Q&A: Marvin Agustin

Here is an ambitious young man who at 21 has experienced the gamut of life's experiences comparable to the soap opera roles he portrays. His inspiring success story never fails to amaze and inspire anyone. He talks about his struggling days when at a young age he worked his way from working as a waiter to a regular marketing staff at 16, then as a struggling actor to one of the most well-established young dramatic actors in the country today. Marvin Agustin speaks with so much maturity for his age, something he could only have achieved with the experiences his young life has exposed him to.

He and Jolina Magdangal never cease to top ABS-CBN.com's celebrity chat events, having the most number of chatters. He is constantly requested again by his fans to chat because they could never have enough of their Prince of Hearts, the male equivalent of Cinderella. He has a number of fan clubs, most especially in the United States, which will always be there to rally support for him, and which will always request for write-ups about him and Jolina.

What makes Marvin so endearing to his fans? He is a good example of how a young man can succeed in life through sheer determination, without letting poverty stop him from achieving his goals. He values and gives priority to his family. Everything he does is all for the love of his family. He values education. He wants to go back to school, and it is his main goal in life. He also has a fallback from showbiz. He has his own franchise of Mister Donut, a product that he also endorses. He also gives back to society what he has been blessed with. He has established his own foundation KAMAI (Kaibigan ni Marvin Agustin Inc.). Most of all, he has the talent, he has the heart. After all, he won't be one of the hottest and youngest dramatic actors in the country for nothing.

How did you start in showbiz?

I started in showbiz in 1996. I was working then for Tia Maria's as part of its marketing staff. We went to ABS-CBN to promote our catering business. We promoted Los del Rios, the group that sang Macarena. We went to APO. I got an offer that day. Before that one, there were other offers, but I didn't want to enter showbiz then.

Why were you hesitant to join showbiz?

I was hesitant because I was already happy with my job at Tia Maria's. At 16, I already got promoted as a regular employee. I was able to do the rounds from waiter, cashier, bartender, then I was promoted as a marketing staff -- local store marketing. I was planning on studying in the morning and working at night. I didn't want to let the opportunity pass because not everyone can study and at the same time be happy with their job. I was already so happy kasi tuloy-tuloy, feeling ko I belong here. They were happy with me because I was so young at 'di ako natatakot to try everything, at marami na akong nagagawa (I wasn't afraid to try everything, and I was already able to do a lot of things). I was not afraid to try the complicated jobs, such as being a cashier or a bartender, because I like complications, challenges, risks. That's what I like in life.

Why did you decide to work in a restaurant?

I graduated from high school at St. Rita's College in Parañaque. When I was about to graduate, I joined ACA Video as family service representative, the one who talks to customers if they want to rent tapes. I worked for three months, but I got bored arranging video tapes. While I was still at ACA, I applied at McDonald's but they didn't accept me because I was still too young. I was just 16 then, a fresh high school graduate. Perhaps they didn't think I was serious about the job. Sabi ko, sige, papatunayan ko sa inyo (I told myself, I'll prove myself to all of you). I applied at Tia Maria's and got accepted.

I heard that Tia Maria's has an interesting way of selecting their waiters.

They asked us to take a test, interviewed us, and asked us to dance! It's because at Tia Maria's if you are serving an order of tequila, you have to dance for the customer upon their request. We would shake the margarita shaker... I was accepted! I was so happy. I was able to prove to myself that I could do it.

How did you work your way up from being a waiter to a marketing staff?

During my contractual period, I was doing a lot of things -- nangungulit na ako sa cashier at sa bar para matuto ako (I would bug the cashier or people at the bar so I could learn something). They saw that I was willing to learn. When the cashier was absent, they would make me fill in because I already knew how to do it, kasi maaasahan nila ako (Because they could trust me). I learned a lot because when the cashier or bartender was absent or if there are many customers, I would be assistant bartender until they made me a bartender. I loved to entertain people who were sitting at the bar alone just to have a drink. I loved what I was doing.

How did you become a regular marketing staff?

There would be many walk-ins who would ask about catering and special packages, and I would usually be the one to entertain them. There came a time when there had to be one person per store doing the marketing, and I was assigned to do it in Alabang. I started going out to companies. Nanloloko ako ng mga guards, that I have an appointment with the boss, otherwise 'di ka naman papapasukin. Sasabihin ko may appointment po ako... I was just taking the jeepney, wearing a long-sleeved shirt which I borrowed from my dad. I had to look like a real businessman to be credible.

