Marvin  Agustin, forever actor

“I want to be an actor forever,” declares Marvin Agustin in spite of the many hats he wears as, among others, owner of fine-dining restaurants Ricecapades, Oyster Boy and Sumo Sam and management student at Somerset International Resource Center.

“It‘s a good feeling that I’m able to entertain people through my movies (and TV shows), especially when they say that I have inspired them,” says Marvin.

The young actor believes winning an award is just icing on the cake.

If ever Marvin sounds like a mature actor talking about his craft, it is because of the maturity he has earned all these years playing physically and emotionally demanding roles like Gabriel on GMA 7’s fantaserye, Mga Mata ni Anghelita.

“It’s hard to play a hunchback,” shares Marvin. “It is challenging because I have to wear prosthetics which takes hours to put on. It means sacrifice on my skin. Besides, I have to think of and internalize my character. There were times in the past when my character had to be battered in some scenes.”

As a true-blue thespian, Marvin always delivers whatever it takes in the name of realism.

“What I like about being with GMA is that the projects are continuous. They are all good projects,” says Marvin, one of the newest members of GMA Artist Center. “I like challenging roles because I’m adventurous. I don’t want to be put in a box. Challenging roles don’t bore me.”

The Kapuso star perhaps refers to his roles like treasure hunter Hector in Asian Treasures and the psychopat Lemuel in Kutob, which won for him Film Academy of the Philippines and Metro Manila Film Festival Best Actor trophies.

In Mga Mata ni Anghelita, which will wrap up soon, Marvin’s character has experienced some life-defining moments. Televiewers should not miss the exciting last episodes of the TV series. The actor proudly shares the show remains No. 1 on its time slot, garnering 39 percent of audience share in a recent survey.

Asked what’s the reason of the fantaserye’s high ratings, Marvin replies, “I think we’re first with the concept. There’s leadership. The show hasn’t failed to meet the televiewer’s expectations and we have a good show.”

Is Marvin ready to fall in love again after he and fellow Kapuso star, Pauleen Luna, called it quits?

“Relax muna. Puro sawi eh,” says Marvin. “Sana maging masaya ang puso ko kahit sa TV man lang. (He refers to his character’s lovelife.)   

The restaurateur-actor admits doing many things has helped him recover from the break-up. This requires him to be a hands-on businessman.

Away from klieg lights, Marvin develops menu and facilitates meetings for his restaurants. His work also asks him to travel abroad, checking out the latest trends in food preparation and service. He is also challenged to fuse these developments to the restos’ advantage. Marvin and his partners wish that their businesses will become a major player in Asia, the UK and the US. That’s why they keep on bench marking themselves.

On top of everything, Marvin finds time to do movies.  He is part of the upcoming horror flick, Dagao, starring Richard Gutierrez, Jewel Mische and Assunta de Rossi. Co-producing a movie with UNITEL is also in the offing.

Where does Marvin get all the energy doing all of this without any signs of slowing down?

“I enjoy what I do,” he shares. “As an actor, I compete with myself. I’m as good as my last work. It’s important to have a vehicle to show my passion and to express my creativity.”