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.