Bella Belen quickly proved she belonged among the Premier Volleyball League elite after delivering a breakout debut season for Capital1 Solar Spikers that earned her the Rookie of the Year award in the 2nd Pilipinas Live PVL Press Corps Awards Night.

The former National University standout became a major difference-maker for the Solar Spikers after finally making her long-awaited PVL debut. Once fully integrated into the team, Belen immediately emerged as Capital1’s primary offensive weapon during both the Reinforced Conference and the season-ending All-Filipino Conference.

Her impact throughout the season earned widespread recognition from both the media and league teams. Belen collected 69 media votes and 26 team votes while posting 91.284 statistical points for a total of 186.284 points to secure the prestigious rookie honor.

The awards night is scheduled for May 30 at the Novotel Manila Araneta City. The annual event is backed by Pilipinas Live and Rebisco and celebrates the top performers across the PVL season.

Belen outshined several members of the highly touted 2025 Draft class, including AC Miner, Jean Asis, and Riza Nogales. Her consistency and all-around contributions separated her from the rest of the rookie field throughout the campaign.

Belen shines for Capital1

The 23-year-old outside hitter showcased her offensive firepower during the All-Filipino Conference and quickly established herself as one of the league’s most dangerous scorers. She finished third overall in scoring during the preliminary round after producing 218 total points.

Belen also displayed efficiency on offense with a 35.16 percent spiking success rate, further highlighting her ability to carry a heavy scoring load for Capital1. Her arrival gave the Solar Spikers a reliable go-to scorer capable of producing against the league’s top defensive teams.

Beyond her offensive production, Belen also proved to be one of the PVL’s best two-way players. She ranked second in reception with an efficiency rate of 40.84 percent, underscoring her value on both ends of the floor.

Her strong all-around game earned her additional recognition beyond the Rookie of the Year award. Belen is also set to headline the league’s Mythical Team during the formal awards ceremony.

The multi-awarded former UAAP Most Valuable Player will likewise receive the Best Outside Spiker honor after topping the voting with 91.284 statistical points, 45 media votes, and 33.4 team votes.

PVL stars earn recognition

PLDT High Speed Hitters standout Savi Davison will join Belen as one of the season’s Best Outside Spikers after recording 89.252 statistical points along with strong support from media and team voters.

Cignal HD Spikers playmaker Gel Cayuna secured the Best Setter award after tallying 95.039 statistical points to go along with 64.2 media votes and 36.4 team votes. PLDT libero Kath Arado also earned recognition as the league’s Best Libero following another impressive defensive campaign.

Creamline Cool Smashers veteran Pangs Panaga and PLDT star Majoy Baron captured the Best Middle Blocker honors after consistently anchoring their respective teams at the net throughout the season.

Farm Fresh Foxies standout Trisha Tubu rounded out the elite group after claiming the Best Opposite Spiker award. Tubu played a major role in leading the Foxies to a historic fourth-place finish in the 2026 All-Filipino Conference while posting 108.868 statistical points.

Belen’s successful transition from collegiate volleyball to the professional ranks further solidified her status as one of Philippine volleyball’s brightest young stars. Her impressive rookie campaign also provided Capital1 with a franchise cornerstone capable of leading the team for years to come.