Another one of Bella Belen’s wishes came true on Wednesday night as Capital1 selected UST libero Detdet Pepito with the second overall pick in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League Draft, reuniting the former teammates at the professional level.
Belen had earlier seen one of her wishes fulfilled when the Solar Spikers signed reigning PVL MVPs and former Cignal stars Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos earlier in the offseason.
Now, she has realized another, with Pepito — her former elementary teammate and close friend — officially getting drafted and beginning her PVL journey, bringing their shared path full circle at the professional level.
Indeed, things continue to fall into place for the once-rebuilding Capital1. The team has been adding key pieces to its young core in a move that could elevate it into contender status in the coming seasons.
For Belen, it feels like everything is meant to be.
“Siguro meant to be rin para sa amin ‘yung mga hinihiling ko,” said Belen.
“And thank you, Lord, thank you, Lord. Ayun, siguro meant to be lang talaga sila para sa Capital1.”
(C) Joaqui Flores/UAAP Season 86 Media Team
But while the Solar Spikers now boast an upgraded and promising roster, Belen stressed that talent on paper is one thing, and execution on the court is another. She also noted that it will ultimately be up to the team to put everything together.
“Since marami na kaming recruit this year, hopefully mas maganda yung team composition namin now. And siyempre hindi naman porket naka-recruit kami ng talented na players ay magiging madali na — training pa rin and chemistry pa rin,” said the 23-year-old outside hitter.
“Volleyball is a team effort talaga. Excited lang ako sa magiging journey ng Capital1.”
Belen also reflected on finally teaming up with Pepito, saying they never expected to reach this point when they were younger during what they jokingly referred to as their “jejemon days.” Still, both are grateful that their hard work over the years has paid off.
She added that she feels beyond excited to finally share the court with Pepito after years of fierce UAAP battles.
“Siyempre, noong mga panahon namin na ‘yun, noong jejemon pa kami, hindi namin in-expect na aabot kami sa ganitong lagay kung nasaan kami ngayon. And sabi ko, ‘yun nga, nagka-draft na eh, so may chance talaga na magka-teammate kami ulit, pero hindi ganun kalaki,” said Belen.
“So ngayon, sobrang happy ako na teammates ulit kami ni Detdet. Excited na ako kung paano na kami ngayon na hindi na kami jejemon, ’di siguro mas matured and mas marami na kaming lessons from past years namin as a player.”
