PVL: Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos, Jaja Maraguinot join Capital1

The Capital1 Solar Spikers bolstered their roster after signing PVL Most Valuable Players Vanie Gandler and Erika Santos, both formerly of Cignal, along with setter Jaja Maraguinot.

The move was announced by Capital1 on Thursday.

For Gandler, the decision came down to the direction of the franchise and the way the organization treats its players.

“Playing against them, I saw the growth of the team in the two years that Capital1 has been in the PVL and I saw the potential the team has because I can see it with how the owners are with the team, how supportive they are, and how they communicate with their players. I wanted to join a team where I am not just a missing piece. I wanted to be there to build a team and help them write a story,” said Gandler.

“I think we’re not just missing pieces. I think we’re here to write a story with Capital1.”

WRITE A STORY.

This is what Gandler said as one of the reasons in joining Capital1 @gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/OHhnjsIQhA

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) May 14, 2026

Gandler and Santos were part of the Cignal squad that reached the finals last conference, with Gandler taking home the MVP award. Santos, meanwhile, was named MVP of the PVL On Tour last season.

Maraguinot, on the other hand, came from Nxled.

Aside from their belief in the team’s vision, franchise player Bella Belen also played a role in the recruitment process.

“Nung All-Star, sinabi ko sa kanila, hindi lang naman sila, pati ‘yung Cignal players na kasama ko, na bigyan kami ng chance na makinig kung ano ‘yung plano ng Capital1, ano ang direction ng team. Bigyan kami ng chance sabihin sa kanila kung anong gusto namin marating,” Belen said.

Trusting the process

Capital1 has been a steady presence in the PVL since joining the league in 2024.

The team has reached the quarterfinals twice and made the play-in tournament in the last All-Filipino Conference.

While the franchise has yet to contend for a finals berth, the three new signings believe in trusting the process.

“Our goal isn’t to right away reach the end. Our goal is to focus on the process,” Gandler said.

“I have no doubt that this team will really focus on the process and get there one step at a time,” added the outside hitter.

Santos echoed Gandler’s sentiment.

“Siyempre a lot of expectations and adjustments along the way. Hindi naman siya basta-basta. Pagtrabahuhan namin. We will help in any way sa Capital1 para ma-reach ‘yung goal para maging strong contender din ‘yung Capital1,” the opposite spiker said.

Maraguinot, meanwhile, is set to return to the court after nearly six months away.

“We’re in the process of making it happen na makabalik pa rin ako and I’m grateful na binibigay nila sa akin ‘yung kailangan kong time para doon. It’s not gonna be easy but I’m ready to face the challenges na ibibigay sa akin kasi para rin sa akin ‘yun and para sa team,” she said.

TRUST THE PROCESS

Vanie Gandler, Erika Santos, and Jaja Maraguinot says they are just trusting the process as they join Capital1 @gmasportsph pic.twitter.com/8HtQAxDnTW

— JK Carandang (@jk_carandang) May 14, 2026

The PVL is expected to return to action in July for the PVL on Tour.

—GMA News