Sun’s up for Romero sisters, Solar Spikers
Alta Sports9 hours ago · 43 views
Photo: PVL
By Rachel Gonzales
The stars are finally aligning for Capital1.
With team owners and sisters Milka and Mandy Romero at the wheel, the Solar Spikers have survived rough waters and learned to adapt.
Now, the youngest team in the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) could already be approaching where it wants to be on the horizon.
Capital1 has grown from a startup franchise to a promising contender through trial and error in just two years in the pro ranks.
Photo: PVL
And the past few weeks have been a blessing for the Solar Spikers.
The Romeros had a recruitment coup by adding a pair of Most Valuable Players in Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos following Cignal’s leave of absence, which left the two high-scoring wingers without a home.
The scions of businessman and sports godfather Mikee Romero fought to get the duo under the Solar Spikers’ wings to build a three-headed monster with their franchise player 2025-2026 Season Rookie of the Year Bella Belen.
Capital1 also took in Jaja Maraguinot to beef up its playmaking.
Those signings instantly turned the Solar Spikers into a legitimate contender.
But for Milka, the Solar Spikers are building something much deeper.
“Definitely, this has been a journey… from our idea to concept. I’m very emotional, first of all, because people only see the results on the court. They only see, of course, the stars that we have, the players. But as a team owner, you think about each and every member -- down to our coaches, utilities. We are very much invested not just our time but our passion into this team,” she said.
“Mandy and I, our advocacy to support women in professional sports here in the Philippines is very strong. Of course, as much as we can cheer our lungs out, it’s these girls who are carrying the torch on our behalf. And I can be no prouder than the team that we have right now and this upcoming season.”
From the negotiating table to the lotter draw, Lady Luck has been very generous to the sisters.
With Mandy in attendance, the Solar Spikers drew the second selection for the Annual Rookie Draft set June 3 at the Novotel Manila.
Although Capital1, which had the No. 1 pick last year for Belen, missed the first dibs in the draft that went to Galeries Tower, calling second for the deep batch of rookie aspirants is already a blessing.
With the Highrisers expected to select highly-touted opposite spiker Alyssa Solomon, the Solar Spikers are in a good position to take what they actually need.
Although keeping their cards close, Capital1 might take the opportunity to select a playmaker -- which could be in decorated setter Lams Lamina of National University.
“We're looking for someone who can bring leadership to our team and also bring the much-needed firepower that just entering on the court, they're ready to be part of this team. That they're ready and very determined to achieve our new heights together,” said Mandy, who also serves as the youngest appointed undersecretary in the Philippines’ energy department.
Lamina can be the perfect complement for her college teammate Belen and newcomers Gandler and Santos.
The preseason developments not only excite the Romero sisters but also fuel their desire to earn their seat among the league’s elite circle of champions.
"Of course, we're very, very happy. I think it’s meant to be that we're entering this new year of Capital1 and we really hope that everyone joins us in all of our ride,” Mandy said.
“We've had a lot of changes in the off-season and hopefully this next draft will bring together all the passion, the grit, and the fire that we need to be a champion contender, that’s our ultimate dream," she added.
Realizing that dream could come sooner than expected for the dynamic sisters and Capital1.
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