All signs point to Bella Belen.
Shortly after winning the No. 1 pick in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft, Capital1 co-owner Milka Romero confirmed that the three-time UAAP MVP is firmly on the team’s radar — and likely to be the first name called on draft day.
Romero told reporters that Belen is on their shortlist for the top overall selection. However, she clarified that nothing is set in stone just yet, as the National University standout has yet to make a final decision about her future, despite already declaring for the draft.
Belen previously shared that she is still weighing her options, including whether to continue her volleyball career in the Philippines or explore opportunities abroad.
“I take it day by day. Of course, nasa shortlist siya. That’s what I can say, but what the team needs is more important and what we see in our long-term plan with the management, the coaches, just because we don’t want to think of the moment,” Romero said.
Following their selection of Leila Cruz with the No. 2 pick last year, the Solar Spikers are looking to further strengthen their roster after securing the top overall selection in this year’s draft.
Romero couldn’t hide her excitement as her team defied the odds — holding just a 30-percent chance — to land the No. 1 pick in the lottery.
(C) UAAP Season 87 Media Team
“We’re building this team. Last draft helped a lot. This one would build into what we already started with my sister and I. Mandy and I are very excited that we can bring in more players, especially with what has transpired [in the lottery],” Romero said.
Last year, Capital1 — then entering only its second conference in the league — made key moves in the draft, picking Cruz at No. 2, Roma Mae Doromal at No. 14, and Jenya Torres at No. 20. These additions were part of a quick rebuild for a team that was assembled just before the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.
From an 11th-place finish in their debut, the Solar Spikers climbed to seventh and even reached the playoffs in the Reinforced Conference, thanks to the immediate impact of their rookies and the stellar performance of import Marina Tushova.
While Capital1 slipped back to 11th in the 2024–25 All-Filipino Conference, the team showed flashes of potential — highlighted by Cruz’s significant improvement. The former DLSU standout tallied 140 points, tying for 22nd among the league’s top scorers.
“We want to think of next year and many more seasons to come, and who will be there to build the foundation. We have a lot pa to build with our team, so very interesting and exciting,” Romero added.
With the No. 1 pick now in their hands, Romero acknowledged the weight of the decision ahead. She emphasized that the team isn’t just thinking about one player — but about how to shape Capital1’s long-term identity in the league.
“We’re looking at our next moves not just for one player but for our whole franchise as Capital1, how do we define ourselves in the professional league in many more years to come. This is a good turning point for us.”
#WATCH: THANK YOU GOD 🙌
Against the odds with just a 30% chance, Capital1 owner Milka Romero celebrates landing the 1st pick in the #PVLDraft Lottery 🏐
📹 @jonashdcd /Tiebreaker Times pic.twitter.com/o1hMGQHgTR
— Tiebreaker Times (@tiebreakertimes) May 26, 2025
