Marvin Agustin

MANILA, Philippines – Versatile actor Marvin Agustin, definitely a GMA Artist Center’s A-lister, has been invited to be a judge in this year’s Brussels International Film Festival.

This is of course an acknowledgment of the actor’s credibility and ability in judging both movie-making and acting in the forthcoming filmfest which is set for Nov. 2-8. Marvin is scheduled to leave for Brussels at the end of this month.

Of his latest feat, Marvin has this to say: “I am very excited and happy; it is an honor. I’ve never imagined na makakasali ako sa Brussels Film Festival as a juror.” The multi-awarded actor is currently showcasing his acting skills in GMA-7’s newest teleserye “Beauty Queen” with Iza Calzado in the title role. In the series, Marvin plays the role of Donald Cervantes, a business tycoon who becomes obsessed with a “beauty queen.”

It’s a new role for Marvin and he said “dapat mapanindigan ko ang mga business scenes since I was told mala-Donald Trump ang personality na kailangan. I prepared hard for this role like nagpapayat ako and I watched movies for reference, like ‘Wall Street.’”

Joel Lamangan, the director of “Beauty Queen,” who has in the past been tapped as juror too in said filmfest, has been giving Marvin some tips on how to handle the task given him. A basic tip that Joel imparted to Marvin was “just enjoy the films!”

Marvin has appeared in some of the more critically acclaimed local films such as Marilou Diaz-Abaya’s “Noon at Ngayon,” Chito Roño’s “Dekada 70,” Laurice Guillen’s “Tanging Yaman,” and Olivia Lamasan’s “Sa Sandaling Kailangan mo Ako.”

Marvin received his first acting award for his portrayal of boxing great Rolando Navarette in a TV drama special. His role as a demented young man in “Kutob” earned him the Best Actor award at the 2005 Metro Manila Film Festival and at the 2006 Luna Awards.

Also a successful restaurateur, Marvin recently opened his 10th brand Johnny Chow located at Newport City in Pasay.

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Child superstars unite in ‘Noah’

Zaijian Jaranilla and Xyriel Manabat are definitely two of the biggest child stars we have today. Zaijian shone and became a household name with his performance as Santino in the now defunct but hugely successful ABS-CBN show “May Bukas Pa” for which he was dubbed the “miracle boy” of local show business. Xyriel, who is into her third entry to the Primetime Bida block, made viewers noticed her in her role as “Momay.”

Zaijian was first noticed when he played the young Tiny Tony (John Prats) in “Komiks Presents Tiny Tony” back in 2008. Xyriel, on the other hand, was first seen on the TV series “I Love Betty La Fea” where she breathed life to the young Marcela (Megan Young), also in 2008. However, Xyriel’s acting abilities were noticed remarkably when she played the young twins Agua and Bendita in “Agua Bendita.”

Now, the two are united in the primetime series “Noah” that has consistently dominated the national ratings game according to Kantar Media. Both young stars expressed delight for this chance to work together.

They have the same handler so they’ve known each other and they’re already friends.

On her part, Xyriel said, “Masaya po ako na bumalik sa Primetime Bida at makasama po sa ‘Noah.’ Tapos kasama ko pa si Zaijian kaya po mas happy.”

Catch Zaijian and Xyriel on “Noah,” aired Monday to Friday after “TV Patrol” on ABS-CBN. For more updates, log on to www.abs-cbn.com or www.islanoah.com.

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‘Minute to Win,’ an exciting show

This is really a very exciting and challenging game show, and it has taken Manila by storm. We are referring to SolarTV’s “Minute to Win” which had its trade launch last Tuesday night at the Prosperity Court of Resorts World Manila.

Hosted by Chef and TV personality Guy Fieri, “Minute to Win” features everyday people competing in 60-second challenges with household objects for a shot at the prize. The games look simple, but don’t be fooled, every challenge requires a fair amount of nerves and smarts.

And all over the world, people are holding their own “Minute to Win” parties. Each challenge uses everyday objects, making it easy for you and your friends to bring the fun into your own homes.

Catch the show on SolarTV, 7 p.m. on Mondays and 6:30 p.m. on Saturdays. Visit www.solartv.ph for more information and additional challenges.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Oct. 31, Annabelle Rama, Christopher de Leon, Tessie Tomas, Mayor Imelda P. Aguilar, Liza Lorena, former Councilor Connie Angeles, Marie Pantoja, Francisco Gomez de Liano, Marites Sapigao, Rene Bisquera, Willy Narvacan, Atty. Ed Gaddi, Boyet Pasco, Andre Frederick T. Alisuag, Grace Tamayo, Conrado Giron, Manny Zamora, Luz Sanchez and director Rory B. Quintos…