Having once played pickup games together back in high school, Ivy Aquino now relishes the opportunity to reconnect with top overall pick Bella Belen — this time in Capital1.
Aquino, a 25-year-old middle blocker from the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies, was selected 24th overall by Capital1 in the third round of the PVL Draft.
She joins Belen and second-round pick Pia Abbu as part of the team’s promising rookie class.
Aquino shared her excitement about reuniting with the three-time UAAP MVP, whom she used to play pickup games with and would even visit at home after matches.
“Sobrang kulit [niya]. Sana maalala niya ako,” said Aquino. “I hope maalala niya ako kasi pumupunta rin siya sa bahay after ng games namin. Sobrang masaya siyang kasama and at the same time ‘di siya mabigat sa loob ng court. Sobrang uplifting niya and I’m [looking] forward talaga.
“Sobrang excited. Actually before, nung high school pa ako, nakakasama ko si Bella. And alam ko na sobrang gifted and talented niya talaga. I look forward na makasama uli siya sa loob ng court, at the same time nasa pro na kami.”
(C) PVL Images
As one of the few standouts drafted from a non-UAAP or NCAA school, Aquino acknowledged the tougher road she had to take just to make it to the PVL. But she stressed that with determination and hard work, it’s still possible to get there.
“At first, it was very difficult talaga kasi iba yung kailangan namin na mindset kasi wala kami sa UAAP, wala kami sa NCAA, ‘di kami kilalang teams, and yung mga nakakalaban namin di ganun kalalakas din,” said Aquino.
“Pero sa sarili mo talaga, kung gusto mo, maabot mo eh. Kailangang ipu-push mo lang ang sarili mo palagi and kunin mong inspirasyon ang family mo at mga taong naniniwala sa’yo.”
Aquino also admitted that she still has a lot to improve on to become a fully developed player. But she’s eager to learn from the veterans and grow within the Capital1 system.
“Marami akong matutunan kasi ang dami ko pang gaps, especially ‘di ako galing sa NCAA or UAAP.”
