BELLA Belen’s scorching start with Capital1 in the 2026 PVL All-Filipino Conference has looked nothing short of dominant.
But behind the Solar Spikers’ rising star’s relentless scoring surge lies a battle few ever saw, heard, or felt.
Fresh off a fairytale UAAP Season 87 sendoff with National U that produced another championship, another MVP award, and a rare jersey retirement, Belen entered the pros carrying a lingering injury that nearly derailed her final collegiate campaign.
Even before her swan song began, the 23-year-old standout was already dealing with issues in her left knee, the same leg she relies on when landing from serves, attacks, and blocks.
The discomfort eventually crept up to her hips, forcing her to play with extra caution just to stay on the floor.
“Way before nu’ng UAAP namin, like before mag-start nu’ng first game ng Season 87, parang na-strain, sprain ‘yung back nu’ng knee ko, ‘yung left landing knee,” Belen told SPIN.ph.
“Hanggang sa umaakyat siya sa hips, and then, there was a time na nag-lock yung hips ko. Pabalik-balik ‘yun. Nawala, ta’s bumalik. Nawala, ta’s bumalik ulit.”
Imagine her at full strength
That apparent fitness issue makes her blistering professional form all the more remarkable.
Belen has yet to dip below the 20-point mark through Capital1’s first five games in the ongoing conference.
In her career-high 29-point explosion against Choco Mucho, however, she had to sit out most of the fourth set after experiencing discomfort in her left hip and leg.
“Ngayon, bumabalik ulit siya, pero nakapagpa-check up naman na kami. Nagsa-start talaga ‘yung discomfort sa hips since na-sprain, na-strain ‘yung tuhod, so umakyat siya sa hips then bumababa,” she explained.
“Factor din talaga siya kung bakit ako nagka-cramps since lahat ng pressure nasa left leg.”
READ: Bella Belen's only beginning to expand her game with Capital1
Now in the pros, Belen continues to manage the issue while maintaining elite production, a testament to her discipline and conditioning.
She credits her strength and conditioning program, particularly with coach Kim Bejo from her NU days, for helping her stay game-ready despite the physical toll.
“Shoutout to coach Kim. Malaking help si coach Kim talaga sa career ko. Nagkaroon man ako ng mga injuries, pero hindi siya naging hindrance talaga sa paglalaro ko,” she said.
Bejo himself acknowledged Belen’s relentless work ethic, noting how her commitment to training and recovery has helped her withstand the demands of both her illustrious UAAP career and her transition to the PVL.
“To be fair, she’s one of the hardest-working athletes I’ve ever coached,” he wrote on social media.
“What you see on game day is just a glimpse of the work she puts in when no one’s watching. If may iniinda and need mag-extra rehab 2-3x a day, gagawin niya lang para makalaro at makabalik agad.”
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