A major turning point just happened in the trending Kapamilya teleserye “FPJ's Batang Quiapo” as Lena's kontrabida character, magnificently portrayed by Mercedes Cabral, finally met her end, killed off by none other than her lover, Rigor (John Estrada), in the recent episode.
While you actually hated the mistress, or 'jumper' as Roda (Joel Lamangan) liked calling her, so much that you probably wanted to throw something at your screen because of gigil—admit it, you also couldn’t stop watching Lena. Love her or hate her, there’s no denying she’s now cemented as one of the most remarkable, even iconic, characters in the series.
Viewers will totally get why Mercedes couldn’t help but get emotional on her last taping day. In a reel shared by CCM Film Productions, we see her filming her intense ‘death scene’ when director Malu Sevilla entered with a bouquet of flowers, followed by a staff member bringing in a cake.
Mercedes was all smiles and laughter—something we never saw from her scheming, evil on-screen persona. But it was impossible to miss the sentimentality in her eyes and voice as she sincerely thanked the entire “FPJ's Batang Quiapo” family for an unforgettable journey. "Lahat kayo may parte kung bakit ko nabuo si Lena," she told the unit headed by Direk Malu.
Just like her audiences, Mercedes also had a love-hate relationship with Lena. As a woman, she admitted she could never condone Lena's acts of having an affair if the character were real, "First time kong makaranas ng character na may mga desisyon na hindi ko nagugustuhan," she shared. However, she understands that an actor must root for their character, no matter how flawed or evil, to make it their own.
"Natutunan ko na magkaroon ng fervor, understanding, and empathy doon sa character para maitawid," she emphasized the importance of humanizing Lena. "Kailangan ko siyang intindihin nang maigi kung saan nanggagaling si Lena at kung bakit niya nagagawa ang mga ito," she confessed this was a difficult process at first.
She also credited the teamwork on set as a vital part of her process, highlighting how the dedication of the entire team made a huge difference in her portrayal. "Binibigay nila ‘yung one hundred percent nila all the time para sa ikagaganda ng show."
When asked about her most memorable scenes, she was quick to recall the intense confrontation with Charo Santos' Tindeng. Although she had worked with Charo before, this particular scene was on a whole different level of a test, especially because it was physically demanding. Mercedes admitted that it was also challenging due to the immense respect she had for Charo, "Iniwasan din talaga namin na masaktan ang isa't isa."
She added that another memorable moment was Lena's final scenes, where the character looked ice-cold, creepy, and had gone insane after her miscarriage. She considers this a bucket list achievement. "I've always wanted to portray a character na mentally unstable, and very challenging to do but at the same time very rewarding 'pag nagagawa mo nang maayos."
Playing Lena in such a fragile and deranged state pushed Mercedes out of her comfort zone, but it was a deeply satisfying experience. "Na-challenge ako, nahirapan ako, pero it's very rewarding 'pag nakikita ko 'yung mga nagawa ko," she reflected.
Some of her favorite scenes were also with Cherry Pie Picache’s Marites and Joel Lamangan’s Roda, as she was pleasantly surprised by how naturally their chemistry came through on screen, making their scenes fan favorites.
"Nagulat ako kasi first time ko sila makatrabaho pero 'di ko ine-expect na magiging ganu'n ang rapport namin," she admitted. "It wasn't like an effort to work with them. Sobrang dali, at the same time, kailangan mong galingan kasi nakakahiya dito sa dalawang actors na 'to kung hindi mo gagalingan at hindi gagawin 'yung homework mo. Kailangan mong pantayan sila."
Their mutual respect and collaborative spirit made those moments on set even more special for Mercedes. "Nakakatuwa kasi very generous 'yung dalawang actors. Nararamdaman ko na it's always a collaboration with them. Walang sapawan." They would always talk and prepare before each take to make sure they're all in sync with what they're doing.
For Mercedes, playing Lena has been a defining moment in her career, and she acknowledged that this wouldn't have been possible without the trust of “FPJ's Batang Quiapo” lead actor-director Coco Martin, with whom she has shared a close friendship since their days working together on indie films.
"Kung hindi mo binigay sa akin si Lena, hindi rin mag-iingay 'yung pangalan ko bilang actor pagdating sa mainstream eh," she would like to tell Coco, echoing what many of his colleagues have said about him—that he has remained grounded despite his towering success. If he has changed, it has only been for the better. "I'm happy to see you grow and mature. Hindi ka tumitigil matuto, and I admire you for that," she expressed, reflecting on the trust Coco has placed in her, and that trust also meant giving her the creative freedom to make Lena her own.
And of course, Mercedes knows just how intense the reactions from audiences and netizens have been about her portrayal, and she really appreciates everyone who has followed her journey as Lena. "Thank you kasi kahit alam kong naiinis kayo kay Lena, marami pa rin akong naririnig at nakukuha na comments na nakaka-touch bilang aktor. Maraming salamat po," she smiled, moved by all the love her performance has received.