Photo by Nolan Empalmado/Fabilioh.com

Name: Karla Bello
Birthday: April 24, 1986
Weight: 115 lbs
Height: 5’3″

College Team: Ateneo De Manila University
Sports: VOLLEYBALL!
Jersey no: 5

How did you start playing your sport?
I started playing when I was in grade 4. But I joined the team when I was in grade 7 -Miriam GS. From then on, varsity na ako.

When I was young, we had this sports fest in our village… but they wouldn’t let me play because I was too young. So I wanted to learn how to play, joined the team and then learned to love the sport!

Reasons for competing in that sport?
Well, it would be because of my teammates. They’re my friends and family narin. So I compete for them para sa mga paghihirap na pinagdaanan namin. (yuck cheesy! Haha. But it’s true! )

Were you a varsity player during your elementary and high school days?
Yep, from grade 7 and buong High School.

How much do you usually spend playing sports?
Noon? Every freakin’ day. Hahaha. Ngayon, once in a blue moon.

Where do you usually play?
Blue Eagle Gym!

What do you do when you’re not playing sports?
Study. Yuck. Haha. And on my free time? I go out with the men’s team, wherever they are –mostly dota. Hahahahahahaha!

What are your greatest achievements/awards/moment as an athlete?
Best server for one Shakey’s V-League conference. Syempre when we placed third and second sa V-League.

What’s your course? Are you enjoying it?
Masters in Business Administration. Hell yeah!

When you were a kid, what do you want to be? Are you fulfilling it? Or do you have plans of fulfilling it in the future?
Flight attendant, so I can travel the world. Hehe. But right now… I’m looking for other jobs that does traveling too. Hehe.

Is it hard balancing academics and athletics at the same time? How’s your studies?
Not really, I survived didn’t I? Hehe. MBA’s looking good, about to finish in 6 months… sana!!!

Where do you see yourself in five years?
Working, and hopefully, traveling

Who are the players you look up to or any idols?
Yumilka Ruiz from Cuba and Maurizia Cacciatori from Italy.

Thanks for granting me the opportunity to feature you here, Karla. Continue playing great volleyball, more power and God bless! Oh, as I always say, stay fit! – Galwin