MANILA — Childhood friends and elementary teammates Detdet Pepito and Bella Belen are reuniting in Capital1.
Pepito couldn't be more excited to team up once again with Belen, as the University of Santo Tomas (UST) libero was drafted second overall in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft held Wednesday at Novotel Manila Araneta City in Quezon City.
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The defensive specialist out of España is also set to play with fellow Golden Tigress, Pia Abbu, in the professional ranks.
"Ngayong nandito ako sa PVL, siya 'yung ka-teammate ko and si Pia Abbu. Sobrang happy lang and excited ako na mas may matutunan din sa kanila," said Pepito.
She reminisced their childhood memory together as she walked through the red carpet, after her name was called by the Solar Spikers.
"Habang papunta nga ako sa red carpet, tinitignan ko siya (Bella Belen). Nagto-throw back lang 'yung teammates kami since elementary."
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More than the reunion, the former UAAP Best Libero is also eager to show what she can do for her new club, emphasizing her need to adapt in Capital1's system.
"Actually, mixed emotions pero sobrang grateful and thankful lang talaga ako kay Lord na pinapangarap ko lang makapasok dito sa PVL and now, number two pick. Pressured, pero thankful pa rin talaga kay Lord and I will try my best to help Capital1," said Pepito.
"I think slowly muna na siyempre, 'yung chemistry ng bago kong team and 'yung system na meron sila, kailangan ma-adapt ko muna. Mangangarap kami siyempre, hopefully sa amin din mapunta 'yung championship."