Actress Jessy Mendiola has been formally introduced as the new Maria Mercedes. Jessy is set to reprise the role of Maria Mercedes played by Mexican superstar Thalia back in the 90s in a new ABS-CBN teleserye premiering soon.
"Pwede ko na sabihin, ang tagal kong itinago ito—ako si Maria Mercedes," Jessy Mendiola said in a solo press conference on Wednesday.
"Isa talaga si Maria Mercedes sa dream roles ko kaya excited ako para sa project na ito. Hanggang ngayon ay hindi ako makapaniwala na gagampanan ko ang isang napakaganda at iconic character na talaga namang minahal ng maraming Filipino," she added.
Jessy said she became emotional when the role was offered to her, most especially when the network let her sing the theme song of the series.
"Sobra akong surprised kaya noong nalaman ko na ako si Maria Mercedes, naging emosyonal ako. Pangarap kong maging siya. Tapos pinakanta pa sa akin 'yung theme song. Ang saya ko na pinagkakatiwalaan pa din ako ngayon," she added.
Directed by Rechie del Carmen, Maria Mercedes Pinoy remake will also star Jake Cuenca, Jason Abalos, Vina Morales, Dominic Ochoa, Nadia Montenegro and Vivian Velez.
Aside from Maria Mercedes, Jessy can expect bigger things ahead. Just recently, Star Cinema also announced that Jessy is set to do a movie with John Lloyd Cruz, Richard Gomez, and Dawn Zulueta (read story here).