Milka Romero: 'This No. 1 pick is the hope of a thousand dreams'

The future just got brighter for Capital1.

Moments after defying the odds and winning the No. 1 pick in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft, Capital1 co-owner Milka Romero called the moment a turning point for the young franchise.

"This first-round pick is the hope of a thousand dreams—the heart and soul Capital1 has been waiting for,” Romero beamed. “With this franchise player, we’re not just building a team… we’re building a future our fans can believe in."

The announcement sent waves of excitement through the Romero household, as family patriarch Mikee Romero and her sister Mandy, erupted in celebration while watching the draft lottery unfold from home.

With only a 30-percent chance at landing the top spot, fate smiled on the Solar Spikers—setting the stage for what could be the franchise’s biggest move yet.

And leading that conversation? None other than National University’s pride, Bella Belen.

The three-time UAAP MVP is among the top candidates on Capital1’s shortlist, according to Romero.

While the 21-year-old phenom has entered the draft pool, she has yet to make a final decision about whether she’ll pursue a pro career in the Philippines or explore opportunities overseas.

“I take it day by day. Of course, nasa shortlist siya. That’s what I can say,” Romero admitted. “But what the team needs is more important and what we see in our long-term plan with the management and the coaches… we don’t want to just think of the moment.”

For the young franchise, this is more than a lucky draw—it’s a symbol of progress.

After selecting standout Leila Cruz with the No. 2 overall pick in last year’s draft, Capital1 has been steadily building a competitive roster.

They added Roma Mae Doromal at No. 14 and Jenya Torres at No. 20, strengthening a team that had only just been assembled before debuting in the 2024 PVL All-Filipino Conference.

What started with an 11th-place finish quickly turned promising, as the Solar Spikers climbed to seventh place in the Reinforced Conference and cracked the playoffs—thanks in large part to their rookie core and powerhouse import Marina Tushova.

Even though they slipped back to 11th in the latest All-Filipino Conference, Cruz emerged as a major bright spot, scoring 140 points and finishing tied for 22nd in the league.

Now, with the No. 1 pick in hand, Romero believes the team is ready to take the next leap.

“We’re building this team. Last draft helped a lot, and this one will build into what we already started,” said Romero. “Mandy and I are very excited that we can bring in more players, especially with what transpired tonight.

“We want to think of next year and many more seasons to come, and who will be there to build that foundation,” she added. “There’s still so much we want to build with this team, so it’s all very interesting and exciting.”

Capital1 is now on the clock, and with the Romeros fully invested, the next few weeks will be crucial.

Whether it’s Belen or another rising star, the Solar Spikers are set to welcome a player who could define their destiny.

“This is a good turning point for us,” Romero said.

“We’re looking at our next moves not just for one player but for our whole franchise. How do we define ourselves in the professional league for many years to come? That’s the challenge—and the dream—we’re ready to face.”