Marvin Agustin

Marvin Jay Marquez Cuyugan^[1] was born on January 29, 1979,^[2] in Paco, Metro Manila. He is the youngest and only son of Theresa and Danilo Cuyugan and has two older sisters.^[3] His father worked as a lineman for the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT), while his mother was a homemaker.

During his childhood, his father was convicted in a drug-related case and imprisoned. As the only male child, Agustin helped support his family alongside his mother and older sisters, assisting in household work and small-scale food sales.^[4][5]

At age 16, Agustin began working at the Tia Maria bar-restaurant, performing various roles including waiter, bartender, kitchen staff, cashier, and marketing.^[6] During this time, he was scouted for acting but initially declined, wishing to continue his studies and pursue a career in restaurant management.^[7][8] He also noted that neither he nor his family had a background in the arts.^[3] He later accepted the offer and made his television debut in the ABS-CBN series Gimik.^[9]

Agustin completed his high school education at Sta. Rita College in Parañaque.^[10][11] He later enrolled in short‑course and diploma programs, including culinary arts and hotel management at the International School for Culinary Arts and Hotel Management, though he did not complete the program.^[12][13] In 2016, he finished a short course in digital filmmaking at the New York University School of Professional Studies.^[14][15]

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At age 16, Agustin was working at the Tia Maria bar-restaurant when he was scouted by ABS-CBN's Talent Center (now Star Magic).^[3][8] He initially declined the offer, preferring to balance his studies with work, but eventually accepted and made his television debut in the teen drama series Gimik (1996), where he was first paired with Jolina Magdangal, forming one of the era's most popular love teams.^[16][17]

Following his television debut, Agustin appeared in a series of projects, including soap opera Esperanza (1997–1999) and Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako (1998).^[18] He reunited with Magdangal in the romantic-comedy series Labs Ko Si Babe (1999–2000), regarded as the Philippines’ first romantic-comedy television series.^[19][20]

Agustin also starred in a series of films, including Tanging Yaman (2000) and Dekada '70 (2002), earning recognition for his versatility in both drama and comedy roles.^[3][21]

After Labs Ko Si Babe ended in 2000, Agustin became part of the trio Whattamen with his close friends Dominic Ochoa and Rico Yan. The trio served as replacement hosts for Willie Revillame on the noontime show Magandang Tanghali Bayan from 2001 to 2003.^[22][23] In 2001, they also starred in the sitcom Whattamen, which ran until 2004, even after Yan's death in 2002.^[24][25]

Agustin received his first film acting award, Best Actor— for his role as Lemuel in the horror‑thriller Kutob at the 31st Metro Manila Film Festival.^[26]

In 2006, Agustin transferred to GMA Network and reunited with Magdangal in the series I Luv NY.^[27] In 2007, he became an exclusive talent to the network^[28] and took on his first antagonist role in the action series Asian Treasures.^[29] After his role in Marimar (2007) as the antagonist Rodolfo Sta. Ginez,^[30][31] Agustin portrayed the hunchback Gabriel in Mga Mata ni Anghelita (2007).^[32] He later joined the cast of Babangon Ako’t Dudurugin Kita (2008) as an antagonist^[31] and subsequently appeared as one of the villains in LaLola (2009).^[33]

Agustin also hosted the musical‑variety show SOP Rules and the youth‑oriented drama anthology Dear Friend on GMA Network.^[34][35] He also hosted the comedy informative show, Outrageous & Courageous.^[36] Agustin was also part of the drama mini‑series SRO Cinemaserye: Ganti Ng Puso (2009) as Jacob Manansala.^[37][38]

In 2009, Agustin starred in the romantic-comedy series Adik Sa'Yo alongside Magdangal.^[39] He later appeared as Lando in the drama mini-series Tinik Sa Dibdib (2009–2010).^[40][41] He also played the villainous Lizardo in the children's action‑fantasy show Panday Kids.^[42] Among his hosting credits, he was formerly a co‑host of the variety show Party Pilipinas.^[42] Agustin also appeared in the television series, Pilyang Kerubin^[43] and Beauty Queen.^[44] Later that year, he portrayed the role of Anton Marco in the drama series, Iglot.^[45]

In 2012, Agustin transferred signed a two-year contract with TV5.^[46]

In October 2014, Agustin returned to ABS‑CBN, reuniting with Magdangal in the drama series Flordeliza.^[47][48] In 2017, Agustin returned to GMA Network and signed an exclusive contract to star in the primetime drama Kambal, Karibal.^[49][50]

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Business

Agustin is involved in numerous restaurant businesses. In 1999, as part of an endorsement deal, he received a franchise outlet of Mister Donut, marking his first business venture.^[51][52] He subsequently launched Ricecapades, a chain of rice-based food stalls, which became his first entrepreneurial foray into the restaurant industry.^[53]

