Why Marvin brings smiles to kids

MANILA, Philippines - Marvin Agustin recently celebrated his birthday with kids from Operation Smile Philippines at the Enchanted Kingdom. This is Marvin’s way of paying forward the goodness of those who have given him the fighting chance at life. His smile was ear to ear as children had a blast participating in the fun games and activities like Knorr cubes cooking demo and story-telling session. 

“It’s more meaningful as compared to my usual birthday celebrations,” says Marvin. “It’s also my first time to meet these kids. Last year when I helped them, I was busy and they had to recuperate (from their operation). Last December, I thought of them. This is the perfect time to celebrate (my special day) with them. I did similar events before. But this is close to my heart because they were the ones (people from Operation Smile brought to my attention, seeking for my assistance). To smile is easy for us. But it is not for them. If their condition will not be given the proper medical attention, it will be a source of insecurity when they grow up.”

How did Marvin discover Operation Smile Philippines?

“When I was searching something on the Internet, a picture of a child popped out on my screen. (The image was somewhat) telling me that smiling is natural for some kids, but for others it is not,” he recalls. “I told myself, ‘Bakit pati smile napagkakait sa kanila? Napakasarap ngumiti.’ Then, I continued researching about (the organization and) these kids. I also discovered that kids (who have never gone through an operation to correct their palate) have bigger insecurities. They don’t want to face people. They don’t want to talk. They are shy to share their feelings with others. Then I hooked up to Operation Smile Philippines.”

With kids from Operation Smile Philippines— Photos by ENIE REYES

Among Marvin’s special guests that afternoon were his twins Santiago and Sebastian, who are first-graders at the Everest International Catholic School. Dad Marvin is proud that his sons are “good kids and very charming” in school. Even at a very young age, Santiago and Sebastian are vocal about their feelings. Although they are identical, Santiago and Sebastian have different interests. Santiago is into golf while Sebastian is into soccer. The former has the makings of becoming a businessman while the latter is more of an artist. Just like Marvin, both love to cook.

Marvin says events like this which allows his twins to play and interact with other kids is important in teaching them lessons on charity and camaraderie. It also shows them that there are disadvantaged kids out there as much as there are privileged ones — and that money doesn’t grow on trees.  

“Kasi ako galing ako sa hirap. Lagi ko lang pinagpapasalamat where I am right now,” Marvin shares. “For my twins, baka nagiging madali yung bagay, bagay. I want to tell and teach them na mas marami ang nagsisimula sa hirap. They also enjoy (doing this activity).”