Capital1 selects Bella Belen as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News
MANILA, Philippines – There were no surprises at the start of the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft on Sunday, with Capital1 doing as expected and choosing three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Bella Belen of National University with the top overall pick.
Team owners Milka and Mandy Romero were at the league exercise to reveal the squad's pick at the Novotel in Cubao.
Milka believes that Belen, the captain of the Lady Bulldogs, is the "franchise maker" and "game-changer" that they have been waiting for.
WHO WENT WHERE: The 2025 PVL Rookie Draft
"This is a new era and new energy sa franchise namin. Alam naman na si Bella Belen is a franchise maker, game-changer po talaga siya," said Milka.
"We will really take care of her and the fans who will be now fans of Capital1. Maraming maraming salamat po sa patuloy na pagsuporta sa team namin ng sister ko and I hope we make you all proud din," she added.
Mandy shared the same sentiment as she thanked the Solar Spikers' fans in the PVL.
READ: It's official: Capital1 takes Bella Belen with No. 1 overall pick in 2025 PVL Draft
"Talagang pivotal moment to for Capital1. So, we thank all the fans for joining us in this journey and really more to expect from Capital1 and getting bigger and brighter," she said.
They also explained coach Jorge de Brito's entry to the team, replacing legendary tactician Roger Gorayeb.
Belen and De Brito are not physically present in the proceedings as they are in Vietnam, helping steer Alas Pilipinas in the 2025 AVC Women's Nations Cup.
READ: The 1 in Capital1: Solar Spikers get first pick in PVL Draft
"He's [Jorge de Brito] very technical. We have been in talks with him and we like his style. Today [Sunday], nanalo ang Alas and that goes to show na over time, 'pag may patience, it's not a one day turnaround," said Milka.
"Pero we'd like that in our team na over time nakikita natin ang growth ng Alas, ng growth ng Capital1 and with our coach and with this new set of players, excited po kami ni Mandy," she added.
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