MANILA – Jessy Mendiola feels “extremely pressured” now that her series “Maria Mercedes” is set to air its pilot episode on Monday.
Portraying the title role which was originally played by Thalia, Mendiola told “The Buzz” host Toni Gonzaga on Sunday that she constantly feels the need to live up to the Mexican superstar's performance.
“These past few days, sobrang pressured ako and nervous. Kada sayaw ko, kinakabahan ako kasi si Thalia 'yun eh. Aminin naman nating lahat na napakaganda ni Thalia at sinasabi nila na nagpatanggal daw ng ribs, sobrang sexy niya. Ako 'yung Pinoy remake ng Maria Mercedes. I really have to do my best kasi I don’t want to lose the trust na binigay sa akin ng management,” she said.
Saying she considers this a big project, the 20-year-old actress vowed to give what viewers deserve as the new series re-tells the original story with a twist to cater to its target audience.
“Gusto ko din magustuhan ng mga tao 'yung pinaghirapan ng production at ng mga artistang kasama ko,” she said.
According to Mendiola, she didn't have a hard time playing Maria Mercedes because they have a lot of similarities.
“Si Maria Merccedes ay isang simpleng babae na gagawin ang lahat para sa pamilya niya at sa pag-ibig. Kung sino ako in real life, kaya din ako nasa posisyon na ito dahil sa family. She’s very strong, she’s very sweet sa family but she’s also vulnerable. Hindi siya parating matapang. Humihina din siya pagdating sa problema sa pamilya niya. Sobrang nakaka-relate ako,” she said.
Mendiola shared that the ABS-CBN management had her undergo a number of workshops so she could fit into the role perfectly.
Aside from the series’ storyline, Mendiola also gave credit to her directors, Chito Rono and Rechie del Carmen.
Joining Mendiola in the upcoming Kapamilya series are Jake Cuenca, Jason Abalos, Vina Morales, Dominic Ochoa, Nadia Montenegro and Vivian Velez.
