Bella Belen confident Alas Pilipinas women ready for Asian Games

Alas Pilipinas’ Bella Belen during the SEA V Cup Leg 2. –SAVA PHOTO

VICTORIAS, Negros Occidental — Bella Belen believes that the Alas Pilipinas women’s team is ready for the 2026 Asian Games Aichi-Nagoya slated next month in Japan.

Belen, who is currently locked in for Alas’ preparation for the continental meet, joined the Capital1 Solar Spikers here for their last PVL On Tour match against Farm Fresh on Saturday.

READ: Alas Pilipinas women redeem selves with first silver at SEA V Cup

The PVL Rookie of the Year was wearing a support on her right hand, but assured she’s okay and ready for her Asian Games debut.

“It will be my first time. As a team, I feel like we’re ready. After the SEA V Cup, we had an assessment both as a team and individually. We looked at what we can improve, what we’re still lacking, and what we need to work on for the Asian Games,” Belen told the reporters in Filipino.

Bella Belen on the upcoming Asian Games. | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/PFj6Ibukpz

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) August 22, 2026

“We already have an idea of who our first two opponents will be, so we know what to prepare for. I feel like our team can compete and keep up with the other teams at the Asian Games.”

READ: Amid Alas Pilipinas’ recent woes, Bella Belen kept strong belief

Belen and her fellow nationals look to carry the momentum from their historic silver medal in the SEA V Cup Leg 2 in Thailand, where they bounced back from a winless Leg 1 in Vietnam.

“It wasn’t easy for us because we had a short time to prepare and train. We really gave it our all and did our best despite the limited preparation time. I’m very happy that we saw the team fight hard and give everything to win the silver medal,” she said.

The former three-time UAAP MVP out of National University relished their fresh learnings from Japanese coach Taka Minowa.

“I’m really happy because, of course, he’s a Japanese coach, so we’ve learned a lot from him. Even in our first week with him, we already saw improvements in the team,” said Belen.

“Personally, I’ve also seen areas where I’ve improved under him. I’m excited to see what else he can bring and contribute to the team.”

Interestingly, Belen said she is a fan of Japan’s volleyball program, and she enjoys getting a taste of the powerhouse nation’s culture and tactics.

“The system feels somewhat similar. Of course, the Japan team is already at a different level from us, but with the help of coaches like Coach Taka, who has experience handling the Japanese national team, we’re able to learn a lot,” she said.

“He really shares with us what he sees and what he thinks can help the Philippine national team. I’m just happy with what we’ve achieved so far and excited for what’s still ahead for the team.”