Why Marvin is fit to host Kitchen Superstar

MANILA, Philippines - “Am I a kitchen superstar? Am I the best chef in the Philippines?” These questions popped in Marvin Agustin’s mind the minute GMA 7 offered him to host its newest reality show Kitchen Superstar.

But Marvin didn’t think long and hard about accepting the task. The show’s objective is enough to convince him to do the job, even if it means temporarily setting aside acting in front of the cameras.

“When I learned that Kitchen Superstar is about giving hope to those who have a passion for cooking but are not professionally skilled, I felt happy because in a way, I can relate to them,” Marvin said during the first day of auditions at the SM Skydome. “I myself didn’t finish school but because of determination and the people who helped me realize my dream, I think it’s about time I inspire others.”

Besides, his know-how in handling the food business speaks for itself. He now manages several restaurants located in prime spots of the metro. All of them are fully-operational. Soon, some of the restaurants will be open to franchising.

 “They need not lose confidence just because they were not able to finish or reach college. Everyone has the chance to succeed if the determination is there.”

Thus, he is calling on all those who have that “culinary expertise” but not professionally employed as a chef. Kitchen Superstar is open to ordinary people like mothers, carinderia owners and those who excel in cooking even without proper schooling.

“I myself started cooking because of my passion. I guess it helped that I grew up seeing my parents cook. I also know how to do household chores because we didn’t have any helper then. I also worked as a waiter. My experiences taught me everything to make me strong and determined.”

Even if Marvin can just sit and relax and ask a helper to do things for him, he still cooks for his family and friends. His specialties are Filipino, Japanese and Italian dishes. He says that his twins, Santiago and Sebastian, are making pizza at home at the time of the interview.

“We should never stop believing. I never imagined myself to be in my position now. Lumaban lang talaga ako sa buhay,” Marvin explains.

Thus, he is certain Kitchen Superstar can serve as the contestants’ passport to success. Aside from hurdling the various challenges, contestants will also be taught by professional chefs. A weekly Kitchen Showdown tests not just the contestants’ culinary skills but their physical and emotional limits. Their work will be judged accordingly by judges composed of restaurateurs, chefs and the common tao.

The grand winner will walk away with a P1M cash and other prizes.

“He might do a cooking show for one season,” Marvin adds. 

Marvin, on the other hand, will share tips on managing restaurants. He also mentioned that the show requires contestants to come up with delectable but affordable food, not the fine dining type.

“Of course, it (the winner’s success) will all depend on his drive. If he’s determined to end up not just a winner, I can help him start. Since I have a restaurant, he/she can be one of the employees of our group.”