Martin Escudero acting prowess tested again in TV5’s HIV-themed series, POSITIVE

After being recognized for his award-winning portrayal as Remington in
the independent film, Zombadings I: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington,
highly acclaimed actor Martin Escudero returns to the small screens to
play yet another challenging and controversial role as a person who is
diagnosed positive with HIV in TV5's daring move to discuss one of the
most relevant yet silenced issues we face today.

POSITIVE revolves on the story of Carlo – a young and successful
professional who lives his almost perfect life as an Operations
Manager of a Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) company and as a
family man happily married to his pregnant wife, until he was
diagnosed positive of HIV. He begins tracing his steps backward, from
his times as a promiscuous teenager who lives a life of party and
drugs, to know where he got the disease.

Martin Escudero will play the lead.

Upon hearing that he would be playing as someone who lives with HIV,
Martin welcomed the role with enthusiasm.

"First time kasi that a whole series is dedicated to the life of
someone with HIV. It's an interesting series and it's a challenging
role, so I really have to prepare for it." said Martin.

Expecting the heavy drama scenes from the role he is about to portray,
Martin voluntarily submitted himself to workshops organized by the
AIDS Society of the Philippines (ASP) in order to know more about the
disease and to fully embody his character. Other casts, staff and crew
also joined the workshops to fully immerse themselves to the situation
and to accurately portray HIV for the series.

After knowing how the disease is transmitted, the rising numbers of
HIV/AIDS cases, and spending time hearing the stories directly from
persons living with HIV (PLHIV), Martin Escudero volunteered to get
tested for HIV.

"I wanted to get tested. Marami kasing natatakot magpa-test for HIV.
So I want to get tested to fully understand the feeling, para magamit
ko sa role ko bilang si Carlo" said Martin.

Martin won Best Actor both in last year's Gawad Tanglaw awards and
ENPRESS Golden Screen awards for his role as Remington in Zombadings
1: Patayin sa Shokot si Remington. Besides Positive, Martin is also
doing another independent film, this time international.

Positive is set to air on Thursday, October 7, and part of TV5's
stronger primetime block.