MARTIN Escudero wants non-traditional roles to prove his versatility. rodel rotoni
Although he won two best actor awards for his impressive performance in “Zombadings 1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington,” Martin Escudero is not one to rest on his laurels.
In TV5’s coming Thursday primetime series “Positive,” Martin plays Carlo, a young professional who leaves his reckless past behind after meeting the love of his life. His world turns topsy-turvy, however, when he finds out he is HIV-positive.
To prepare for the role, Martin had a series of immersions with the AIDS Society of the Philippines and willingly underwent an HIV test.
Martin is pushing the boundaries. This is his biggest break ever. Full stardom beckons. If he wants it badly enough, it will happen—positively so!
Why should we watch “Positive”?
People should watch it because of its groundbreaking story. HIV and AIDS have never been main themes of a local drama series—it was always a subplot. But every day an average of 13 Filipinos are reported positive for HIV. This is a reality that we choose to ignore. Marami pa ring misconceptions and myths. Not enough people are talking about it.
Describe your character in the series.
Carlo lives an almost-perfect life. He turned his life around when he met his true love. He has a successful career and is starting a family. But suddenly, he was found positive for HIV and everything starts to fall apart.
Carlo is a very challenging role. Marami siyang pinagdadaanan, halo-halo ’yung mga emosyon. I had to attend workshops of the AIDS Society of the Philippines to immerse myself fully in the situation. ’Di kasi puwedeng basta-basta lang, eh. We all know na may stigma pa rin attached to HIV. I really have to give justice to the character so the program will achieve its objective.
What would you do if you found out you’re HIV-positive?
I will immediately seek medical assistance so that I can prolong my life. I will cherish life more, mas mamahalin ko ang pamilya ko, mga kaibigan ko. But I’ll always remember that I still have a life to live.
What’s your message to those who are HIV -positive?
For those who choose to continue to live a meaningful life, I want them to know that I admire their strength and resilience. As for those who are feeling lost, I want them to know that there are people who are willing to help. Seek help and medical assistance. Maraming NGOs that want to help. You are not less of a person dahil nagkaroon ka nito. Don’t let anyone discriminate against you. There are people, like us, who will support you in your struggles.
After winning two best actor awards, do you feel pressured to outdo yourself in “Positive”?
Lagi namang may challenge to outdo myself. I believe that there’s always room for growth in anything I do. In “Zombadings,” the challenge was comic timing. Comedy yun e. Dito sa “Positive,” I really need to embody Carlo’s persona. I have to make everyone understand and feel yung bigat ng pinagdadaanan ng taong may HIV.
What’s your career plan?
I want to be more daring and choose and accept nontraditional roles to prove my versatility as an actor.
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Throwback every day
To celebrate great moments on Philippine television, Jeepney TV (SkyCable Channel 9) introduced the Throwback Everyday campaign with a grand reunion concert recently featuring the cast of the hit shows “Ang TV” and “Tabing Ilog” at the Eastwood Mall Open Park. Barbie Almabis, Vince and Jay of South Border, Top and Jinky of Freestyle regaled the crowd with their hits.
JTV airs “Tabing Ilog” every Sunday, 1-3 p.m. For schedules, check out www.facebook.com/JeepneyTV.
Bravo, JTV, for giving viewers the chance to “time travel.” A trip down memory lane is always worth the journey.
PERSONAL: Happy 11th anniversary to my fave hangout, Aruba Bar and Restaurant at Metrowalk. Thanks to Melinda Chua, Dominic Mendoza, Richie Javier, Nel Peralta, Jokz Aquino, Mina Dimayuga, Allan Fernandez and the rest of my Aruba family for redefining fun. Cheers to the nights that turned into mornings with friends that became family!