The local adaptation of the worldwide hit Mexican telenovela that captivated the hearts of many Filipino viewers conquered Philippine television when ABS-CBN premiered “Maria Mercedes” on Primetime Bida in 2013.

Filling in the shoes of Mexican Superstar Thalia, who first played the role of Maria Mercedes, was Jessy Mendiola. She portrayed the iconic role of Mercedes opposite leading men Jake Cuenca as Luis and Jason Abalos as Clavio.

“Maria Mercedes” is about 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, moves 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 (Jason Abalos).

But her world takes a different turn once her heart starts to beat for the handsome and rich businessman Luis Sancuevas (Jake Cuenca).

Also included in the cast of “Maria Mercedes” are Vina Morales, Dominic Ochoa, Nikki Gil, Vivian Velez, Nadia Montenegro, Atoy Co, Erika Padilla, Marx Topacio, Alex Castro, and Isabelle De Leon.

“Maria Mercedes,” was directed by Chito Rono, and was one of ABS-CBN’s offerings in celebration of the 60th year of Philippine television. The original “Maria Mercedes” aired on ABS-CBN in 1996 and it is considered to be one of the most successful telenovelas in Philippine TV history.