Tell us about your love-team partners. Let's start with Jolina Magdangal. How real are your onscreen characters off and on camera?

Off camera, what you see is what you get. 'Di kami hilaw, so that when we are on camera, 'di kami nangangapa sa isa't-isa ng mga jokes. Minsan nag-a-ad lib kami.

What about you and Kristine Hermosa when you do drama?

When we have a scene, nangangapa na kami sa isa't-isa kung paano gagawin. The director can just tell you what to do, motivate you, but at the end, ikaw pa rin. I am very happy to be at ABS-CBN and to have worked with good directors. We were brought together in Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako. I perceived her to be young. She was 15 then when she started. Anong ginagawa ng batang 'to, na magiging asawa ko eventually? Bakit siya? But then, when she characterized, with make up and motivation from the director, I said to myself, "Oh, wow, this girl's different, nagiging lady!" From then on, natuwa na ako sa kanya, kasi seryosa siya sa trabaho niya. We became close, kasi kami 'yung nag-uusap sa set. She's really fun to be with, kalog.

Do you find it endearing that she's playful?

Yes, because I am serious. I reached that point when I was 20. May problema, when I get to talk to her, I cannot talk to her in a way na parang matanda or may problema because she won't be able to relate. So ganu'n 'yung setup namin. Pag may problema, tawa lang ng tawa 'yung tao. What a life! Isn't it you should just laugh at your problems because you can't solve it right away? Natutuwa ako sa kanya. Magkukuwento siya ng kababawan, mga favorite music niya... Tuwa naman... Nakakalimutan ko, kasi minsan bagets pa ako. I have a lot of responsibilities -- work, family. When I get to talk to her, nagkakatuwaan naman, and in a way, she makes me forget about my problems.

So what's your status?

We're really close. We call up each other, we go out sometimes. Kristine is one of my close friends. I don't want to ruin the friendship We're happy that our relationship is the way it is.We talk and go out at times. I go to her house.

Do you have fond memories of Jolina?

Yes, being in San Francisco and Guam. That's what I miss, traveling with her so many times on out-of-town shows, touring the Philippines.

What is endearing about Jolina that you miss now since you don't have movies together lately?

'Yung kuwentuhan talaga namin, the way we shared things together. Not all the time naman we were kalog. There were times when we are both serious. When she has problems, she tells me. I helped her when I could.

What is your current status?

We are really partners. 'Di lang kami masyadong nagkakasama kasi mayroon kaming iba-ibang ginagawa. We are still friends, 'di naman mawawala 'yon. But we don't hang-out as much as we used to.

So you used to go out a lot?

Yeah. We would go to church together in Baclaran, watch movies together, sometimes with her family or my family. Jolina is older than I. Kung sino 'yung Jolina na character na nakikita natin, ganu'n siya. She's happy, like Kristine. Siguro natutuwa ako kay Kristine, kasi parang Jolina rin siya.

What qualities do you look for in a girl?

I want someone who I could talk to, who's not boring, someone I could share things with, and who is understanding.

What was the most romantic thing you ever did for a girlfriend?

I cooked dinner!

One of your most memorable roles is as an Internet addict in the movie, Gimik. In real life, are you hooked on the Internet?

Yeah, with my ICQ, because you get to talk to people of the world. I love meeting new friends and strangers, 'yung dun mo lang makikilala. You just have to be nice and you meet people along the way, learn from them. It's fun! I also check ABS-CBN.com and the web page put up by my fans.

Do you also like to chat with your fans?

I love chatting with my fans. If only I'm not working so much, because I love making kuwento with them.

How is your dad doing?

He's happy being there. He has to pay for what he did, 'di ba? Ganu'n naman 'yon. (Editor's note: Marvin's father was imprisoned in 1995.) He's doing great. They have this IKAD, a place where they help people who haven't adjusted.

Does it mean that you have to play "father" to your family?

That's why I really needed a job at that time, because we were three children. I considered that when I decided to join showbiz. It's financially more rewarding.

How's your relationship with your mother?

It is so hard to be a son and the provider of the house. It is so hard to balance it, because there comes a point when I get irritable, like when I'm tired when I get home and so I'm not able to make lambing, and that's one of my regrets. I couldn't be a son all the time to my mom because I'm thinking of a lot of things. It's hard to run a family -- to be the one who decides for the family. I may be the youngest but I decide on everything after we consult each other. If you want something, let's talk about it.

