Marvin's many hats

MANILA, Philippines - Every successful actor usually has a niche: As a leading man, a heartthrob, the boy-next-door-type, a contravida or even as funny-guy-who-never-gets-the-girl.

GMA Artist Center (GMAAC) talent Marvin Agustin, however, is one of few actors who can say “been there, done that” to all of the above — and more.

Marvin is in Panday Kids playing the role of nemesis, Lizardo.

“I gave Lizardo a sense of humor to make it more child-friendly,” Marvin said. “Lizardo may have a mean bone but he manages to sneak in punch lines sometimes.”

The actor said that for the fight scenes, he and most of the cast underwent Wushu training from an expert. It is recalled that in 2007, Marvin took a crash course in Capoeira to prepare for his role in Asian Treasures.

“Learning Wushu challenged me in that its main component is sword fighting. Doing Capoeria requires movements that are graceful, groovy... rhythmic,” he compared.

Marvin was seen in Tinik Sa Dibdib and Gaano Kadalas Ang Minsan. His other shows are Dear Friend with Jolina Magdangal and S.O.P.

  Marvin is in-demand in the movies, too. He is part of The Red Shoes, a love story that revolves around one of the stilettos of former First Lady Imelda Marcos. The actor is also cast in the new Marilou Diaz Abaya film, Ikaw Ang Pag-ibig.

Does he miss playing leading man roles?

“I do but getting such roles is not my priority,” he said. “I no longer aim to be No. 1. Instead, I want to take on more projects that excite me, challenge me. Kahit support lang, basta maganda ‘yung role, tinatanggap ko.”

Marvin is also a businessman. Among his restaurants are Sumosan, Mr Kurosawa, John and Yoko and Marciano’s.

“Being a restaurateur is my way of reinvention. It’s a way for people to see that I have a life outside my celebrity,” he said. “No, it’s not tiring at all — my business ventures feel like play to me because I enjoy it so much.”

  The actor is also into archery for which he had competed in Korea and Bangkok. He will be in Korea this month for further training.

“I want to better my scores,” he said. “One day I hope to qualify for the SEA Games.”