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John Vic De Guzman and Grethcel Soltones share many things in common.

Both are volleyball stars dating back to their student-athlete days playing in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), had won MVP honors, and are national team players who have represented the country in international competitions.

But underneath the accolades were the sacrifices and hardships that came with juggling studies, sports, and other commitments.

“Way back 2016, medyo hindi madali 'yong pinagdaanan ko as an athlete and as an actor. Kasi 'yon 'yong first time ko na nag-enter sa showbiz,” John Vic told Sophia Senoron during a guesting on Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96.

John Vic played for the men's volleyball team of the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde in the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA).

“'Yong time na 'yon medyo mahirap for me kasi kailangan ko i-balance 'yong thesis, 'yong major subjects, 'yong taping.

“'Yong taping nun halos 24 hours nagte-taping ka so kailangan ko mag-training sa Benilde ng morning kasi siyempre may responsibility ako as [team] captain.”

The Owe My Love actor recalled being overtaken by emotions when Benilde captured the volleyball title in Season 92.

John Vic also won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) award that same season, his last year playing for Benilde.

“Nung nag-champion kami umiyak ako. First time ko umiyak sa history ng paglalaro ko ng volleyball.

“Kasi kung bumagsak ako ng isang subject o hindi ako nakapasa sa thesis, hindi ako makakalaro sa NCAA for my last playing year.

“So nung nag-champion kami parang naisip ko lahat, nag-flashback lahat nung moments kung paano ko pinagdaanan 'yong mga trials nung time na 'yon,” reminisced John Vic.

Former San Sebastian Lady Stags star Grethcel also experienced rough roads throughout her student-athlete days.

On January 26, 2016, Grethcel got the biggest surprise of her life when she was reunited with her mother after 13 years of estrangement.

The touching moment happened during the awarding ceremony in Season 91 where Grethcel won the MVP award for the second consecutive year.

The San Sebastian hitter was caught off guard when her mom, Marilyn Mollena, emerged from the tunnel of The Arena in San Juan and approached her.

“Last ko siyang nakita ay noong 2003, kasi 1999 nagpunta ako sa Taiwan. Umuwi ako noong 2003 at nagkita kami tapos bumalik ako (agad sa Taiwan kaya) 'yun ang last namin na kita,” Marilyn said in an interview with sports website Spin.ph.

Today, Marilyn and Grethcel are making up for all those lost years and have grown closer since their reunion five years ago.

“Thankful ako kasi nakabawi naman siya sa 'kin lalo na nung nagsimula 'yong pandemic kasi binibigyan niya ko ng food, so ang sarap pala ng may nanay,” a smiling Grethcel told Sophia.

“Thankful ako na nalaman ko din 'yong reasons kung bakit umalis siya. So okey na 'ko, 'yong puzzle ko complete na.”

Grethcel encouraged aspiring and current student-athletes to persevere and hold on to their dreams no matter what.

“Huwag mo isipin na mahirap abutin ang pangarap mo kasi pag gusto mo naman talaga magagawan mo ng paraan lalo na 'pag may tiwala ka sa sarili mo.

"Tsaka huwag mong kalimutan si God, pray din talaga tapos disiplina, ayon lang."

John Vic, meanwhile, advised student-athletes to know their priorities and finish their studies.

“Kasi once na maka-graduate ka, buong buhay mo naipanalo mo na rin,” he said.

Catch Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96 every Sunday at 5:05 p.m., Saturday at 4:30 p.m., and Monday to Friday at 2:45 p.m. on GTV.

Kapuso abroad can watch Rise Up Stronger: The Road to NCAA Season 96 via GMA Pinoy TV and GMA News TV. Visit www.gmapinoytv.com to subscribe for more details.

Watch John Vic and Grethcel's interview here: