A video message by Bella Belen plays during the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft after the three-time UAAP MVP was selected first overall by Capital1 Solar Spikers.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — Capital1 secured its future after signing a “game changer and franchise maker” in Bella Belen as the top pick in a stacked 2025 PVL Rookie Draft on Sunday night at Novotel.

Belen may have missed the Draft Night due to her Alas Pilipinas’ commitment in the AVC Nations Cup in Vietnam with national team and new Solar Spikers coach Jorge Souza de Brito, but Capital1 owners Milka and Mandy Romero are both excited for the new era and new energy that the three-time UAAP MVP is about to bring to their young squad. 

READ: No surprise as Bella Belen picked first in PVL Draft 2025

Bella Belen, who is with Alas Pilipinas in Vietnam, expresses her gratitude to Capital1. #PVLDraft2025 @INQUIRERSports pic.twitter.com/LH9i41moQO

— Lance Agcaoili (@LanceAgcaoilINQ) June 8, 2025

“We all know that Bella Belen is a franchise maker and game changer. We will really take care of her and her fans, who will be now fans of Capital1. We’re thankful for the continuous support to our team and I hope we make you all proud,” said Milka in Filipino.

“’It’s a relief na the suspense is over and from the day that we got the lottery pick, the first pick, that was really a good advantage for our team. We wanted to have a stronger line-up, stronger strategy for the team moving forward and the first pick was very helpful.”

The three-time UAAP champion from National University, who scored 12 points off the bench in Alas’ win over Indonesia to stay unbeaten in the Nations Cup, expressed her gratitude to the Solar Spikers while still showing her light side in a video message.

READ: PVL: Top prospect Bella Belen can certainly improve Capital1’s image

Capital1 owners Milka and Mandy Romero during the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

“I’m really grateful to the whole Capital1 management, the Romero family, and Coach Jorge. Thank you so much for the trust you’ve given me to be part of your team. Becoming a professional volleyball player has always been a dream of mine,” said Belen in Filipino.

“Even though I couldn’t be at Novotel for the draft tonight because I’m currently representing the national team, I’m there in spirit and I’m really proud of everyone who got drafted tonight. I’m super excited to play in the PVL and suit up for Capital1. From Gold and Blue to Yellow and Blue, it feels like nothing’s changed.”

Besides Belen, who will join Leila Cruz, Roma Mae Doromal, Trisha Genesis, and Iris Tolenada, Capital1 also drafted University of Santo Tomas middle blocker Pia Abbu in the second round and unheralded player Ivy Aquino from the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies to solidify their frontline.

“This is a pivotal moment for Capital1. So, we thank all the fans for joining us in this journey and really more to expect from Capital1 and getting bigger and brighter,” said Mandy, who was with their father and sports patron Mikee Romero and brother Santi.