AT this point, Bella Belen's wishlist might be turning into Capital1's blueprint.
The reigning PVL Rookie of the Year has developed quite the track record when it comes to manifesting future teammates - and the latest addition to that growing list is none other than No. 2 overall pick Detdet Pepito.
READ: Detdet dreams to rise with Capital1 to ever-elusive championship
Long before the 2026 Rookie Draft unfolded, Belen had already made it known that the Solar Spikers were hoping to land one of the premier talents available.
“Kung meant to be or kung bibigay talaga sa amin ni Lord, pupunta talaga sa amin ‘yung gusto namin. Hinahanap naman namin is ‘yung mga katulong sa team. Kaya nga nasabi ko kanina, kung sino ‘yung missing piece dun sa piyesa namin,” she said three days before draft night, then quite probably meaning any of Alyssa Solomon, Lams Lamina, Nina Ytang, or Pepito.
“Ang tagal ko nang nagdadasal, mina-manifest na makuha namin talaga sana ‘yung gusto namin,” she added.
And as it turned out, Capital1 and its franchise player's wish got granted.
The Solar Spikers went with Pepito with the second selection, giving the franchise another cornerstone to fortify a rapidly growing young core headlined by Belen herself.
The development also continued an amusing trend.
Before Pepito, Belen had publicly expressed admiration for Cignal's Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, both of whom later found their way to Capital1.
READ: Bella's trip to Candon proves to be life-changing. Find out why
Now, another one of her preferred additions has joined the fold.
“Meant to be rin talaga para sa amin, yung mga hinihiling ko. Thank you, Lord. Meant to be lang talaga sila para sa Capital1,” she expressed following the draft.
Hold your horses
The additions have naturally started talk that Capital1 could soon emerge as a legitimate championship contender.
But Belen was quick to temper expectations.
The National U legend knows that collecting talent on paper is only one part of the equation, especially in a league where chemistry and continuity often matter just as much as star power.
“Sana, pero siyempre, hindi naman porket nakakuha kami ng sobrang talented na players, agad-agad na makakapasok kami sa finals,” she said.
“Siyempre, one game at a time, training pa rin, kasi siyempre, hindi lang naman talent ang kailangan sa volleyball. Kailangan din ‘yung connection, ‘yung chemistry. Basta excited ako kung saan man kami mapupunta dahil alam kong mas palaban yung team ngayon.”
For now, the Solar Spikers remain a team rich in promise rather than accomplishments.
But if Belen's recent manifestations are any indication, they may already be well on their way toward building something special.
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