After six years, Marvin Agustin is staging a grand comeback as a Kapuso via the station’s latest prime time series titled Kambal, Karibal with Bianca Umali and Miguel Tanfelix.
“My last program on GMA was Iglot way back in 2011. From there, I did projects with rival networks but eventually had to lie low because I concentrated on my restaurant business. Now, it’s good to be back in the acting scene although it’s not what I originally planned to do upon my return.”
According to the actor-businessman, he dreams of branching out into directing and aired this request to the Kapuso management during their negotiation period.
“Actually, Ms. Annette (Gozon) and I are constant text mates. I mentioned it to her and when I met with the network’s other top executives, they told me that for a starter under my new contract with them, I would still act for their latest show Kambal, Karibal. Ha-ha-ha!
“I agreed. Well, of course, acting will always be a part of me. It’s something which I can’t turn my back on. Especially when your part is meaty and challenging, I see no reason why you would decline. That’s exactly my case with Kambal, Karibal. So for the meantime, I’ll be acting in front of the cameras once again!”
Interestingly, where did his desire to direct emanate?
“Not all people know that I studied Filmmaking at the New York University last year. I also enrolled for an online workshop in scriptwriting. It’s good that GMA is open to letting me handle some of their anthologies in the coming days. Who knows, when the taping schedule is light, I might be allowed to shoot the scenes, so I’m excited. Our director Don Michael Perez is there to guide me.”
The be-dimpled actor feels he has already accumulated enough experience to try directing.
“I’m hitting on my 22nd year as an actor. All these times, I learned how to use the camera. I also became friends with lots of stars. It’s a good feeling that you know you can work with anybody. At present, I’m asking around and observing as to what material I can possibly tackle in the future. But if you’ll ask me, I want to do a romance-comedy, drama and comedy as well. That will be nice.”
Does this mean he will eventually concentrate working behind the cameras and forget about acting?
“Oh, no! As I’ve mentioned earlier, acting is like second skin to me. I will always be an actor no matter what. I will always accept projects especially if I like the concept and my co-stars like here in Kambal, Karibal where I share the frame with Carmina (Villaroel), Gardo (Versoza), Ms. Jean (Garcia) and Tito Boyet (de Leon),” ends Marvin.
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According to Toni Gonzaga, tapings for her hit sitcom Home Sweetie Home opposite John Lloyd Cruz continues even if the latter is on an indefinite leave.
“Life goes on for us in the show,” she avers. “As long as there’s no advice from the management, we’ll continue. So far, we’re just taking things one day at a time. If there’s a script and call time, then, we’ll report on the set.”
Any news about Lloydie?
“Honestly, nothing official as of the moment. Even the management, they’re not saying anything about what’s the latest developments on him. They don’t even have any word either about the show so we surmise it will continue airing until John Lloyd returns.”
The TV host-actress-comedienne hopes that her leading man would be able to settle his personal issues eventually and come back.
“I wish Lloydie the best in his quest for personal peace,” says Toni. “It’s imperative for him to find himself at this point and find his mojo back. I hope he’s happy with his decision.”
It’s good she is supportive of John Lloyd’s sudden move of taking a break from show business.
“Of course! We should be for everybody’s happiness. Wherever they find peace, joy and rest, we should respect and support it. I don’t think we have any right to block or disapprove it. Everything happens for a reason, right?”
Speaking of vacation, Toni is still ecstatic over her recent trip to Europe alongside husband Paul Soriano, son Seve and sibling Alex Gonzaga.
“It’s such a wonderful trip! Actually, we planned said travel a long time ago. It’s been our dream to make the trip after Seve turns one and Paul celebrates his birthday. I’m just so glad that it really pushed through with my sister in tow.”
Whose idea was it to tag Alex along?
“Actually, Paul’s! At least, we have a helping hand in taking care of Seve while on vacation. Ha-ha-ha! By the way, Paul’s mother and brother were also with us so it was really an enjoyable trip. No nanny, no PA, just ourselves.”
The talented star reveals that their two-week long European vacation served as a perfect bonding opportunity for the whole family.
“It’s been one full year since I returned to work and the trip was worth it. We went to Rome, Paris and Florence, to name a few. I’m simply happy because not only was I able to spend quality time with Seve but recharged my batteries as well,” Toni states.