How's your relationship with your sisters?

It's hard to be a brother and a father to them, kasi wala si Daddy. I'm the one who gives them advice - a brother and a father at the same time. That's why even if I want to do this and that, sometimes I have to sacrifice myself for their own good.

What do you mean when you say you have to sacrifice yourself?

I want to be independent and live alone, but since they are emotionally dependent on me, like if they have problems, the sense that there's a man in the house taking care of them, pag nawala 'yon, it's hard. I can't just leave them and live on my own.

What was it like when you were starting?

During my Gimik days, I would hitch a ride with my co-star Diego to Alabang since I didn't have a car.

Did you ever feel like you've missed out on your youth having to be the man of the house at such an early age?

Well, yes, like when I was working at Tia Maria's, I would work on Friday and Saturday nights and I would see the bagets, naggigimikan at nasa bar namin. Ay naku, bakit ganito? Bakit sila nag-i-enjoy, ako nagtatrabaho? So I would think positive and tell myself: Will they be able to do what I'm doing? Will they be able to get a regular job right away after graduating from school? It's not that I was motivating myself. I was happy that I didn't end up a drug addict. God took care of me. He's really taking care of me.

Having been deprived of a father, are there moments when you find yourself getting sentimental?

When I would see a father and a son very happy together. When I was at Mister Donut, there was a father and a son who went to my franchise with their bikes and although they didn't have a lot in life, they just ordered a donut, walked out together and just enjoyed being together.... When I see a family, I get sentimental. Naiiyak ako because we used to do that. We used to eat out together, have lunch out.

What was the most painful experience for you in showbiz?

I felt bad when people say negative things about my father. I'm the one in showbiz. Don't touch my father. You could say anything about me. Ako na lang, not my family.

Was there ever a time when you practically had nothing?

Yes, and I don't want my family to suffer again to the point that we didn't have anything to eat. I also couldn't go to school because I didn't have any baon or I would only have P10, which was just enough for my pamasahe. Wala na akong pagkain.

What did you do to survive?

I would collect bottles, P10 rin 'yon, just to have my pamasahe. Then I would think again. What will happen to me tomorrow? So I had a lot of jobs, from selling things to being a mascot.

Who put you through school?

My relatives helped us.

What do you do in your spare time?

I am a bar person, so right after having dinner, we would go to other places. I also like to read books like Chicken Soup for the Soul, Essential Sandwiches by Sark which talks about how to be an artist and how to live a simple life, Cider House Rules by John Irving, Message in a Bottle, Devil's Advocate...

I heard about your passion for scuba diving and photography.

Yeah, I just took my course in Boracay last Holy Week. I just got my certification as an open water diver. I plan to dive. My first time was in Boracay and I did four dives. I'm planning to go first to Anilao, and if I have a chance, around the world. I have a passion for traveling, so I want that when I travel, I dive, too, because I would like to experience the underwater world of different countries.

You also like photography?

I always bring my camera, black and white, everywhere I go.

What is your favorite subject?

There are many factors, the lighting, the emotions and the situation. During tapings, I like to take pictures of my co-actors and when I go places. The last time I was in Tuguegarao, we went to a cave and I took photos.

You also like to work out?

I work out thrice a week. I play tennis sometimes. I am an active person. I want to do many things because I get bored staying in one place.

What is your dream movie?

I want to do something different, something that will change the view and perspective of the audience. I want to make a difference, to change something. I want to prove to the people I can do it.

Are there any other roles you haven't portrayed?

Kontrabida and offbeat roles because I always played the lead, the matinee idol, the good boy, but eventually, I will be able to do it. I read this interview of Dolphy, that during his earlier years, he was hungry for roles, that he wanted to portray all the roles until somebody advised him, "Boy, don't rush things, at the age of 30, the heavy roles and varied roles will come with much more depth." So I don't like to rush things. Sayang naman. Baka makalimutan ko 'yung real value in life -- happiness, friends and the family.

What are your simple pleasures in life, after having been through a lot?

Spending time with my family, friends and traveling. That's the benefit of being in this industry, I get to go around the country for free. Sometimes, nanghihinayang ako na nandu'n na ako, 'di ko pa na-i-enjoy 'yung lugar dahil puro trabaho. But sometimes, I get to enjoy, too.

What are the things that you have learned about yourself?

I really want to have challenges in my life, in a way that I can learn more about myself, Hey, kaya ko pala 'yon! Even as a young man, during my Tia Maria days pa lang, I liked trying different things.

