Capital1 Picks Bella Belen First in PVL Rookie Draft

The Capital1 Solar Spikers made a bold statement Sunday night by selecting National University standout Mhicaela “Bella” Belen as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft.

The draft, held at Novotel Manila in Cubao, marked a turning point for Capital1 as it ushers in what the team calls a “game-changing” era built around the 22-year-old outside hitter.

Currently in Vietnam with the Alas Pilipinas team for the AVC Nations Cup, Belen appeared via a recorded video to express her gratitude and surprise.

“Ako?” she said, reacting with disbelief to the announcement before gathering herself.

“It’s been my dream to become a professional volleyball player,” Belen said.

“Kahit wala ako sa Novotel, andyan pa rin ako in spirit.”

“I’m very proud of all the draftees and excited to start this journey with Capital1,” she added.

“From golden blue to yellow and blue – parang walang nagbago.”

A three-time UAAP MVP, Belen is widely regarded as a generational talent known for her dynamic scoring, versatile skillset and court leadership.

Her selection signals a strong push by Capital1 to contend in the coming PVL conference organized by Sports Vision.

She will be reunited with Alas Pilipinas coach Jorge Souza de Brito and teammate Leila Cruz at Capital1, adding further familiarity and chemistry to the team.

“We are truly honored to have had the first overall pick,” said Capital1 team owner Mandy Romero.

“Bella is a generational talent. She’s a game-changer. This marks a new era for Capital1.”

Galeries Tower selected Far Eastern University middle blocker Jean Asis with the second overall pick, another widely anticipated move.

“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. I’ll give everything I have.”

Galeries officials said they are optimistic about a stronger campaign, adding: “We believe we’re in a special position with the second overall pick. It’s now up to her to prove herself, and we have full confidence in her potential.”

Farm Fresh used the third overall pick to strengthen its playmaking core, choosing Filipino-American setter Alohi Robins-Hardy.

She joins a unit anchored by Louie Romero, giving the Foxies a solid one-two punch at the setter position.

Nxled selected Lyann De Guzman of Ateneo with the fourth pick, while ZUS Coffee chose her teammate AC Miner at No. 5.

Cignal picked NU’s Erin Pangilinan at No. 6, bolstering its middle blocker rotation.

Choco Mucho made a surprising move by selecting its third setter, Filipino-American Tia Andaya, at No. 7, joining Deanna Wong and Mars Alba.

De La Salle’s Jyne Soreño and Alleiah Malaluan followed, heading to Chery Tiggo and PLDT with the eighth and ninth picks, respectively.

Chen Tagaod, another standout from the UAAP, was selected 10th overall by Akari, reuniting with her college coach Tina Salak, now Akari’s head coach.

Petro Gazz, the reigning All-Filipino Conference champion, took La Salle setter Jules Tolentino at No. 11, adding depth to its playmaker rotation with veterans Chie Saet and Djanel Cheng.

Creamline rounded out the first round by picking NU middle blocker Sheena Toring, who will again play under coach Sherwin Meneses.

The second PVL Rookie Draft marked a pivotal shift in the league’s direction, highlighting a growing investment in young, elite homegrown and Fil-foreign talent.

For Capital1, the message is clear: with Bella Belen leading the charge, the future is now.