BELLA Belen’s 'fangirling' experience over Bulgarian setter Moni Nikolov during the 2025 FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship drew mixed reactions from fans on social media.
On one end, some described Belen’s gestures as a typical exercise of support and admiration - like any other fan would for their own idols, from mere shaking of hands to taking photos, among others.
The other half paints the narrative of attention-seeking and borderline fanaticism, which some might perceive to be a tad bit intrusive to one’s privacy.
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“Nagfa-fangirl lang naman ako since grabe ‘yung admiration ko kasi sobrang galing niya. Bagets pa lang siya, pero grabe na ‘yung pinapakita niya sa buong mundo kaya super taas ng tingin ko sa kanya,” Belen told SPIN.ph.
Belen and Nikolov’s interactions, both in person and online, were followed closely by a handful of fans over the last two weeks and even after the tournament’s conclusion.
With the growing traction of this saga, even from volleyball fans and sports outlets overseas who have been critical of Belen’s endeavors, the three-time UAAP MVP went on to set the record straight.
From one athlete to another, Belen would be one to know the importance of respecting boundaries in any dealings with those whom she shares the same craft with.
“Hindi naman ako tinatablan (ng bashing). Wala naman akong ginawang masama. Hinintay ko siyang matapos ‘yung game. Hindi ko naman siya pinuntahan sa hotel niya," she said.
“Alam ko pa rin ‘yung limitations as an athlete kasi siyempre, athlete din ako. Alam ko ‘yung feeling na kunyari pagod siya tapos makikipaghalubilo pa sa mga fans.
“Lahat naman ng ginawa kong pagpapa-picture sa kanya, meron naman ‘yun na boundaries talaga.”
Bella a believer of Bulgaria's rising star
In fact, Belen knew all about Nikolov when she was still a college player - with the former seeing shades of herself as a young sporting prodigy in the latter.
“Ako talaga ‘yung unang nag-follow [on social media] kasi matagal ko na siyang alam, nasa NU pa lang ako” she explained.
“Napapanood na namin siya sa FB na siya ‘yung setter na ang tangkad ta’s pumapalo talaga at mataas tumalon."
Fan favorite Nikolov and the rest of Bulgaria authored a historic silver medal finish in the Philippine-hosted FIVB Worlds, making it a trip to remember for a nation that waited 55 years to return to a World Championship final.
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