For years, Detdet Pepito and Bella Belen built their own legacies on opposite sides of one of the UAAP’s fiercest rivalries.
Pepito became the defensive cornerstone of the UST Golden Tigresses, while Belen developed into one of the most decorated players in NU Lady Bulldogs history.
Now, after more than a decade of crossing paths as rivals, the longtime friends are finally teammates again.
Capital1 selected Pepito with the second overall pick in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft on Wednesday, reuniting her with Belen as the Solar Spikers continue to build a roster capable of contending 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.
A Reunion Rooted in History
The reunion carries special meaning for both players, whose volleyball journeys began long before they became collegiate stars.
The two first played together at Lucas R. Pascual Elementary School in Quezon City under coach Henry Fernandez. Back then, Belen was a setter while Pepito played as a spiker, years before they eventually emerged as two of the most recognizable names in UAAP women’s volleyball.
As Pepito walked the red carpet before the draft, memories of those early days came flooding back.
“Habang papunta nga ako sa red carpet, tinitingnan ko siya. Nagto-throwback lang ‘yung teammates kami since elementary,” she shared.
Pepito’s New Chapter
The selection marks a new chapter for Pepito, who leaves UST as one of the most accomplished liberos in recent memory. Across her high school and collegiate career, she collected six Best Libero awards while helping the Golden Tigresses reach multiple Final Four appearances.
“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,” she said.
Capital1’s Aggressive Build-Up
The former UST standout joins a Capital1 squad that has aggressively strengthened its roster in recent months. Alongside Belen, the Solar Spikers also added former Cignal standouts Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, while using the ninth overall pick on University of the East star Khy Cepada.
While familiarity with Belen provides immediate comfort, Pepito knows success will depend on how quickly the new-look roster develops chemistry.
“I think slowly muna na siyempre, yung chemistry ng bago kong team and yung system na meron sila, kailangan ma-adapt ko muna,” said Pepito.
“Mangangarap kami siyempre. Hopefully sa amin din mapunta yung championship.”
For the first time since their elementary school days, Pepito and Belen will once again chase that dream together.
