‘TBH’: Laure, Cobb, Rosier, Gaston ready to maximize their voice

MANILA, Philippines—These girls aren’t just student-athletes.

University of Santo Tomas’ Eya Laure, De La Salle’s Michelle Cobb, University of the Philippines’ Roselyn Rosier, and Ateneo’s Ponggay Gaston are set to star in a new digital show “TBH (To be Honest)” on ABS-CBN where they will talk about topics whether of personal importance or of national interest.

The four girls will now show that they are more than athletes and that they also have a voice to speak up and be heard.

“With this platform I think we get to inspire people with topics and as athletes we care about topics in life not just in school,” said Rosier in a Zoom video conference call Friday. “We care about topics about our society and life in general. Don’t judge a person because of what they do or their label as athletes.”

Rosier noted that NBA superstar LeBron James was told to “just shut up and dribble” when Fox News’ Lauren Ingraham reacted to the four-time MVP’s comments about racial injustice in the United States.

“That’s degrading,” added Rosier. “We care about topics about our society, and life in general.”

In this new platform, these athletes can voice out their opinions and their experiences but not limited to just the sport of volleyball.

Cobb said that she acknowledges her stature as an athlete but she also knows that it’s important to be also vocal on the current predicaments of society.

“We, as athletes, have a particular influence and we all know to think we have to maximize that voice, and at the same time we can all agree that it’s important to be knowledgeable and fully aware,” said Cobb. “We have to learn what it is that we have.”

“As athletes we’re not given the chance to express our views on certain things,” said Gaston. “Some people will and can relate with what we talk about and it’s going to be exciting because we’re going to dive into topics that we don’t normally talk about.”

Laure, the women’s volleyball Rookie of the Year for Season 82, said that being in the show with three of her contemporaries also taught to be a better leader for her team.

The Golden Tigresses was one game away from winning the Season 82 title before losing two straight against the Lady Eagles in Games 2 and 3.

“As one of the leaders of the team, it’s important to know that all voices are important,” said Laure. “Everyone is sensible, everyone has something to say, everyone deserves to be heard. People speak up because they want to be heard to fight for their team and for all.”