Marvin: Love, hard work are keys to success

ACTOR Marvin Agustin said love and passion on what you do and hard work will bring success to everyone, especially to aspiring stars of the newest talent search "Artista Academy".

Marvin, who started in showbiz at the age of 17, said it was not an easy road to stardom for him. He needed to perform his best to be able to show everyone that he deserves to be in the business.

As he takes the hosting job in "Artista Academy," Marvin said from the audition at the Smart Araneta-Coliseum last month, he saw promising individuals who have what it takes to make it in showbiz. But he believes more than luck, love and hard work will be their ticket to fame.

"Kailangan nilang mahalin itong trabahong ito kasi mahirap siya. Hindi nila dapat ito itratong trabaho kasi as an actor yung emotions eh hindi trinatrabaho, ipinapakita at ipinaparamdam yan. Kailangan gusto mo talaga."

Marvin is one of the pioneering talents of ABS-CBN where he made his mark in several top-rating shows such as "Gimik," "Esperanza," and "Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako."

His popularity grew immensely when he was paired with Jolina Magdangal.

When Marvin moved to GMA-7, he was reunited with the singer-actress in "I Luv New York."

The actor also did "Asian Treasure" with Robin Padilla and Angel Locsin, "Mga Mata ni Anghelita" and "Marimar."

Before he signed a two-year non-exclusive-guaranteed contract with TV5 this year, he already established himself as top caliber actor of his generation.

"Hindi ko siya ginagawa as trabaho pero dahil gusto ko. I think ng yun ang dapat hanapin ng hindi lang ng lahat ng artista, but ng lahat ng tao. Yung what makes them happy, yung passion nila."

Marvin added that he never imagine himself to be a star, or to also experience success in the field of business. He owns Japanese and American fusion restaurant Sumo Sam (which currently has 12 branches nationwide), John and Yoko, Mr. Kurosawa, Marciano's, Komrad, Filipino dining place Oyster Boy, and Japanese buffet resto Roboto San.

He also started Futurentertainment in 2009 and has brought some of the biggest international concert artists to Manila, including Bruno Mars, Miley Cyrus, Maroon 5, 30 Seconds to Mars, and the Black Eyed Peas.

Marvin said that with the show, he feels like he is paying forward the acceptance and love of the Filipino audience over the years.

"I can undoubtedly relate to these Artista Academy hopefuls. I understand their passion to make a name for themselves. I was once in their position, so maybe it is the perfect time for me to pay it forward by imparting to them some valuable life lessons I have learned throughout my career," he said.

"Our goal for them is not just to be TV5 stars, but stars of the industry. It's a big push... a big job to hone them. But with the help of all the mentors and judges, we hope na magagawa namin."

"Artista Academy" will be shown weekdays after "Wil Time Bigtime" on the Kapatid Network. (Sunnex)