MARVIN AGUSTIN slicing sushi at Tokyo Grill launch (right photo); At the ribbon-cutting for Tokyo Grill, from left, Bobby Yan, Glecy Lopez Go, Raymund Magdaluyo, Marvin Agustin and Roselle Nava.

With 26 restaurants (and still growing), an active showbiz career with TV5 and his own production company, how does 33-year-old Marvin Agustin handle everything?

“Sa dami ng ginagawa ko, I’ve learned how to be a master of delegation. Well, una sa lahat, ang laki na ng restaurant business namin. Tapos I’m also running our entertainment production company,” Mavin said.

Marvin said his company is lucky to have hired a trustworthy and efficient work force. Part of his job is to also check on their employees.

“So far, I get the same people who share the same values as I have. They are people who do more than what I’m expecting them to do. Sobra akong blessed sa mga tao. Magagaling ang mga nakukuha namin sa office,” he remarked.

His restaurants grew to 26 with the recent opening of Tokyo Grill, Kung-Fu Kitchen and Blackbeard’s Seafood Island all at SM Manila. He expects these restaurants to be franchised in the future like his other restaurants.

Having 26 restaurants may spell “big income” for Marvin, but it is not reason enough for him to forget about showbiz. He said that showbiz is still his first love and he is still passionate about it.

He shared that he started working as a mascot for a restaurant and then became a waiter. He was already enjoying his job when he was discovered as an actor.

“Nang naka-ipon ako, sabi ko sa sarili ko, balikan ko ang pinanggalingan ko,” he related.

Marvin also intimated that his success right now is partly inspired by his mom Theresa who loves to cook.

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RPN 9, Solar Head Marks Milestone

RPN 9 chairman and Solar Entertainment head Wilson Tieng marked a milestone (his 60th birthday) recently and of course it called for a big celebration. The formal dinner affair was held at the grand ballroom of Mandarin Oriental Manila.

In attendance were some of the top officials of the land, prominent politicians (among them Senators Loren Legarda, Manny Villar, Jinggoy Estrada, Frank Drilon, and Ed Angara; Reps. Irwin Tieng, Miles Roces, Hermilando Mandanas, and Sonny Angara; Gov. Chavit Singson, Mayor Alfredo Lim, Bayani and Marides Fernando, Bro. Mike Velarde, and showbiz personalities.

Performers were the Bernie Pasamba String Ensemble, John Lesaca, Tots Tolentino, Faith Cuneta, Claire dela Fuente, Jessa Zaragosa, Dingdong Avanzado, Nonoy Zuñiga, Ramon Jacinto and Band, Christopher Yu, Arlan Cabrera, and Arthur Manuntag. Host was Jojo Alejar.

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Richard Merk & Friends At Genting Club 

Richard Merk & Friends, led by Richard Merk, will take center stage tonight at 7 at the Taps, Genting Club, Resorts World Manila.

Richard Merk, after the very engaging Chris Botti front act with Vernie Varga last June 19 at Newport Performing Arts Theater, performed with most sought-after musical director Rey Cristobal Band in San Francisco’s 7 Mile House with foreign session musicians. Richard will soon launch his new album with Star Records and another upcoming album with Jacqui Magno as produced by Pat Castillo and Rudy Lozano.

Richard is known for his wide vocal range. He is not only recognized in his own country but also in demand abroad. He is dubbed as the “Prince of Jazz.” Richard Merk will perform with Jacqui Magno at the Chris Botti show on Dec. 6 for the benefit of Children’s Hour.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Oct. 13, go to Tito Sy, publisher Oscar Jornacion, Letty Ruiz, Dr. Charing M. Santos, Inday Rosales, Carina Dacer, Marlette Pineda, Katrina E. Panlilio, Elizabeth Hammond, Vangie Jacinto, Rene Perez, Eriel Cortez, Annette Africano, Pinky Masigla, Irma S. Gumalay, Len Llanes and Rose Garcia…