MANILA, Philippines — Marvin Agustin wears many hats: As an actor-performer, he has impressed televiewers with alternately good boy and contravida roles on GMA-7 series, was recently reunited with erstwhile screen partner, Jolina Magdangal, on “Dear Friend” and “Adik Sa ’Yo,” and cohosts the Kapuso network’s Sunday musical-variety show, “S.O.P. Rules.”

Popular restaurants

As an athlete, Agustin trains with the country’s national archery team. And, as a businessman, he helps manage many popular restaurants. But, he tells us that he is first and foremost a doting dad to his 3-year-old twin sons, Santiago and Sebastian. In fact, Marvin says he just watched the “Transformers” sequel with them before this interview.

The 30-year-old actor-entrepreneur is a tireless multitasker. He shares: “I just love doing many things! When I was a kid, I always dreamed of becoming a successful businessman, para lagi akong may pera sa bulsa. Life has not always been easy for me and my family. Now, I’m living my dream.

“True, things can get very hectic sometimes, but I make sure I have a ‘normal’ day with my kids. Family always comes first. And, I get a psychic boost every time they tell me how much they enjoy watching me dance on ‘S.O.P.’ (laughs)!”

Marvin’s humble beginnings have been famously chronicled through the years. But, the actor’s self-effacing nature and sincerity have won fans and foes alike. And, many people draw inspiration from his rags-to-riches story. He told us that he was only 13 when his father got himself “in trouble,” but he hastened to add that “he’s OK now.”

Trying times

In fact, those trying times in the actor’s teenage years have made him the sturdy and driven person he is today. Are the twins aware of their grandfather’s story? Marvin replies: “Not just yet. They’re still too young to understand, but when the right time comes, they will.

“As a father, I’m neither too strict nor too lax. They’re well-disciplined at home, but finding the right balance is important—they have to understand there are certain things I do out of love. I’m raising them the way I was brought up, and I pass on to them the values I learned from both my mom and dad.”

How has his working relationship with Jolina evolved after all these years? And, does he still enjoy acting? Marvin beams: “Jolina and I are great friends. We really work well together—and, as our fans would vigorously attest, the chemistry and magic are still there (laughs). As far as acting is concerned, when I was just starting out, it was something I needed to do for my family. These days, it’s no longer an immediate necessity, so I’m able to enjoy it—which is probably why I’m more passionate about acting now.”

Reliability

He looks up to three people: Vilma Santos for her reliability and professionalism, Manny Pangilinan for his keen business sense, and Danny Meyer, arguably New York’s most successful restaurateur, who owns Gramercy Tavern, Union Square Café, Tabla, Blue Smoke and the burger stand, Shake Shack.

His favorite movies are Frank Darabont’s “The Shawshank Redemption,” Bryan Singer’s “X-Men” and Francis Ford Coppola’s “The Godfather.” Among his own films, his top choices include Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s acclaimed inspirational drama, “Maging Akin Muli” and Jose Javier Reyes’ award-winning suspense-thriller, “Kutob,” in which Marvin won Best Actor trophies from the Metro Manila Film Festival and the Film Academy of the Philippines’ Luna Awards.

Whoever said that nice guys always finish last? Not this nice guy—he’s way ahead of the pack!