippine Sportswriters Association.
Belen was handed the trophy on Tuesday by the Premier Volleyball League Press Corps, who are members of the PSA, led by PVL PC President Lance Agcaoili of Inquirer Sports.
The Capital1 rookie was under the weather, prompting her to skip the 2025 PSA Annual Awards Night on Monday at the Diamond Hotel, also citing a request from her physical therapist who advised her to rest in anticipation of today's match.
"Very honored and grateful talaga kasi hindi ko naman po ine-expect na magkakaroon po ako ng ganitong klaseng award," Belen told reporters at the Filoil Centre.
READ: PVL: Belen fires career-best 29 points to carry Capital1 past Choco Mucho in 5
"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," added Belen.
In poetic fashion, Belen notched her career-best in the PVL, also on Tuesday, tying her UAAP-high 29 points, on 25 attacks, two blocks, and two aces to go with 15 excellent digs and seven excellent receptions against Choco Mucho.
Capital1 escaped the Flying Titans, 25-21, 18-25, 25-18, 19-25, 15-10, in the ongoing 2026 All-Filipino Conference.
Belen joins a legendary list of players who received the biggest honor for volleybelles in the country by reporters covering Filipino athletes—Jia de Guzman, Alyssa Valdez, Tots Carlos Sisi Rondina, Jaja Santiago, Dawn Macandili, and Mika Reyes.
"To be honest, hindi po talaga," Belen answered when asked about getting on this list of Ms. Volleyball awardees.
"Siguro inisip ko lang, like kung siguro may time, o may darating na 'yun, makakalaban ko sila o magiging teammates ko sila. Pero hindi ko inisip talaga, na there will be a time na 'yun, makakasama ko sa mga list ng mga talented players."