Marvin Agustin

Early life and education

Marvin Jay Marquez Cuyugan was born on January 29, 1979, in Paco, Metro Manila. He is the youngest and only son of Theresa and Danilo Cuyugan and has two older sisters. 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.

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

Agustin completed his high school education at Sta. Rita College in Parañaque. 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. In 2016, he finished a short course in digital filmmaking at the New York University School of Professional Studies.

Career

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). 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.

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

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.

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. In 2001, they also starred in the sitcom Whattamen, which ran until 2004, even after Yan's death in 2002.

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.

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

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

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

In 2012, Agustin transferred signed a two-year contract with TV5.

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

Other ventures

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. He subsequently launched Ricecapades, a chain of rice-based food stalls, which became his first entrepreneurial foray into the restaurant industry.

Agustin later established Oyster Boy Restaurant, a seafood-dining concept that expanded to multiple branches in Metro Manila. 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. He also holds co-ownership stakes in several other restaurants, including John & Yoko**,** Café Ten Titas**,** Marciano's, and Samurai Chef.

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.

In 2023, Agustin launched Cochi Bistro, 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. The concept traces its roots to his cloud‑kitchen brand Secret Kitchen, which opened a mall stall for cochinillo and baked goods in 2022. He described the venture as a pandemic‑pivot inspired by his in‑garage baking experiments while developing his oven‑based cooking. In 2025, Agustin's Cochi was awarded a Bib Gourmand by the Michelin Guide Philippines.

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 and expanded into television content, including the singing competition Kanta Pilipinas on TV5.

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.

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

In 2016, Agustin established the Entreplab School, a senior high school focused on entrepreneurship education.

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. He offered his restaurant kitchens to support a fundraiser for street vendors affected by the pandemic, organized by Bela Padilla. In 2021, he marked August 10 with a food distribution event for community members, playfully referencing the meme connecting his surname with the date.

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. 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.

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

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. He has also promoted products such as Del Monte and Tupperware. In 2012, he was named a celebrity ambassador for Knorr cubes and later that year became an endorser for CarbTrim.

