Galeries Tower ushered in a new chapter for its franchise after selecting former National University standout Camilla Lamina with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 Premier Volleyball League Rookie Draft on Wednesday at Novotel Manila in Cubao.

The Highrisers made it clear they are investing heavily in leadership and playmaking, adding one of the most accomplished collegiate setters in recent memory. Lamina now joins a roster that already includes veteran playmakers and experienced attackers as Galeries continues its rebuilding process.

“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.

Lamina brings an impressive résumé to the professional ranks. During her collegiate career with National University, she helped lead the Lady Bulldogs to three UAAP women’s volleyball championships while collecting three Best Setter awards.

Building around elite playmakers

The 24-year-old setter believes her championship experience and competitive mindset can help Galeries Tower establish a stronger culture moving forward.

“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 with the second overall pick and selected former University of Santo Tomas libero Detdet Pepito, giving the Solar Spikers one of the most decorated defensive specialists available in the draft.

Pepito arrives after an outstanding collegiate run that included two UAAP Best Libero awards and five consecutive Final Four appearances with the Golden Tigresses. She now reunites with longtime friend Bella Belen, who was selected first overall in the 2025 draft.

“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.

The UST standout also shared her excitement about once again playing alongside familiar faces as she begins her professional journey.

“Habang papunta nga ako sa red carpet, tinitingnan ko siya. Nagt-throw back lang yung teammates kami since elementary. Ngayong nandito ako sa PVL, siya yung ka-teammate ko at si Pia Abbu. Sobrang happy lang and excited ako na mas may matutunan din sa kanila,” she added.

Draft reshapes team rosters

Choco Mucho completed the top three selections by drafting Far Eastern University setter Tin Ubaldo, adding another talented floor general to its lineup.

Akari opted to pass on its first-round selection, allowing Nxled to secure University of the Philippines outside hitter Irah Jaboneta with the fifth overall pick.

Farm Fresh selected UST standout Jonna Perdido, while PLDT added University of Perpetual Help System Dalta’s Fianne Ariola. Defending All-Filipino champion Creamline rounded out the opening round by drafting Adamson University’s Barbie Jamili.

The second round saw Capital1 continue strengthening its roster by selecting University of the East middle blocker Khy Cepada with the ninth overall pick.

Galeries Tower followed by drafting middle blocker Ann Asis, while Farm Fresh added Ela Raagas to its growing pool of young talent.

No selections were made during the third round after several teams elected to pass on their remaining picks. As a result, 27 undrafted players became free agents and are now eligible to sign with any PVL team.