Lamina Goes No. 1 Overall, Capital1 Selects Pepito at No. 2 in PVL Rookie Draft

The future of the Premier Volleyball League (PVL) took center stage on Wednesday as Galeries Tower made former National University setter Camilla Lamina the top overall pick in the 2026 PVL Rookie Draft held at Novotel Manila in Cubao.

Lamina becomes a key piece in the Highrisers' rebuilding efforts, joining veteran playmaker Julia Coronel in directing an offense that already features Aiza Maizo-Pontillas and Jean Asis. Galeries Tower is banking on the former Lady Bulldog's leadership, court vision, and championship experience to help elevate the franchise.

“For me, siyempre fulfilling kasi wow, ako yung isa sa mga napili nila ng team Galeries. It shows yung trust na ako pa talaga yung napili. Very happy and very grateful,” Lamina said.

The 24-year-old setter arrives with an impressive collegiate résumé, having helped National University capture three UAAP women's volleyball championships while earning three Best Setter awards during her tenure.

“Since I am from a champion team which is NU, ang mabibigay ko lang at mao-offer ko sa Galeries ay kung gaano ako ka-competitive inside and outside the court at yung hard work, discipline, at yung work ethic ko,” she added.

Capital1 followed by selecting former University of Santo Tomas libero Detdet Pepito with the second overall pick, reuniting her with longtime friend and 2025 No. 1 overall selection Bella Belen as she embarks on her professional journey.

A two-time UAAP Best Libero, Pepito played a pivotal role in UST's run of five straight Final Four appearances and is expected to strengthen the Solar Spikers' defensive unit alongside Roma Mae Doromal and Rachel Jorvina.

“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,” Pepito said.

Reflecting on her reunion with Belen and former UST teammate Pia Abbu, she added: “Habang papunta nga ako sa red carpet, tinitignan ko siya. Nagt-throw back lang yung teammates kami since elementary. 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.”

Choco Mucho used the third overall pick to select Far Eastern University setter Tin Ubaldo, adding another playmaker to a roster that already includes Deanna Wong and Tia Andaya.

After Akari opted to pass on its first-round pick, Nxled selected University of the Philippines outside hitter Irah Jaboneta at No. 5 overall.

Farm Fresh then chose UST standout Jonna Perdido, while PLDT drafted University of Perpetual Help System Dalta's Fianne Ariola. Defending All-Filipino Conference champion Creamline completed the first round by taking Adamson University's Barbie Jamili.

The second round saw several teams pass once more, but Capital1 continued to strengthen its lineup by drafting University of the East middle blocker Khy Cepada with the ninth overall selection.

Galeries Tower added middle blocker Ann Asis to its roster, while Farm Fresh picked Ela Raagas with the 10th and 11th selections, respectively.

No players were chosen in the third round as the Solar Spikers, Highrisers, and Foxies all elected to forgo their remaining picks.

With the draft concluded, the 27 players who were not selected are now eligible to sign with any PVL team as free agents.