As a boss, what are the things that you value?

I value my people, my crew and my managers. That's what I have learned from working at Tia Maria's and ACA Video.

What kind of manager are you?

I motivate and talk to my crew. I don't treat them like employees. They are the ones who talk to the customers. If they don't treat the customers right and give them good service, the customers won't come back and I won't make money.

How do you motivate them?

I organize summer outings for them, give them gifts and just plain talk. I ask them not just about work, but about their personal lives, too. I ask them how their families are, too. That way, they also know how to treat you as a person, not just as a boss, and in the process, gain respect. I trust them when it comes to dealing with customers. I value them not as employees. I also make friends with them. They see me at the franchise. I also act as a crew, sometimes. I serve them, pack the donuts and clean the tables.

Do you have any advice for budding entrepreneurs?

Believe in their product. Second, value their service, because you are not there only for the income and the profit -- of course, because it is business -- but you have to give value to your customers. Customers dine in your restaurant because they want good service. They want to be served. They don't want to just go home and cook. They want to be also treated like a boss. You have to talk to them, ask them what they want. They want their food to be brought to their table and for you to smile, ganu'n klaseng satisfaction. I'm reading this book, Chicken Soup for the Working Soul, and it's highly recommendable. It teaches you how to deal with different kinds of customers. There are customers na nahihiya mag-order, because they are not familiar with the place, and those who bring their babies,'yung mga ganu'n. Lastly, good service.

What is your definition of good service?

It is satisfying them and serving with a smile. It is not just giving them what they want but treating them as a boss, serving them with sincerity and honesty.

Do you recommend the franchise business?

It is easier. There's marketing already, people who do the marketing side, like ads, and they are established.

Even with high royalty fees?

'Yun nga lang 'yung kapalit sa lahat ng kadalian sa marketing, nagbabayad ka ng royalties. Less sakit ng ulo, especially for a busy person like me. If you have another career and are doing other jobs all at the same time, then the franchise business is easier, whereas putting up your own restaurant is complicated.

Don't you feel so much older than your age, especially with all your experiences?

Sometimes when I talk to younger people about 17 years old, "Oh God, hindi ako ganyan nu'ng age ninyo ako, bakit?" Kasi they get to enjoy lakwatsa, 'di nila masyadong naba-value what they have.

How is your foundation, Kamai (Kaibigan ni Marvin Agustin Inc.)?

It is not a big, big foundation, and I don't have the money and the budget. It has existed for two years. Our first project was a visit to Golden Acres to visit the aged. I learned that old people just want to have people to talk to. Wala naman kasi masyadong umiintindi sa kanila. Happy sila pag may nagpa-party. Feeling ko nu'n, I organized a children's party. My second project was my birthday party with streetchildren last January in Dreamscapes, Galleria.

Are you happy?

Yes, I love what I'm doing and I learn to love what I have and what I do and at the same time enjoy it.

What's your dream? Is it to put up a restaurant? Do you think working at Tia Maria's as a teenager influenced it?

It probably influenced it. My sisters and I all worked for a restaurant before. My sister used to be with Shakey's, then became a captain in the Japanese restaurant of a luxury liner. We are still conceptualizing and saving up for the capital.

What is your goal in life?

My ultimate goal is to study. When I joined showbiz, my schedule was every day, and I didn't have time anymore. Sayang. The people who could study but don't value it that much, tinatamad or something. They'll realize it naman. I want to study. I'm taking this review, because I have stopped going to school for four years. I want to study film in New York, hopefully when I'm 24. Three more years na lang. I am just lucky. I started early so I could still plan these things while I am young. I want to be able to tell my children that I was able to finish my studies despite all my responsibilities. I want to have my own business someday and say, "I own San Miguel, I own Ayala..." I want to own a company na "Wow!" That's why I want to study. Feeling ko marami pa akong magagawa to make my life valuable. I want to do everything, kasi during my childhood, maraming kulang-kulang.

Chat with Marvin Agustin only at ABS-CBN.com celebrity chat room on June 6 at 2 pm. Find out who his real labs is -- Jolina or Kristine? For more information about Marvin Agustin, check out www.abs-cbn.com's Labs Ko si Babe site found at television, his past movie with Jolina, Hey Babe! at the Starcinema site. Check out his profile at www.pinoycentral.com's stars and showbiz news sections where you will discover how he has transformed to one of todays' most popular young dramatic actors.