It’s more than just winning

Winning is not everything. That’s why Marvin Agustin still strives to be the best actor he can be after scoring big in the recently-concluded Luna Awards as Best Actor for the movie Kutob helmed by Jose Javier Reyes. The statuette is a welcome addition to his two other trophies from Enpress and Star Awards.

"Kinalimutan ko na yun (I forgot all about it)," answered Marvin when asked how the award has changed his life so far. Luna/FAP is the local version of Hollywood’s Academy Awards. "It is displayed at home. I don’t want to be pressured by it."

Loud and clear Marvin doesn’t want to be stereotyped in dramatic roles and/or projects just because of his recent victory.

Besides, the likes of Christopher de Leon and Phillip Salvador, who won all the Best Actor trophies there are, have remained humble and never became picky with roles.

Marvin, who seems to take the similar path, adds that his talent fee remains the same and producers can still afford him, debunking the popular notion that stars demand for a bigger, fat pay check after snatching a trophy.

Pressed what was it like to win a Luna – and how this one different from the other trophies he has, Marvin’s quick reply is "Masayang, masaya. (Very Happy). Masaya, especially when Zsa-Zsa Padilla (winner of Luna Best Actress award) and Eddie Garcia congratulated me. I was happy because my colleagues voted for me."

After 10 years in the biz and having played a myriad of roles, Marvin has finally kissed goodbye to teeny-bopper roles (Gimik: The Reunion, Hey Babe) and become an actors’ actor – at least to the younger stars. He has shown the thespian in him in films like Kutob, Tanging Yaman, Dekada ’70 and drama anthologies like Maalaala Mo Kaya, Esperanza, Sana’y Wala ng Wakas.

Marvin is proving his versatility in his role on GMA 7’s Hoooo U?, a Halloween special, which airs every Sunday after Ang Mahiwagang Baul. In the show, Marvin plays the fun-loving Rico who joined his friends in a game of dare 10 years ago. Unexpectedly, the child’s play led to the unresolved disappearance of one of them. Now all grown-up, they reunite and find themselves entangled in a series of hair-raising situations. The early Halloween treat also stars Jolina Magdangal, Teri Onor, Princess Violago and Patrick Garcia. This is Marvin’s second team-up with Jolina after I Luv NY.

Aside from reaping awards, Marvin has been winning in his personal life. He has two bundles of joy in his twins, Santiago and Sebastian, and another Luna in the person of Pauleen Luna who keeps on brightening up his days and nights.

Like any other showbiz couple, Marvin doesn’t confirm nor deny his budding relationship with the former Kapamilya now a Kapuso talent. This is one reason why they click together.

"We’re friends," says Marvin. "We want to enjoy each other. Mahirap kapag napasukan na ng iba. Nagugulo."

The ardent suitor that he is, Marvin visits Pauleen at home and he pampers her. He "feeds" and sends her food as scrumptious as his true feelings for her are. This is not surprising since Marvin owns Red Crab, Ricecapades and a franchise of Dunkin’ Donuts.

"Mamahalin ko pa rin yung tao kahit tumaba na siya. I will accept her," Marvin assures Pauleen if ever she gets extra voluptuous.

As for the mother of his kids, Marvin says, "We remain friends. She is busy with her pre-school. There’s nothing formal or legal arrangement as far as the custody of the kids is concerned. I can have my kids with me and so she is."

Judging from the twinkle in his eyes and his sunny disposition, Marvin is a picture of a happy man, this time with the two Lunas in his life.