Capital1 owners Milka and Mandy Romero were ecstatic to have Bella Belen, Pia Abbu, and Ivy Aquino on board, along with coach Jorge de Brito, in what they describe as the start of a new era for the team.
The Capital1 Solar Spikers have officially ushered in a new chapter in their young PVL journey with the landmark selection of Bella Belen as the first overall pick in the 2025 Rookie Draft.
Spearheading the team’s bold new direction are team owners Milka and Mandy Romero, who shared their excitement and vision following the highly anticipated pick and coaching transition.
“Surprise!” Milka opened with a smile. “I think nagulat ba kayong lahat? It’s a relief na the suspense is over. From the day we got the lottery pick, we knew it would be a huge advantage for our team. We wanted to build momentum, and Bella Belen is a game-changer. A franchise maker.”
[ALSO READ: Bella Belen selected first overall by Capital1 in 2025 PVL Draft]
Belen's arrival signals what the Romero sisters call a “new era and new energy” for Capital1.
Aside from Belen, the Solar Spikers also added firepower to the team after selecting UST’s Pia Abbu and Ivy Aquino from the Asian Institute of Maritime Studies.
"Definitely, this is a new era and new energy sa franchise namin," said Milka. "Alam naman na si Bella Belen is a franchise maker, game changer po talaga siya and we will really take care of her and the fans who will be now fans of Capital1."
As former athletes themselves, the Romeros stressed their commitment to building a player-centered culture and competitive environment.
“We constantly talk to our players, what do they feel, what do they think na mas kailangan niyong improve with our program,” Milka added. “We want more technical, more place, more improvements, strengthening. Not only the new set of players pero 'yung mga veterans na nasa Capital1."
A major part of that growth will be under new head coach Jorge De Brito, who is also currently leading Alas Pilipinas in the ongoing 2025 AVC Women’s Volleyball Nations Cup in Vietnam.
"He's very technical. we have been in talks with him and we like his style,” said Milka. “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."
While parting ways with longtime mentor Roger Gorayeb was not an easy decision, the Romeros emphasized it was driven by performance and their desire to compete at a higher level.
“It wasn’t a one-day decision,” Milka explained. “ We look at statistics, we look at our past from the all Conference. Kami as sisters, we want to win. Yung mindset po namin is to win. So, who will push that? Our players."
Despite the transition, the sisters were quick to acknowledge Gorayeb’s contributions.
“Coach Roger, we're very grateful how he shephered us, shephered with us, through this past year and he will continue to guide us with Capital1. So, we're very glad to create more strategies together and to continue to improve our system," Mandy added.
[ALSO READ: Roger Gorayeb joins Strong Group as volleyball program consultant]
With Belen's arrival and a new coaching direction under De Brito, the Solar Spikers are now firmly focused on results, growth, and creating a winning identity in the PVL.
“We put this in place kami ng sister ko, from coaching staff to players, it's up to them now. Sila po yung expert, sila po yung nasa court so we want to see the results this time," Milka closed.