Agustin later established Oyster Boy Restaurant, a seafood-dining concept that expanded to multiple branches in Metro Manila.^[54] In December 2005, he co-founded Sumo Sam, a Japanese–American casual dining chain, with its first outlet at Shangri-La Plaza Mall in Mandaluyong.^[3] He also holds co-ownership stakes in several other restaurants, including John & Yoko, Café Ten Titas, Marciano's, and Samurai Chef.^[54][55]

Agustin co-founded Oh Crop! in 2021, a social enterprise focused on promoting adlai— a locally grown Philippine grain, by partnering with farmers to improve their income and highlight underutilized local crops.^[56]

In 2023, Agustin launched Cochi Bistro,^[57] a fine‑dining concept in Bonifacio Global City that centers on roasted suckling pig (cochinillo) prepared in a Spanish style and paired with modern Filipino and international dishes.^[58] The concept traces its roots to his cloud‑kitchen brand Secret Kitchen,^[59] which opened a mall stall for cochinillo and baked goods in 2022.^[60] He described the venture as a pandemic‑pivot inspired by his in‑garage baking experiments while developing his oven‑based cooking.^[61] In 2025, Agustin's Cochi was awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide Philippines.^[62][63]

Aside from his food ventures, Agustin owns Futuretainment Inc., a company specializing in the production of concerts and live events. The company has produced shows for both local and international artists^[64] and expanded into television content, including the singing competition Kanta Pilipinas on TV5.^[65]

Philanthropy and advocacy

In a 2000 interview, Agustin stated that he had established the small foundation Kaibigan ni Marvin Agustin Inc. (KAMAI), which operated for two years. Its early activities included visits to Golden Acres to interact with the elderly and a birthday‑party outreach for street children.^[10]

In 2012, he organized a birthday-party outreach for children from Operation Smile Philippines at Enchanted Kingdom, providing food and presents during the event.^[66][67] The following year, Agustin expressed his intention to organize a volunteer group for relief operations following Typhoon Yolanda.^[68] He also supported a children's character‑building campaign by Bear Brand, emphasizing the importance of teaching children resilience and leadership skills in 2014.^[69]

In 2016, Agustin established the Entreplab School, a senior high school focused on entrepreneurship education.^[11][70]

During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Agustin urged restaurant owners to donate food to hospitals and frontline workers, suggesting that perishable stock be cooked and given to those in need.^[71] He offered his restaurant kitchens to support a fundraiser for street vendors affected by the pandemic, organized by Bela Padilla.^[72][73] In 2021, he marked August 10 with a food distribution event for community members, playfully referencing the meme connecting his surname with the date.^[74]

In 2022, Agustin was appointed as an agri-aqua ambassador by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (DOST‑PCAARRD), promoting agricultural and aquaculture awareness and education.^[75][76] In this role, he creates content, shares information about native agricultural commodities, and highlights the use of local produce to benefit farmers, business owners, and consumers.^[77]

In 2025, Agustin served as ambassador of WorldSkills Philippines.^[78] He also took part in ABS-CBN Foundation's Kapamilya Golf Fundraiser, Swing for a Cause.^[79]

Endorsements

Agustin has endorsed numerous products throughout his career, ranging from food and beverage brands to personal care and household items. In the late 1990s, he served as brand ambassador for Mister Donut, a partnership that earned him his own franchise. In 2008, he signed endorsement contracts with clothing brand Urban Edge and Lana de Herba Oil and Ointment.^[80] He has also promoted products such as Del Monte and Tupperware.^[81] In 2012, he was named a celebrity ambassador for Knorr cubes^[82][83] and later that year became an endorser for CarbTrim.^[84]

Agustin practiced archery in hopes of making it to the 2010 Asian Games in Guangzhou, China in November 2010.^[85]

In a 2012 interview, Agustin stated that he had no plans to pursue a career in politics.^[86]

Film

Key

†	Denotes films that have not yet been released

More information Year, Title ...

Year	Title	Role	Notes
1997	Ipaglaban Mo 2: The Movie	Paul
	FLAMES: The Movie	Butch
	Adarna: The Mythical Bird	Ramir
1998	Magandang Hatinggabi	Frankie
	Kung Ayaw Mo, Huwag Mo!	Nicco
	Labs Kita... Okey Ka Lang?	Ned
1999	GIMIK: The Reunion	Joey Fajardo
	Hey Babe!	Nelson
	Esperanza: The Movie	Danilo/Raphael Salgado
2000	Minsan Minahal Kita	Gelo
	Tanging Yaman	Boyet	2000 Metro Manila Film Festival entry
2001	Trip	Joboy
2002	Super B	Lordino
	Dekada '70	Emmanuel "Em" Bartolome
2003	Ang Tanging Ina	Juan Montecilio
	Noon at Ngayon: Pagsasamang Kay Ganda	Bobby
	Malikmata	Patrick
2004	Spirit of the Glass	Dante
2005	Maging Akin Muli	Fr. Christopher "Jun" Santos Jr.
	Kutob	Lemuel
2006	Oh, My Ghost!	Alvin
	Wag Kang Lilingon	James
2007	Angels	Ruben
2008	I.T.A.L.Y. (I Trust And I Love You)	(cameo)
2010	The Red Shoes	Lucas Munozca
	Ang Tanging Ina Mo (Last na 'To!)	Juan Montecilio
2011	Who's That Girl	Fish ball vendor (cameo)
	Kasambuhay Habambuhay	Michael
	The Road	Pedro
	Patikul	Sir Michael Balmas
	Ikaw ang Pag-ibig	Father Johnny
	Enteng ng Ina Mo	Juan Montecilio
2012	Moron 5 and the Crying Lady	Aristotle Ramos
	Kimmy Dora and the Temple of Kiyeme	Dr. Jose Rizal
2013	Ang Huling Henya	Lee
2014	Moron 5.2: The Transformation	Aristotle Ramos
2019	Second Coming	Paolo Trinidad
2021	Momshies! Ang Soul Mo'y Akin!	Wally	Voice role
2024	Bansa
2025	Ex Ex Lovers	Ced	Also executive producer

