Jessy Mendiola’s Maria Mercedes premieres Oct. 7

CEBU, Philippines - The local adaptation of the worldwide hit Mexican telenovela that captivated the hearts of many Filipino viewers is set to conquer Philippine television once more beginning next Monday, October 7, when ABS-CBN premieres “Maria Mercedes” on Primetime Bida. It will replace the Julia Montes-led soap “Muling Buksan ang Puso.”

Filling in the shoes of Mexican superstar Thalia, who first played the role of Maria Mercedes, is one of Philippine TV’s prettiest faces today and ABS-CBN’s newest primetime princess, Jessy Mendiola. She will portray the iconic role of Mercedes opposite leading men Jake Cuenca as Luis and Jason Abalos as Clavio.

“The Pinay Maria Mercedes will surely make Filipinos laugh, cry, and fall in love all over again with her colorful story,” said Jessy. “Viewers will get to relate to the story even more as we highlight true Filipino values especially our unconditional love for our family.”

Follow the bittersweet story of Mercedes as she faces life’s struggles and experiences falling in love for the first time. From a simple life in the province, Mercedes, together with her father and siblings, will move to Manila to move on from the pain caused by her mother. But things wouldn’t go as planned when her father suddenly died and Mercedes was left with no choice but to take on the responsibility of raising her younger brother and sister at her very young age.

As time passed, Mercedes learned her way living in the metro and was able to provide for siblings Rosario (Devon Seron) and Andres (Yogo Singh) by juggling different but decent jobs alongside her childhood friend Clavio.

But her world will take a different turn once her heart starts to beat for the handsome and rich businessman Luis Sancuevas. How will Mercedes deal with her feelings for Luis? Who will go against their budding love? How will fate turn things around as Santiago (Ariel Rivera) enters Mercedes’ life?

Also in the cast are Vina Morales, Dominic Ochoa, Nikki Gil, Vivian Velez, Nadia Montenegro, Atoy Co, Erika Padilla, Marx Topacio, Alex Castro, and Isabelle De Leon. Chito Roño directs.

The original “Maria Mercedes” aired on ABS-CBN in 1996 and it is considered to be one of the most successful telenovelas in Phillipine TV history. (PR)(FREEMAN)