Athletes are the stars in GTV’s ‘Rise Up Stronger’

In the new GTV sports magazine show, “Rise Up Stronger,” the spotlight will be firmly on the athletes, the sacrifices they make and the hard work they put into honing their skills en route to the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s (NCAA) coming season 96.

“The athletes are the stars and that’s what we want to emphasize and push forward. It’s their stories that will inspire viewers, whether you’re an athlete or not,” host and sports anchor Martin Javier said in a recent virtual conference.

The NCAA games, which used to air on ABS-CBN Sports, have found a new home in GMA 7’s secondary free-to-air channel, GTV, where it will stay for five seasons. And as this year’s event gears up for its opening in June, “Rise Up” will feature athletes and other notable NCAA personalities, like coaches, sports luminaries and outstanding alumni.

Something good

“There are a lot of great players who got their start in the NCAA, who are now national athletes and making our country proud, or stars in their respective pro leagues. This is something good as it will give them widespread exposure that’s well-deserved,” he said. “We want people to know what these athletes’ stories are; that these are what they go through.”

A familiar face in sports media, Martin, a former cohost of the now defunct sports variety show “Upfront,” admitted that he’s nervous about this new project and working in a new home network.

“Starting a new show with a new home network. This is a new life for me. But as we shot the show I’m happy I was able to use my years of being a basketball addict, visiting sports websites and reading sports articles every day,” he said.

And he’s not one to be overconfident about anything. “That has never been my approach. I always get nervous about my style and personality, and whether or not they will jibe with my cohosts,” he added. “I have some experience in hosting and sportscasting. But even if I already know the players, the coaches … but the pressure kicked in when I realized just how big the project is.”

Joining Martin is Kapuso talent and former beauty titlist Sophia Senoron. “I’m grateful to be paired with Martin, who’s a pro—he knows what he’s doing. I take note of the things he does, and I ask him for tips. It’s really a partnership,” said Sophia, whose biggest challenge is improving her Tagalog.

Lifelong goal

“I was born in the United States and my father is Bisaya, so my Tagalog isn’t as natural. It’s a lifelong goal to be more fluent in it,” related the Miss Multinational 2018 winner, who has newfound respect for television hosts. “I was a beauty queen and was part of a varsity debate team. But I have immense respect for hosts because what they’re doing isn’t easy.” Meanwhile, asked if they’re willing to give acting a try somewhere down the road, Martin and Sophia said they’re both open to the idea. “Huwag magsalita nang tapos, so I’m not closing doors to opportunities. I’m open to exploring other aspects of being an artist,” Martin said.

“It’s hard to say no to opportunities because God always has a plan for you,” Sophie added. “Getting this stint was something I didn’t expect. But through God’s grace I got what I wanted.”“Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96” airs daily on GTV: Mondays to Fridays at 2:45 p.m.; Saturdays at 4:30 p.m.; and Sundays at 5:05 p.m.