BANGKOK, Thailand — Alas Pilipinas women star Bella Belen wore a barong tagalog for the first time since perhaps her elementary and high school years.

That moment felt nostalgic for the 23-year-old spiker who is making her debut in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games here.

“Nag-Palarong Pambansa po ako noong elementary and then noong high school,” Belen said.

“Parang sobrang nostalgic siya for me pero siyempre mas mataas ito kasi SEA Games so parang very throwback din since naka-barong and everything.”

“Iba pa rin ngayon and since first time ko pong mag-SEA Games, iba ang feeling na nire-represent ang country natin. Hopefully, makapag-podium this SEA Games.”

The 5-foot-7 Belen spoke just before Team Philippines joined in the traditional parade of athletes during the festive opening ceremony at the Rajamangala National Stadium in this Thai capital.

When asked about the Jorge de Brito-mentored Pinay spikers’ medal chances, the three-time UAAP MVP and three-time champion with National University flashed her dimpled smile—confident they have what it takes.

“Siyempre, we're aiming for the gold. Lahat naman po siguro talagang aim ay ang gold pero siyempre hindi magiging madali for us lalo na at iyon nga hindi naman ganoon naging kahaba ang naging preparation po natin,” Belen said.

“Pero alam naman namin na ibibigay namin talaga ang best namin and hopefully, makapag-podium tayo.”

Belen was only three years old in 2005 when the Philippines last landed in the podium of the prestigious 11-nation biennial meet after capturing the bronze on home soil.

The likes of Thelma Barina-Rojas, Natalie Cruz, and Nene Ybañez-Chavez powered the team to the Promised Land in the 1993 edition of the Game sin Singapore—or nine years before she was born.

Belen, who plays for Capital1 in the PVL, and the rest of the Alas belles launch their bid against the hosts and reigning 14-time title holders Thailand Thursday at the Indoor Stadium Huamark.

Armed with a winner’s mentality and big, fighting heart to carry the country’s tri-colors, Belen looked good with the barong—and will surely look even better with a gold medal hanging around her neck in the end.

“Super ganda ng design. Very Filipino talaga and nakakaproud magsuot ng ganito,” she said.

“We're very excited din na kung paano kami magpe-perform this SEA Games. Sana maging maganda po ang outcome.”