A ray of sunshine has just come to the Capital1 Solar Spikers, who picked Bella Belen first overall in the 2025 PVL Rookie Draft, giving the team a real all-around player who also has the charisma and star power to make them crowd favorites.

Belen wasn’t there for the usual photo opportunities accorded the No. 1 picks, as she was busy shining for Alas Pilipinas in the 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup in Hanoi, Vietnam, under her would-be pro mentor, Jorge Edson Souza de Brito.

“I have dreamed for a longtime to be a professional volleyball player,” Belen, who helped the Filipinos to a 22-25, 25-23, 25-13, 28-26 over world No. 55 Indonesia on Sunday, said in a prerecorded message at Novotel Hotel in Cubao, Quezon City.

“Even if I am not [in the country] for the Draft tonight because I am fighting for the flag and the national team, I am there in spirit,” the three-time UAAP champion and MVP said.

Despite being a rookie, a lot of weight is already on the shoulders of Belen who will be tasked to turn things around for the struggling Solar Spikers.

In its three conferences, Capital1 only has seventh place as its best finish and has a 7-24 record overall.

“We are truly honored to receive the first draft pick. Bella is a generational talent, she’s a game-changer and this is a new era for Capital1,” team owner Mandy Romero said.

“I am very excited to play in the PVL and for Capital1,” Belen said. “From gold and blue to yellow and blue, it seems like nothing changed.”

Galeries Tower snagged Far Eastern U middle blocker Jean Asis before Farm Fresh got setter Alohi Robins-Hardy.

At No. 4 Nxled selected ex-Ateneo skipper Lyann De Guzman, ZUS Coffee drafted her former Blue Eagle teammate AC Miner and Cignal nabbed NU’s Erin Pangilinan.

Choco Mucho opted to fortify its playmaking core with Alas Pilipinas cog Tia Andaya, a Filipino American setter. INQ