PVL: Bella Belen gets wish as Capital1 lands Cignal stars

Capital1 Solar Spikers’ owners and its newest recruits Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos and Jaja Maraguinot. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — During the All-Star Volleyball Showcase in Candon City, Bella Belen spent time bonding with members of the Cignal HD Spikers, including Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, just days after the team announced its leave of absence from the Premier Volleyball League.

Known for her humor, Belen playfully recruited the Cignal stars to Capital1 Solar Spikers–a pitch that eventually became reality as the Solar Spikers secured the signings of former Cignal MVPs Gandler and Santos ahead of the new season.

READ: PVL: Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos bolster Capital 1

“I really manifested and prayed that we could get players from the Cignal team because players like Ate Vanie and Ate Erika would be such a huge help for Capital1,” said Belen in Filipino after welcoming the duo and free agent setter Jaja Maraguinot on Thursday at GameVille.

“We’ll take whatever help we can get. I’m just really happy because our owners, especially Miss Milka, have been very open-minded. They really ask the players and coaches who we think can help the team in the coming conferences.”

Bella Belen relishes Capital1 new players Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos, and Jaja Maraguinot. #PVL2026 | @LanceAgcaoilINQ pic.twitter.com/1zSGqKKCYv

— INQUIRER Sports (@inquirersports) May 14, 2026

Even before Cignal’s departure, the top rookie of the All-Filipino Conference recalled that she had once asked her Alas Pilipinas teammate Gandler to consider playing for Capital1. 

“I used to joke around and tell her to give Capital1 a chance in case she ever thought about transferring teams. I guess all my teasing and convincing eventually paid off, and I’m really thankful she gave us a chance,” said Belen.

READ: PVL: Vanie Gandler eager to help Capital1 write a winning story

“Especially during the All-Star event, I told not just her but also the other Cignal players with me to at least give Capital1 a chance—to listen to our platform and understand the direction we want for the team. We were given the opportunity to explain our vision as a team. And of course, they’re such talented players, so many teams wanted to get them too.”

Belen also shared that she developed an unexpected friendship with Gandler despite their contrasting personalities.

“Honestly, our closeness was very unexpected.  We were only in college at the same time for one season, and our personalities are very different. So I’m really happy because I gained a new friend in Ate Vanie. Outside volleyball, we usually just talk and bond,” she added.

Now set to team up with Gandler and Santos, Belen is eager to build chemistry with the two veterans and help Capital1 become a contender.

“Volleyball is really a team effort. Ate Vanie and Ate Erika already have Finals experience, so I believe they can bring a lot to Capital1. At the same time, we can also learn a lot from them. I’m just excited to see how we’ll build our chemistry throughout the season,” Belen said.