AMID ongoing uncertainty and controversy in the Philippine volleyball scene, Premier Volleyball League (PVL) stars and national team standouts Bella Belen and Eya Laure can only watch—and hope.
The two volleybelles were present on the final day of the Volleyball Nations League at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City, where they witnessed Italy defeat fan-favorite Japan.
Both Belen and Laure, who powered Alas Pilipinas in the 2026 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand but sat out the 2026 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Cup from June 6 to 14, shared a simple yet meaningful wish for Philippine volleyball.
“Unity,” Laure told The Manila Times.
Though reserved, the Choco Mucho Flying Titans star expressed her excitement in watching world-class competition unfold on local soil.
“I am very happy, and the crowd is really passionate in cheering. It’s a good experience since we get to watch it live, and we’re able to see different plays that we can also do. We are inspired and motivated after this,” she said.
Laure played a key role in Alas Pilipinas’ success in recent years, including its historic run in the 2025 AVC Women’s Nations Cup, where the Philippines ended a 64-year finals drought. She was even dubbed “mother” for her clutch performance against Taiwan in the semifinals.
Belen, who also took time to interact with fans, echoed a similar sentiment for the future of the national team.
“I hope that we can reach this level. It’s really nice to see how strong other national teams are. The level is very different, especially in terms of the difficulty of plays. I hope we can achieve this in the coming years,” she shared.
The Capital1 Solar Spikers standout and three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player (MVP) has been instrumental in Alas Pilipinas’ steady rise in the world rankings—from No. 156 in 2021 to No. 46 in 2025.
Belen and Laure were part of the 14-woman core of the previous national team lineup, which also included Jia De Guzman, Mars Alba, Dawn Catindig, Justine Jazareno, Angel Canino, Shaine Nitura, Vanie Gandler, Alyssa Solomon, Maddie Madayag, Dell Palomata, and Amie Provido.
Among the Southeast Asian Games roster, Solomon was the lone player who remained with the national team for the 2026 AVC Women’s Cup. NICOLE ANNE D.G. BUGAUISAN
