SPORTS
Advocates Philippines
Capital1 Ushers In A Bold New Era By Selecting Bella Belen As No. 1 Pick In PVL Draft
Photo credit: PVL
The Capital1 Solar Spikers officially turned the page to a new chapter on Sunday night, making what team officials hailed as a “game-changing” move during the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Rookie Draft at Novotel Manila in Cubao.
With the coveted No. 1 overall pick, Capital1 selected National University star Mhicaela “Bella” Belen—an outside hitter whose name has long been linked with greatness. The move may have been widely expected, but when the announcement was made, it still caught many off guard—including Belen herself.
Currently in Vietnam with the Alas Pilipinas squad for the AVC Challenge Cup, Belen appeared via recorded video to deliver her acceptance speech. Her reaction was candid and filled with disbelief.
“Ako?” she asked, stunned, before regaining composure and thanking Capital1’s management for their confidence.
“It’s been my dream to become a professional volleyball player. Kahit wala ako sa Novotel, andyan pa rin ako in spirit,” she said. “I’m very proud of all the draftees and excited to start this journey with Capital1. From golden blue to yellow and blue – parang walang nagbago.”
At just 22 years old, Belen brings an impressive résumé that includes three UAAP MVP awards and a reputation as one of the most complete players of her generation. Her all-around game and leadership make her a valuable asset for Capital1, who are banking on her presence to elevate the team’s status in the league organized by Sports Vision.
She’ll be joining familiar faces at Capital1—namely, head coach Jorge Souza de Brito and outside hitter Leila Cruz—both of whom are also part of the Alas Pilipinas setup.
“We’re enjoying every moment of this draft,” said Capital1 team owner Mandy Romero. “We are truly honored to have had the first overall pick. Bella is a generational talent. She’s a game-changer. This marks a new era for Capital1.”
The energy carried over into the next picks, signaling a deeper commitment to youth and development across the league.
Galeries Tower chose former FEU middle blocker Jean Asis as the second overall pick. “As an athlete, it feels amazing. Sobrang saya, sobrang proud,” said Asis. “Thank you to coach Lerma and the Galeries Tower team for believing in me. Hindi kayo magsisisi sa pagpili sa akin.”
Farm Fresh strengthened its setter rotation by drafting Filipino-American playmaker Alohi Robins-Hardy third overall, while Nxled followed by selecting Ateneo’s Lyann De Guzman. ZUS Coffee then picked fellow Lady Blue Eagle AC Miner at fifth overall.
Cignal looked to fortify its middle with NU’s Erin Pangilinan, while Choco Mucho made a surprise move by selecting a third setter, Tia Andaya, to join Deanna Wong and Mars Alba.
De La Salle standouts Jyne Soreño and Alleiah Malaluan were drafted next by Chery Tiggo and PLDT, respectively, while Chen Tagaod was picked by Akari—reuniting with her college coach Tina Salak, now the Chargers’ new head coach.
Defending champions Petro Gazz added depth with La Salle setter Jules Tolentino, and Creamline rounded out the first round by picking NU middle blocker Sheena Toring, who will be reunited with her former coach Sherwin Meneses.
This second edition of the PVL Rookie Draft was more than just about filling rosters. It highlighted a clear shift in the league’s direction—toward youth, promise, and a future built around emerging stars.
With Bella Belen leading the charge, Capital1 and the rest of the PVL teams are sending a strong message: the next generation is here, and they’re ready to take the spotlight.
With the coveted No. 1 overall pick, Capital1 selected National University star Mhicaela “Bella” Belen—an outside hitter whose name has long been linked with greatness. The move may have been widely expected, but when the announcement was made, it still caught many off guard—including Belen herself.
Currently in Vietnam with the Alas Pilipinas squad for the AVC Challenge Cup, Belen appeared via recorded video to deliver her acceptance speech. Her reaction was candid and filled with disbelief.
“Ako?” she asked, stunned, before regaining composure and thanking Capital1’s management for their confidence.
“It’s been my dream to become a professional volleyball player. Kahit wala ako sa Novotel, andyan pa rin ako in spirit,” she said. “I’m very proud of all the draftees and excited to start this journey with Capital1. From golden blue to yellow and blue – parang walang nagbago.”
At just 22 years old, Belen brings an impressive résumé that includes three UAAP MVP awards and a reputation as one of the most complete players of her generation. Her all-around game and leadership make her a valuable asset for Capital1, who are banking on her presence to elevate the team’s status in the league organized by Sports Vision.
She’ll be joining familiar faces at Capital1—namely, head coach Jorge Souza de Brito and outside hitter Leila Cruz—both of whom are also part of the Alas Pilipinas setup.
“We’re enjoying every moment of this draft,” said Capital1 team owner Mandy Romero. “We are truly honored to have had the first overall pick. Bella is a generational talent. She’s a game-changer. This marks a new era for Capital1.”
The energy carried over into the next picks, signaling a deeper commitment to youth and development across the league.
Galeries Tower chose former FEU middle blocker Jean Asis as the second overall pick. “As an athlete, it feels amazing. Sobrang saya, sobrang proud,” said Asis. “Thank you to coach Lerma and the Galeries Tower team for believing in me. Hindi kayo magsisisi sa pagpili sa akin.”
Farm Fresh strengthened its setter rotation by drafting Filipino-American playmaker Alohi Robins-Hardy third overall, while Nxled followed by selecting Ateneo’s Lyann De Guzman. ZUS Coffee then picked fellow Lady Blue Eagle AC Miner at fifth overall.
Cignal looked to fortify its middle with NU’s Erin Pangilinan, while Choco Mucho made a surprise move by selecting a third setter, Tia Andaya, to join Deanna Wong and Mars Alba.
De La Salle standouts Jyne Soreño and Alleiah Malaluan were drafted next by Chery Tiggo and PLDT, respectively, while Chen Tagaod was picked by Akari—reuniting with her college coach Tina Salak, now the Chargers’ new head coach.
Defending champions Petro Gazz added depth with La Salle setter Jules Tolentino, and Creamline rounded out the first round by picking NU middle blocker Sheena Toring, who will be reunited with her former coach Sherwin Meneses.
This second edition of the PVL Rookie Draft was more than just about filling rosters. It highlighted a clear shift in the league’s direction—toward youth, promise, and a future built around emerging stars.
With Bella Belen leading the charge, Capital1 and the rest of the PVL teams are sending a strong message: the next generation is here, and they’re ready to take the spotlight.
Jun 9, 2025
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