Anyone who’s seriously into fitness will tell you that it’s all about goals. Run farther and faster than your previous race. Lift heavier than before. Do one more set and repetition. Once a goal is finally achieved, it’s off to the next goal, then the next.
For Marvin Vinluan, these fitness goals are not just personal milestones—they’re a mission. A self-described gym rat whose life once revolved around studying and working out, Vinluan eventually realized that his true fulfillment came from a different source. “When I’m helping people achieve their fitness goals,” he says, that’s when he feels happiest.
This passion sparked the creation of Prothin, a pioneering Filipino-made line of protein supplements founded by Vinluan in 2020. What started as a personal fitness journey evolved into a brand designed to help Filipinos across the country meet their health and wellness targets. Today, Prothin’s gluten-free supplements are widely available through its official website and popular online platforms, making them an accessible choice for gym enthusiasts, athletes, and fitness beginners alike.
Prothin offers a comprehensive product lineup, including fat burners, mass gainers, pre-workout drinks, creatinine, and whey protein in crowd-pleasing flavors such as matcha, milk chocolate, taro, and vanilla. For those looking to support their overall health, the brand also features multivitamins and slimming, muscle-toning coffee. Whether the goal is to build muscle, shed fat, or simply stay energized, Prothin provides affordable and effective solutions.
What sets Prothin apart in the competitive fitness supplement industry is its commitment to quality. All products are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and regularly lab-tested by the Philippine Institute of Pure and Applied Chemistry to ensure safety and efficacy. By using both animal- and plant-based proteins, Prothin delivers muscle-building benefits while catering to a broad range of dietary preferences.
Vinluan’s deep understanding of the Filipino market also plays a crucial role in the brand’s success. By working with like-minded suppliers and partners who share his vision of providing affordable, high-quality supplements, Vinluan has been able to keep prices competitive. Even after announcing price adjustments at the start of the year “due to rising costs in sourcing ingredients and shipping,” Prothin’s 10-lb Mass Gainer still costs about the same as imported 6-lb alternatives. Another standout feature is the brand’s decision to package powdered supplements in sachets, allowing for accurate, measured servings and offering consumers the flexibility to purchase in smaller, more affordable quantities.
“The Filipino market will always look for something new,” shares Vinluan. “And as the fitness industry in the Philippines keeps growing and growing, the more knowledgeable people become. They are always looking for products that can continuously support them in their fitness journey.”
But Vinluan’s mission goes beyond providing supplements. Today, he is dedicated to creating more opportunities for Filipinos to embrace fitness—not just in gyms, but in everyday life. One example is his strong support for arm wrestling, or bunong braso, a sport he believes can help promote fitness without the need for expensive equipment. Through the Prothin Arm Wrestling Tournament, organized in partnership with The Arm Zone league, Vinluan has been helping shine a spotlight on this often underappreciated sport.
Arm wrestling requires only an opponent, a strong grip, and some basic knowledge to get started. Beyond building muscle, the sport sharpens mental focus, concentration, and strategic thinking. Pullers—the term used for arm wrestlers—frequently describe how analyzing their opponent’s moves is just as important as physical strength.
“Arm wrestling is one of those underrepresented sports in our country, and that’s the very reason why we supported it,” Vinluan notes. “We want to promote awareness for sports like this, so we can encourage Filipinos to get into it.”
Prothin’s advocacy extends to the younger generation as well. Vinluan and his team regularly visit schools to promote active play among children. One recent visit took them to Panuca Elementary School in Nasugbu, Batangas, where they engaged students in fun and interactive games alongside the Prothin mascot. Vinluan hopes these positive experiences will inspire kids to prioritize sports and outdoor play over sedentary activities like staring at screens.
“Part of our advocacy is to promote fitness at a young age,” Vinluan reveals, emphasizing that it’s aligned with their values as a fitness-focused brand. “I strongly believe that the sooner we start getting children active, the earlier they reap the benefits.”
Yet Vinluan firmly believes it’s never too late to start adopting a healthier lifestyle. He recounts how his own family, once skeptical of his dedication to fitness, eventually embraced a more active routine after witnessing his transformation. “Now, fitness is part of their routine. And I’m so happy to see that,” he says.
“As a family man, I will never stop promoting the importance of fitness,” the Prothin CEO declares. “Regular physical activity prevents disease. It improves mental health. It can also bring families together because it helps people live longer. This is something we should be encouraging on a larger scale.”
For Vinluan, Prothin is more than just a supplement brand—it’s a platform for change, inspiring Filipinos to set, pursue, and achieve their fitness goals, one step at a time. By making fitness accessible, affordable, and enjoyable, Prothin continues to empower individuals and communities across the Philippines, proving that health and wellness are goals worth reaching for.
