Bella Belen Powers Team Heart to PVL All-Star Victory as Showcase Returns After Seven-Year Hiatus

Key facts

• Bella Belen scored 15 points to lead Team Heart to a 25-18, 18-25, 25-23, 25-17 win over Team Hustle.
• The PVL All-Star Game returned for the first time since 2019, held at the Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.
• Team Heart featured Jia De Guzman, Jema Galanza, Alyssa Valdez, and Myla Pablo (14 points).
• Team Hustle included Brooke Van Sickle (11 points), Eya Laure (10 points), and Kim Fajardo.
• In the Spikers' Turf match, Team Power defeated Team Passion 25-18, 25-18, 21-25, 25-23; Noel Kampton named MVP with 14 points.
• The 'Premier Ball' rule allows each team once per set to win a rally for two points, capped at 22 points in sets 1-4 and 12 in the fifth set.
• Skill contests included Setter Challenge, Digging Challenge, and Serving Challenge.

A Triumphant Return to Candon City Arena

The 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase blasted off Friday at the Candon City Arena in Candon, Ilocos Sur, marking the Premier Volleyball League's first All-Star game since 2019. The event brought together the country's finest talents from both the men's and women's divisions for a day of elite competition, entertainment, and camaraderie. Fans packed the arena as the showcase kicked off at 3 p.m. with the Spikers' Turf All-Star Game, where the men's league's premier athletes took center stage. The spotlight then shifted to the PVL All-Star Game at 5:30 p.m., featuring a clash between two loaded squads – Team Heart and Team Hustle.

Belen Shines as Team Heart Overpowers Team Hustle

Bella Belen led Team Heart to a 25-18, 18-25, 25-23, 25-17 victory over Team Hustle, earning Most Valuable Player honors with 15 points. Myla Pablo added 14 points, while Alyssa Valdez and Erika Santos chipped in 10 each. Team Heart's starting roster was bannered by Jia De Guzman, Jema Galanza, and Jeanette Panaga of Creamline, alongside Bella Belen (Capital1), Majoy Baron (PLDT), Erika Santos (Cignal), and Justine Jazareno (Akari), with PLDT's Rald Ricafort as head coach. The bench featured Alyssa Valdez (Creamline), newly crowned MVP Vanie Gandler, Dawn Catindig, Gel Cayuna of Cignal, Myla Pablo and MJ Phillips of Nxled, and Galeries Tower's Jean Asis. For Team Hustle, Brooke Van Sickle finished with 11 points, while Eya Laure had 10. The squad was led by Kim Fajardo, Kianna Dy, and Mika Reyes of PLDT, joined by Kath Arado (PLDT), Bernadeth Pons (Creamline), Eya Laure (Choco Mucho), and Fifi Sharma (Akari), under coach Rommel Abella. Their bench included Brooke Van Sickle (Nxled), Tots Carlos (Creamline), Alohi Robins-Hardy (Farm Fresh), Ivy Lacsina (Akari), Jackie Acuña (Cignal), Alyssa Eroa (ZUS Coffee), and Bea De Leon (Creamline).

Spikers' Turf: Team Power Edges Team Passion

In the men's exhibition match, Noel Kampton and Team Power defeated Team Passion, 25-18, 25-18, 21-25, 25-23. Kampton was named MVP after tallying 14 points, while JM Ronquillo added nine for Team Power. Team Power, coached by Savouge's Sydney Calderon, started with Jude Garcia, Adrian Villados, Noel Kampton, Lloyd Josafat, Menard Guerrero (Criss Cross), and Louie Ramirez (Savouge). Kim Malabunga (Criss Cross) stepped into the starting lineup in place of JP Bugaoan (Savouge). The bench featured EJ Casaña and Vince Lorenzo (AEP-Cabstars), Billie Anima and JM Ronquillo (Alpha Insurance), Jaron Requinton (Criss Cross), and Jayvee Sumagaysay (VNS Always Bright Laticrete). Edward Camposano (Alpha Insurance) was replaced by Ysay Marasigan (Criss Cross). Team Passion, coached by Criss Cross mentor Tai Bundit, fielded a starting six of Mark Calado, Vince Imperial, Giles Torres, Rikko Marmeto (Savouge), Alche Gupiteo and Poy Colinares (Criss Cross), and Jau Umandal (Alpha Insurance). Reserves included Nico Almendras, John Philip Pepito, Gian Glorioso (Criss Cross), Mfena Gwaza and Jay Rack De La Noche (AEP-Cabstars), and Cian Silang (Alpha Insurance). Jared Schnake (AEP-Cabstars) completed the bench, replacing Shawie Caritativo (Savouge). Mark Calado led Team Passion with 16 points.

The Premier Ball: A Rule Designed for Drama

Adding intrigue to both All-Star Games was the introduction of the 'Premier Ball,' a special rule designed to heighten excitement. Once per set, each team may activate the Premier Ball – signaled by the captain – which, if used to win a rally, awards two points instead of one. To maintain competitive balance, the Premier Ball cannot be used to close out a set. Its use is capped at 22 points in sets one to four and 12 points in a deciding fifth set, ensuring added drama without directly determining the outcome. The rule added a strategic layer, as teams had to decide the optimal moment to deploy the double-point opportunity.

Beyond the Matches: Skill Contests and Celebration

Beyond the matches, fans enjoyed skill-based contests, including the Setter Challenge, Digging Challenge, and Serving Challenge, making the showcase not just a battle of teams but a celebration of individual excellence. The event underscored the depth of talent in Philippine volleyball, with stars from both the PVL and Spikers' Turf sharing the spotlight. With an unprecedented assembly of volleyball's biggest names all in one venue, the 2026 Volleyball All-Star Showcase stood as a true celebration of the sport – where elite talent, fierce competition, and pure entertainment came together in one unforgettable event.

Outlook: A Milestone for Philippine Volleyball

The successful return of the PVL All-Star after a seven-year hiatus signals a new era for Philippine volleyball, with increased fan engagement and a deeper talent pool. The event's mix of established stars like Alyssa Valdez and rising talents like Bella Belen and Vanie Gandler highlights the sport's bright future. As the PVL continues to grow, the All-Star Showcase may become an annual fixture, further elevating the profile of the league and its athletes. The introduction of the Premier Ball rule, if well-received, could influence future competitions, adding a unique tactical element to the game.

The bottom line

• The PVL All-Star Game returned in 2026 after a seven-year hiatus, held at Candon City Arena in Ilocos Sur.
• Bella Belen of Capital1 was named MVP after scoring 15 points to lead Team Heart to a 4-set victory over Team Hustle.
• Team Heart featured a mix of Creamline stars (Jia De Guzman, Jema Galanza, Alyssa Valdez) and other top players.
• Team Hustle included PLDT core players Kim Fajardo, Kianna Dy, Mika Reyes, and international talent Brooke Van Sickle.
• In the Spikers' Turf match, Team Power defeated Team Passion, with Noel Kampton earning MVP honors.
• The new 'Premier Ball' rule allowed teams to win two points on a single rally once per set, adding strategic depth.