Absolutely electric
Boy-next-door Marvin Agustin shows off his winsome personality and smashing good looks. By Cora Llamas

The air is charged as soon as ABS-CBN movie and TV star Marvin Agustin enters the room. He flashes the smile that has won the hearts of millions, and I'm at ease and nervous at the same time. An undercurrent lingers, but it remains under wraps. For now.

"I've had a full day," says Marvin as he whips out his electronic calendar. He orders his favorite hamburger and smiles sheepishly. The 3 p.m. meal is his lunch, but he doesn't look the least bit tuckered.

"This morning, I had a meeting about my Hong Kong trip this weekend. Afterwards, I went to another meeting to look into RiceCapades (his toppings venture of 10 branches). Later, I have yet another with my new production company for a movie we hope to open by Halloween." In addition, he squeezes in shooting for sit-com "Tanging Ina" and the evening soap "Sana'y Wala Nang Wakas," guest stints in other series, and the occasional promotional tour.

Where does he get this endless energy?
"I go to the gym two to three times a week and do my workout for at least an hour," he says. My thoughts are racing. "I do feel good when I'm in shape, and I feel frustrated when I'm not. I prefer to start my day with it then run off to the meetings and the shooting schedules."

Working out isn't just for the energy. "As an actor, you really have to look good--that's part of the job," says Marvin. "You have to be able to wear anything at any given time. When I did the part of [former boxing champion] Rolando Navarrette for Maalaala Mo Kaya I got the part Sunday, then filmed the episode Friday!" My heart is pounding.

"Now, that was a dream role," he says.

Living the dream
But Marvin has already been living the great Filipino dream. At 17 he was the family breadwinner, making ends meet by waiting tables at a Tia Maria restaurant. As luck would have it, a talent manager spotted him serving drinks. The rest, as they say, is history. Eight years later, he still shares the spoils of his success with his family--he sends a niece to school and is treating the family to a trip abroad.

The self-confessed workaholic plays as hard as he works. "I take vacations outside the country for 3 weeks every year. Last year, I went to New York, Las Vegas and Miami. Next year, I plan to go to Europe. I love traveling because I learn a lot. My horizons really expand."

One of the things Marvin has learned is to relax even in the middle of show business frenzy. "I can sleep anywhere and everywhere, that's why I'm always recharged. Sleeping or shutting off the world relaxes your mind."

But refuge underwater is his favorite. Marvin swims laps at least 30 minutes every day. "[At the pool] nobody can bother you," he says with a grin. "There's no one clamoring for your attention, no phone calls to take. I can think while I'm swimming. I can finish an idea or a deal in my mind. I can totally relax." And swimming is a great workout, too. "I use paddles to make my upper body strong. I spent two weeks for my arms, now I will work on my legs. I have sessions with a coach in a celebrity club, and get help from trainers in a swimming pool at a mall." I make a mental note.

A busy schedule and lots of exercise have their luxuries, too. Marvin eats. And he eats everything. "This morning, I had rice and giniling, arroz a la cubana. Lunch would be nilagang baka, fried shrimp, fried fish and two cups of rice. Then for dinner, I would have crispy pata, two cups of rice, chop suey and barbecue chicken. When I indulge, I indulge, that's why I work out and exercise." Breakfast coffee, chocolate and Gatorade give him a little more energy during the day. Soda and fruit juice concentrates, however, are off-limits.

Taking control
It's all about self-discipline, and thriving while taking on greater responsibilities and challenges, he says. "I'm in control of my life--that's important."

For next year, he's set his sights on a month-long vacation in Europe and a film course at New York University. He also wouldn't mind sporting the kind of physique that Brad Pitt flaunted in Troy.

"I want to have the same kind of six-pack abs!" his eyes light up. "Before I reach the age of 30. It'll be a little hard then, especially if by that time I have a family. Now, I can just wake up in the morning, go to the gym, and just do it!"

I'm practically bursting to tell him, he's no Brad. And he doesn't have to be.