Marvin Jay Cuyugan, popularly known as Marvin Agustin, proves his versatility, not only as an actor, but also as a family man and restaurateur who hopes to inspire people with his story of success.
Initially fueled by his ambition to help his family, Marvin started to have big dreams of one day owning a restaurant at such a young age. Today, he is fulfilling his dream of not only owning one restaurant, but ten with business partners, which include: Sumo Sam, John and Yoko, Marciano’s, Harajuku, Café Ten Titas, Samurai Chef, Mr. Kurosawa, Oyster Boy Bar, Ricecapades, and the soon-to-be-opened Johnny Chow.
Aside from acting, Marvin believes that everything a person pursues requires passion to undertake any challenges.
Marvin began exploring the food business with the help from the entertainment industry. Show business not only paved way for Marvin to save for a capital to start his own business, it also gave him an opportunity to meet people who could help him not just manage, but to build his own food business.
In 1999, Marvin received a franchise of the Mister Donut as a part of an endorsement deal, and things started to take off from there. He then opened a food cart franchise serving affordable rice toppings called Ricecapades and also co-owned Oyster Boy with partner Dennis Gan.
Owning a food chain was not enough for Marvin. He was hungry to learn more about the food business and decided to enroll in a certificate course at the International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management (ISCAHM). He also took up a management studies diploma course at the Somerset International Business School to further widen his knowledge and credentials.
One of his favorite owned restaurants, SumoSam, debuted in the Shangri-La Plaza Mall and was later branched out to the posh Power Plant Mall in Makati because of its success. SumoSam became popular for its westernized Japanese dishes and affordable yet cozy ambience as well.
Focusing on Japanese cuisine, Marvin shared that he and his partners in business draw inspiration by “food tripping” out of the country, tasting all sorts of Japanese foods in different places and creating their own.
As a person who always strives for excellence, Marvin said that he, together with his partners, always make sure that they “always exceed expectations” when it comes to their food and service to keep their customers satisfied.
Being the only son and the youngest among his siblings, Marvin knew how it was to responsible as he grew up without the guidance of a father. At 16, while boys his age were going out with friends and partying; he worked as a waiter at a bar-restaurant named Tia Maria. A minor at that time, he had to present parental consent to be granted permission to work.
Marvin’s perseverance towards work has earned him a promotion in the marketing team of Tia Maria’s. The restaurant even offered him a sponsored college education so that he could take courses on hotel and restaurant management. But Marvin had to turn down the offer in 1996, when a talent manager from ABS-CBN’s Talent Center (Now Star Magic) offered him a deal.
A natural when it comes to acting and rapport, Marvin’s love team with Jolina Magdangal in the youth-oriented television drama GIMIK has earned them a solid fan base even when the show ended. As Marvin climbed his steps on being a professional actor, he gained several awards under his numerous movie and TV projects with premiered actors and directors of the country.
At 26, Marvin fulfilled yet another dream: becoming a father. His girlfriend at that time, Tet Dy, gave birth to their twin boys named Sebastian and Santiago in California, USA. Ideas of settling down in the US crossed Marvin’s mind because of his two sons, but his love for acting pulled him back to the country to continue his acting career. His family now lives with him in the Philippines.
After doing a horror movie with Star Cinema entitled Kutob (which was offered to him while he was in the US), Marvin decided to continue his acting career with GMA. It was also during that time that he started to pursue his dreams of becoming a restaurateur.
From being a waiter, to becoming an actor, a father, and a businessman; Marvin continues to do more by engaging into several projects that are new to him, like being a host to the upcoming reality cooking contest of GMA called the Kitchen Superstars, and also venturing in concert production with Kris Aquino and Boy Abunda.
At 32, Marvin has already accomplished so much. Thus, saying in an interview: “with all the challenges and struggles I have been through in life, I just fought, and I emerged triumphant when I decided not to give up.”
(www.asianjournal.com)
(OCIE Mar 25-30, 2011 RedCarpet pg.2)
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