Marvin Agustin: Extreme close-up

Marvin Agustin is a versatile young actor. He can shift easily from light romance to heavy drama and slide back and forth to comedy. Proofs are the two movies he’s doing right now, Dekada ‘70 with Vilma Santos and Super B with Rufa Mae Quinto. Based on the titles alone, the materials are poles apart; one is based on an award-winning Filipino novel while the other is a comedic outing in the tradition of Booba. Besides the movies, Marvin is also seen everyday on MTB and in the sitcom Whattamen.

The following is a conversation I had with Marvin on his favorite body parts, Bin Laden, Ben Stiller, etc.:

Boy Abunda: What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Marvin Agustin: To be successful and content in something that I love to do.

BA: What is your greatest fear and why?

MA: Dying without contributing anything good to the world.

BA: Which living person do you most admire and why?

MA: Ben Stiller. I like his style, the movies that he does. I admire his being an actor-director. Someday I want to be like him.

BA: What is the trait you most deplore in yourself and why?

MA: My impatience. I tend to jolt everyone and bug them about certain things. But I think it’s also the trait I like because it makes me achieve things faster.

BA: What is your greatest extravagance?

MA: I don’t mind spending much when I travel. I learn and gain so much from traveling that’s why I don’t mind spending a lot when I do.

BA: On what occasion do you lie?

MA: If I’d tell you, then you would know next time I do! Ha, ha!

BA: What do you most dislike about your appearance?

MA: Height. Give me a few inches and I’d be happy.

BA: Which living person do you most despise?

MA: Oh, a lot. Uneducated drivers....Corrupt politicians....Osama bin Laden

BA: What or who is the greatest love of your life?

MA: My life. I just love my life. I’m quite content with what’s happening with my family, my work. I can’t complain. My cup runneth over.

BA: When and where were you happiest?

MA: The moment that I found myself in the position of being able to help my family. It gave me a sense of self-worth.

BA: Which talent would you most like to have? Why?

MA: I’d like to have the eye of the great directors. The way they see things and tell a story visually by it. And, of course, singing! Ha, ha!

BA: What do you consider your greatest achievement?

MA: Being the man of the family. A father, brother, son, husband to them and being able to do something that I enjoy.

BA: What is your current state of mind?

MA: My mind’s very open because I’d still like to absorb many things so I could still learn more and achieve more dreams.

BA: If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be and why?

MA: Nothing. I love them very much. There’s nothing I would like them to change.

BA: What is your most treasured possession and why?

MA: My Talk N’ Text cellphone which is a Communicator because my whole life is in here! Schedules, important contact numbers etc. Another treasured possession I think would be the businesses I set up. They continuously give my family the opportunity to discover hidden skills.

BA: What do you regard as the lowest depth of misery?

MA: Growing old alone and not being able to fulfill my dreams. I’m working hard now so I can provide my future family a good life and it would devastate me if I can’t fulfill that.

BA: Where would you like to live and why?

MA: I’d like to live by the beach. It’s quiet and relaxing and life is more simple and then I’d just work in Manila if I have to. But if I’m going to retire completely, I’d like to live in the States where I can lead a new and exciting life.

BA: What is your favorite occupation? Why?

MA: When I was working as a bartender, I was able to meet all kinds of people. I’d be their confidante, their shoulder to cry on and at the same time, I was able to learn a lot from the people I meet. I also loved being a mascot because I made kids happy. Eventually, my favorite occupation would hopefully be directing.

BA: What is your most marked characteristic?

MA: I don’t know if this answers your question but it’s that I’m also a different person. I don’t know but some people would say that, "Ay iba ka pala sa TV. Cool at ok ka pala." While some say I look better in person kasi hindi ako maitim or panget! Ha ha!

BA: What do you value most in your friends?

MA: Their loyalty and their ability to ground me.

BA: Who are your favorite writers?

MA: Nicholas Sparks, John Grisham. They’re very good, gripping storytellers.

BA: Who are your favorite actors and actresses?

MA: Russell Crowe, Denzel Washington, Tom Hanks, Edward Norton. I like their versatility and their wide acting range. Local? Jericho Rosales and Pen Medina. I also admire Sharon Cuneta. Idol ko siya. As for foreign actresses, I like Kathy Bates.

BA: Who are your favorite hosts?

MA: The MTB hosts because they made me feel welcome when I joined the show and I learn so much from them. We’re just like one big family in the show. I also like Oprah because she reaches out well to her audience and she puts so much heart in her interview.

BA: Who are your heroes in life? Why?

MA: My mom. No matter what problems she faced, she was very steadfast and still managed to raise her kids very well. She’s very strong and I admire her for that.

BA: What is your pet peeve?

MA: Dirty toenails!!!! Ha, ha! And people with no direction in life.

BA: How would you like to die?

MA: I wanna die happy. I’d like to pass away very content and satisfied in my life.

BA What is your motto?

MA: Never give up. You can achieve all your dreams through hard work and perseverance.