Why Marvin is always on ‘solo flight’ - FUNFARE by Ricardo F. Lo

When Marvin Agustin turned 22 last Jan. 29, he hied off to Boracay (the one in Aklan, not in New Manila) by his lonesome and spent his special day (he’s an Aquarian, no wonder he loves the water), as Marvin half-jokingly put it, "talking to myself."

He’s right. It’s nice and advisable for everybody to talk to himself/herself every now and then, sort things out with yourself, take stock of yourself with yourself and emerge from the soul-searching and the "one-on-one" a better, enlightened person, at peace with the world – and yourself.

"Masarap makipag-usap sa sarili," Marvin added, "it’s a very refreshing and fulfilling experience because you end up – as it often happens in my case _ agreeing with yourself. Masarap din mag-commune with nature."

Nature, in case you might be suspecting, is not the name of a girl but nature as we know it (the environment). Maybe because he’s loveless (or so he claims), Marvin prefers to be with himself and travel alone (yourself is the best company you can keep – that is, if you’re happy with yourself and trust yourself and you can live harmoniously with yourself).

The last time he was in Boracay was during the Lenten Season last year with his family, but two years ago he was also in Boracay (his favorite hideaway) by, you guessed it, himself.

In April, Marvin will be celebrating his fifth year in showbiz and he has a lot to be thankful for. Asked what the five milestones in his life are these past five years, Marvin said, "First, I helped my family fix their lives, and mine, too. Second, I realized my childhood dream of becoming a businessman; I was able to put up two outlets of Mister Donuts (of which he’s an endorser) and a new business which we called Ricecapades (toppings, with the initial outlet in Robinsons Fairview). Third, I’ll finally go back to school starting next month (at Thames International Business School where he’s taking up Masscom). Fourth, I participated in the EDSA People Power II which was a memorable experience which I first heard about when I was a kid from my Lola whose name happens to be Corazon Aquino Marquez. And fifth, nakapasok ako sa showbiz even if it wasn’t part of my plan. Showbiz has done a lot to me and my family. Dahil sa showbiz, gumanda ang buhay naming mag-iina." (Marvin’s father is in prison. – RFL)

When Marvin came back from his one-man birthday celebration in Boracay, he distributed toys and goodies among the kids at C.R.I.B.S. (Creative Responsive Infants By Sharing).

Still heady with the overwhelming success of Tanging Yaman, the blockbuster Star Cinema Metro Filmfest 2000 entry, Marvin is now shooting another potential commercial and critical success, Dekada ’70, directed by Chito Roño from Lualhati Bautista’s award-winning novel, topbilled by Vilma Santos, and Christopher de Leon. Marvin (along with Piolo Pascual and Jericho Rosales) plays one of the three children of Vilma and Christopher in the story set in the turbulent ’70s which saw the rise of Student Power.

Also regularly seen in Okatokat, Marvin has just been made a regular daily co-host of MTB (he used to host the show only on Saturdays) with the recent resignation (expulsion?) of Willie Revillame, leaving Randy Santiago and John Estrada as the main male hosts. Being built up along with Marvin as MTB hosts are Dominic Ochoa and Rico Yan.

Yesterday, Valentine’s Day, Marvin buried himself in work, loveless as he claims to be.

"As usual," he smiled, "I spent the day with myself."

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Several readers have been requesting Funfare to publish the family photo of Paul "Bong" Alvarez and his wife, semi-retired actress Almira Muhlach (half-sister of Aga), and their children (Yssa, 5; Illa, 3; and Inna, 2).

Request granted.

The photo, courtesy of my colleague Leti Celi-Reyes, shows the Alvarez family all-smiles, indicating what a happy family they are. It’s very obvious in Almira’s face, isn’t it? Look at the photo closely.

Bong still plays in the MBA Games while Almira is a full-time wife and mother, on the side helping manage the family business Lavandero Ko (with Carmina Villarroel as kasosyo) at 1010 Meralco Ave., Pasig City. (Need a laundry service? Call 637-83-54).

Does Almira miss showbiz (even if during her time, she wasn’t really that active)?

"Oo naman," said Leti. "She can accept roles, but only for television."

Any takers?

What’s up?

• Congratulations to Ogie Diaz who will be a first-time father in September. His 18-year-old girlfriend (yes, girlfriend!), Georgette del Rosario, is now nine weeks pregnant.

• The love month continues in Paco Park Presents’ month-long anniversary celebration this Friday, Feb. 16, with the Mapua Singing Ambassadors, under the music direction of Albert Perez, in Love Songs ATBP. Minette Padilla is program host.

• The sound of pop continues this Sunday, Feb. 18, at 5 p.m., in Concert at the Park, with the Barricade Band taking center stage. Hosting this weekly cultural project of the National Parks Development Committee, under Executive Director Antonio S. Mercado, and the People’s Television Network, is Susan Fernandez