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Television

More information Year, Title ...

Year	Title	Role	Note
1996–1999	Gimik	Joey Fajardo	Main role
1996	Maalaala Mo Kaya	Elmer	Episode: "Karayom"
1997–1999	Esperanza	Danilo / Raphael Salgado	Main role
1997	Onli in Da Pilipins	Gordon	Supporting role
1998	Ipaglaban Mo!	Pido	Episode: "Balon"[87]
1998–1999	Sa Sandaling Kailangan Mo Ako	Ruben	Main role
1999–2000	Labs Ko Si Babe	Wally
2001–2004	Whattamen	Matti	Supporting role
2001–2003	Magandang Tanghali Bayan	Himself	Co-host
2003–2005	Ang Tanging Ina	Juan	Main role
2003–2004	Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas	Newton	Supporting role
2004–2005	EK Channel	Himself	Host
2004	Maalaala Mo Kaya	Rolando Navarette	Episode: "Boxing Gloves"
2005		Himself	Episode: "Mascot"
	M.R.S. (Most Requested Show)	Himself	Co-host
	StarDance		Host
	Bubble Gang Jr.		together with Jolina Magdangal
2006	I Luv NY	Albert Sandoval	Main Role / Protagonist
2007	Asian Treasures	Hector Madrigal	Supporting Role / Antagonist
	Mga Mata ni Anghelita	Gabriel / Angelo / Kuba	Supporting Role
2007–2008	Marimar	Rodolfo San Jinez	Supporting Role / Antagonist
2008	Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita	Alfred de Leon	Main Role / Antagonist
	Sine Novela: Gaano Kadalas ang Minsan	Dr. Louie Almeda	Main Role
	Chef to Go (Season 2)	Host
2008–2010	Dear Friend		Main Role
2008–2009	LaLola	Gaston Savictorres	Supporting Role / Antagonist
2008	Maynila	Various role
2009–2010	SOP Rules	Himself	Co-host/Performer
2009	Outrageous & Courageous		Host
	SRO Cinemaserye: Ganti	Jacob Manansala	Main Role / Antagonist
	Adik Sa'Yo	Carlos Manansala	Main Role
2009–2010	Sine Novela: Tinik sa Dibdib	Lando Domingo
2010	Panday Kids	Lizardo/Enrico	Supporting Role / Antagonist
	Party Pilipinas	Himself	Co-host/Performer
	Pilyang Kerubin	Adante	Guest Role
2010–2011	Beauty Queen	Donald Cervantes	Supporting Role / Antagonist
2011	Kitchen Superstar	Himself	Host
	Iglot	Anton Marco	Main Role
2012	Artista Academy	Himself	Host with Cesar Montano
	Wil Time Bigtime	Himself / Guest Host	Pinch-hitter for Willie Revillame
2013	Karinderya Wars	Chef Marvin (Himself)	Host
2014	Obsession	Ramon Mendoza	Main Role / Antagonist
2015	FlordeLiza	Capt. Crisanto Maristella	Main Role / Protagonist
2016	Wansapanataym: Susi Ni Sisay	Henry	Episode role
	Maalaala Mo Kaya: Toothbrush	Sec. Jesse Robredo
	My Super D	Anthony "Tony" Yaneza / New Zulu	Main Role / Antagonist Supervillain
2017	Ipaglaban Mo!: Seaman	Jess	Episode role
	Maalaala Mo Kaya: Tulay	Benj
2017–2018	Kambal, Karibal	Raymond De Villa / Samuel Calderon	Supporting Role / Antagonist (as Raymond) / Protagonist (as Samuel)
2017	Sunday PinaSaya	Himself	Special guest
	Sarap Diva
2018	Magpakailanman: Wilodia Story	—N/a	Directorial Debut (Director)
2019	Inagaw na Bituin	Eduard Sevilla	Supporting Role
2020	Paano Kita Mapasasalamatan	Himself	Special guest
2025	It's Showtime

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