Personal life

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

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

Filmography

Film

Television

Accolades

References

References

1. Abunda, Boy. "A new high for Marvin".
2. Acar, Aedrianne. (2019-01-29). "Celebrities from rival network greet Marvin Agustin on his 40th birthday".
3. "Marvin Agustin: Aiming High".
4. Quodala, Schatzi. (2013-06-16). "Father's Day story hits actor Marvin Agustin hard".
5. Lo, Ricky. "Marvin Agustin: The first time, the last time".
6. (2021-04-18). "Marvin naging waiter, janitor, bartender at mascot: Hindi mo malilimutan yung first love mo…".
7. Anoc, Aimee. "Marvin Agustin, naging waiter at mascot sa restaurant bago maging artista".
8. Kang, Kristine. "Marvin Agustin recalls his journey as a waiter: 'Walang makakatalo sa taong ayaw magpatalo'".
9. "GMA-7 actor Marvin Agustin reminisces his Gimik days with ABS-CBN actors".
10. Cruz, Marinel R.. (2011-03-19). "Golf, cooking and Marvin".
11. Singca, Arlnie Colleene Talain. (2014-05-06). "Marvin Agustin is now a successful restaurateur".
12. Docto, Cecile. (2016-12-20). "Marvin Agustin takes up filmmaking in New York".
13. Ramos, Jansen. "11 reasons why Marvin Agustin is still our favorite matinee idol".
14. Garcia, Nick. (2022-03-05). "Iconic '90s love team Jolina Magdangal and Marvin Agustin together now in Singapore".
15. Llemit, Ralph Lawrence G.. (2025-02-13). "MarJo Forever!: Celebrate Valentine's with Marvin and Jolina's kilig movies".
16. (July 10, 2022). "MMK Life Story Marvin Agustin". Nikkabel Velasco.
17. "Original teleserye leading ladies: Where are they now?".
18. "18 longest-running ABS-CBN teleseryes".
19. Abunda, Boy. "Marvin Agustin: Extreme close-up".
20. Bautista, Mario E.. "A welcome change for Marvin".
21. "What is Whattamen up to? - DIRECT LINE by Boy Abunda".
22. (2024-11-06). "THROWBACK: Handsome trio of Whattamen in their dashing poses".
23. Lo, Ricky. "An untimely curtain call for Rico".
24. Calderon, Ricky L.. "Marvin Agustin: Moving on and making the big leap to GMA 7".
25. "Marvin Agustin signs exclusive contract with GMA-7".
26. "Marvin Agustin very proud to play villain to Robin Padilla".
27. "Marvin Agustin is the latest addition in the cast of "Marimar"".
28. "Marvin Agustin plays most challenging role yet in "Babangon Ako't Dudurugin Kita"".
29. "Blind orphan leads a blessed life in "Mga Mata ni Anghelita"".
30. Acar, Aedrianne. "What happened to 'Lalola' stars since the show ended in 2009?".
31. "The final S.O.P. concert party".
32. "GMA-7's drama anthology show "Dear Friend" airs on July 20".
33. "Feats of bravery on Outrageous & Courageous".
34. "SRO Cinemaserye: Love & vengeance".
35. "Marvin is back with a vengeance".
36. "Marvin Agustin confirms team-up with Jolina Magdangal in Adik Sa 'Yo".
37. "Marvin Agustin "reincarnates" Phillip Salvador's role in Tinik Sa Dibdib".
38. "Marvin Agustin's character causes pain to Sunshine Dizon in Tinik sa Dibdib".
39. Balbuena, Vanessa A.. "Marvin Agustin".
40. "Marvin Agustin talks about his "pinakamabait" role in upcoming film Ikaw Ang Pag-Ibig".
41. "The Beauty Queen na ang final title ng bagong drama series ni Iza Calzado with Katrina Halili sa G".
42. "Iglot spreads love & magic in GMA Telebabad".
43. "Marvin Agustin clarifies transfer to TV5 just coincided with that of former GMA-7 executive Wilma Galvante".
44. Villano, Alexa. (2014-10-22). "Marvin Agustin gets 'emotional' taping new TV drama".
45. "IN PHOTOS: Marvin, Jolina together again".
46. "Marvin Agustin wanted to do one thing in ABS-CBN before accepting acting stint in GMA-7".
47. Ramos, Jansen. "Marvin Agustin, may gustong tahaking career ngayong 22 years na siya sa showbiz".
48. "Stars and their businesses: Marvin Agustin".
49. C., Toff. (2024-12-12). "How Marvin Agustin get his start in the food business?".
50. "For the love of food".
51. "Marvin Agustin: From actor to restaurateur".
52. "Marvin Agustin grateful to showbiz friends who invested in his new restaurant".
53. Vergara, Alex. (2021-04-28). "Adlai, the “good rice,” now comes in a pack".
54. Unjieng, Philip Cu. (2024-02-14). "Your suckling pig awaits you".
55. Ong, Henry. (2024-01-16). "Financial Adviser: 5 Business Lessons Everyone Can Learn from 'Cochinillo King' Marvin Agustin, Founder of Cochi Restaurant".
56. Epilepsia, Trina. (2021-04-08). "Marvin Agustin, On Giving Back and Helping Others Out".
57. Llemit, Kathleen A.. "Marvin Agustin's Cochinillo, cakes now selling in first-ever mall stall".
58. (2025-09-10). "MARVIN AGUSTIN: From Matinee Idol to Master of the Kitchen — Entertainment".
59. Deveza, Reyma. (2025-10-31). "Marvin Agustin's Cochi receives Bib Gourmand distinction: 'A reminder to keep cooking with soul'".
60. Pasajol, Anne. (2025-10-31). "Marvin Agustin ecstatic as restaurant earns Michelin Bib Gourmand award".
61. "Marvin Agustin enjoys newfound role as concert producer".
62. "Marvin Agustin on producing music concert: "We work hard to get the artist."".
63. Hidalgo, by Yasmine C.. "Q&A: Marvin Agustin".
64. "Why Marvin brings smiles to kids".
65. "Marvin Agustin spends his birthday with twin sons, Sebastian and Santiago, and the kids he helped at Operation Smile".
66. "Marvin Agustin wants to organize group of volunteers for Yolanda relief operations".
67. "Marvin Agustin advocates molding kids to become future leaders of their generation".
68. Almo, Nerisa. "Marvin Agustin: the used to be "makulit" student now owns a school".
69. (2016-05-20). "Marvin Agustin inspires future students through an open letter".
70. Arcadio, Ryan. (2020-03-18). "Marvin Agustin urges restaurant owners to cook meals for health workers amid coronavirus crisis".
71. Aquino, Maine. "Marvin Agustin offers help to Bela Padilla's fundraiser for street vendors".
72. (2020-06-30). "Bela Padilla raises funds for displaced vendor; Marvin Agustin volunteers use of kitc".
73. (2021-08-10). "Marvin Agustin gives away food to mark August 10 'birthday'".
74. Yanuario, Rose Anne G.. (2022-02-21). "Farmers, fisherfolks, and scientists crucial in ensuring PH food security".
75. Suralta, Bryle B.. (2022-06-03). "DOST Ambassador Marvin Agustin Educates Us About... Duck Sex".
76. Medenilla, Vina. (2022-02-17). "PCAARRD's campaign boosts awareness on the science of food production".
77. (2025-09-19). "Ilocos youth prove world-class skills at ASEAN tilt".
78. (2025-09-24). "ABS-CBN Foundation kicks off first-ever Kapamilya Golf Fundraiser – Swing for a Cause".
79. "Marvin Agustin loves to star in a movie with Jolina Magdangal".
80. "Marvin Agustin wants to help amateur cooks through Kitchen Superstar".
81. Baga-Reyes, Vangie. (2012-03-21). "Call him Chef Marvin".
82. Reyes, Lai S.. "At last, Marvin Agustin gets his dream role".
83. "A tweet earns endorsement deal for Marvin Agustin".
84. Manila Bulletin - Saturday, April 3
85. Santos, Rhea Manila. (2012-01-11). "Marvin Agustin shares that he has no political ambitions".
86. [[Jeepney TV]]. (March 2, 2023). "Ipaglaban Mo: Balon feat. Marvin Agustin/ Jericho Rosales (Full Episode 200) | Jeepney TV". [[Google.
87. "German Moreno honors 33 stars in his yearly Walk of Fame; Ali Sotto meets up with her late son Miko's former girlfriend, Angel Locsin".
88. "Robin gets fourth acting plum at the 54th FAMAS Awards".
89. "Nominees in 60th FAMAS Awards".
90. Calderon, Ricky L.. "9th Golden Screen Awards finalists".
91. "Cinemalaya 2011 entries dominate 9th Golden Screen Awards nominations".
92. Danny Vibas. (September 20, 2006). "Most Winners a No-Show at Luna Awards". [[The Manila Times]].
93. "Marvin: I won't return my award".
94. "ABS-CBN dominates nominations for 27th Star Awards for Television".