Jessy is Korea's honorary ambassador for tourism

MANILA -- "Maria Mercedes" star Jessy Mendiola has been tapped by South Korea to be its honorary ambassador for tourism, a position earlier held by the likes of K-pop superstars Psy and Jay Park. The 20-year-old actress left for the country on Tuesday night to attend her ceremonial appointment to the position, which will be conferred on her by the Korean Tourism Organization (KTO). Mendiola, according to an ABS-CBN statement released Wednesday, will immediately attend to her duties as ambassador. This includes a five-day trip to famous tourist destinations in South Korea, and a meeting with KTO chairman Charm Lee. As an honorary KTO ambassador, Mendiola will take active part in promoting Korea's tourism to the Philippines. KTO, on its official website, is described as a government organization that was set up to promote Korean tourism. It is said to have some 27 branch offices internationally. Previous honorary ambassadors appointed by KTO include Psy and Jay Park, among other Korean personalities, Bollywood star Shahrukh Khan, renowned saxophonist Kenny G, French taekwondo master Roger Piarulli and American actress Moon Bloodgood. "Isang karangalan ito, and masaya [ako] na napili ako ng KTO," said Mendiola, who has visited the country several times for personal and work-related engagements. "Mabait sa akin ang mga Korean and napamahal na rin ako sa kanila." Late last year, Mendiola gained popularity in Korea after she appeared in the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) program "Word Date with Shinee," which featured eight ladies from different countries in a meet-and-greet with the popular K-pop boy group. According to Mendiola, she started getting recognized in Korea after her stint in the show. At the time, the Kapamilya actress said she is open to do more projects there. Mendiola has since become one of the Philippine endorsers of LINE, a popular Korean mobile messaging platform.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/10/30/13/jessy-koreas-honorary-ambassador-tourism

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Sam Milby reveals that he fell for Jessy Mendiola because of the actress’s simplicity

Sam Milby revealed that it’s Jessy Mendiola’s simplicity that captivated his heart. “She’s someone that I always admire [for] her beauty. ‘Yung tipong wala siyang makeup, natural beauty siya and the fact that before I saw her on TV, hindi siya maarte, parang hindi niya kailangan glamorous lagi. I like simplicity eh in a girl and she’s just a simple girl, simple na she dresses sporty and outgoing,” he said. Sam also admitted he admires Jessy’s commitment to her family and that’s why he also fell for her. “You know when I got to know her more, the way she handles her family, she takes care of them, she’s the breadwinner, marami siyang responsibilidad even at an early age and ‘yun nga her passion to take care of her family that’s what I appreciate about her.” The actor admitted that they are still on the getting-to-know-each-other stage and he truly understands that Jessy’s main priority is her work. ”Actually kasi kami we’re still in that getting-to-know stage kasi early pa talaga eh and actually nong sinabi ko na nililigawan ko siya it was the very early stage of getting to know each other, siguro mga ilang weeks lang, two weeks pa lang eh so you know we’re still at such an early stage of getting to know each other so I’m seeing a lot of nice things about her. Kakalabas lang ng Maria Mercedes and she’s very focused on her work right now and you know it’s something that I respect so much.” Sam said he is fully aware that Jessy is also being courted by Jake Cuenca. The actor said he is not bothered though and he believes that if he is really meant for Jessy, they would end up together. “In any courtship you make your efforts, you hope for the best, if it doesn’t happen to be me then ibig sabihin we’re not meant for each other. I will take it positively. If we’re not meant for each other I’m sure the right person will come along the way. I’m kind of a hopeless romantic guy and I believe that if you’re really meant to be with one another, then you will end up together,” he said. But is he confident that Jessy’s going to choose him over Jake? “Every guy has his own way of courtship and I’m doing my own way of courtship and I know that the other guy who is courting her is doing his ways and kung sino ang pinaka-swak sa kanya then siguro ‘yun ‘yung pipiliin niya.”

Source: http://push.abs-cbn.com/features/9948/sam-milby-reveals-that-he-fell-for-jessy-mendiola-because-of-the-actresss-simplicity/

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Jessy asked: Jeric or Jeron?

MANILA -- "Maria Mercedes" star Jessy Mendiola had a quick answer when asked to pick between brothers Jeric and Jeron Teng, who both identified her to be their biggest "showbiz crush." The 24-year-old actress, at the sidelines of the filming for the hit series on Tuesday, was asked who she thinks is more skilled in basketball between Jeric and the younger Jeron, who respectively play for the University of Sto. Tomas and De La Salle University. "Mahirap 'yan," Mendiola told ABS-CBN News, laughing. "Mahirap mag-ko-comment sa mga ganyan, kasi baka may magalit nga pag sinabi ko na may mas magaling sa isa. Basta ang alam ko, pareho silang magaling," Jeric, whose team finished second to La Salle in the recent UAAP Men's Basketball championship, ended his collegiate basketball career this season. Jeron, on the other hand, will play three more years with the Green Archers. In several interviews following the finals leg of the UAAP, the Teng brothers were asked who they consider to be the most beautiful girl in showbiz. Both brought up Mendiola's name. Asked if she is aware of this, the actress said, "Nakarating naman sa akin 'yon." She explained several of her followers on Twitter told her about Jeric and Jeron's interview, which aired on "TV Patrol." "Tapos doon sa 'GGV,' noong niloko sila ni Vice [Ganda]," Mendiola added, referring to the brothers' recent guesting on the late-night talk show where they met an impersonator of her "Maria Mercedes" character. As to whether anyone might react negatively to the Teng brothers' apparent admiration for her -- Mendiola is said to be courted by actors Jake Cuenca and Sam Milby -- the actress said, "Wala naman." "Siguro may magagalit sa akin 'yung mga fans nila na may crush talaga sa kanila, kasi balita ko, 'yun nga, maraming may crush sa Teng brothers. 'Yun lang. Pero wala naman magagalit siguro. Sana wala," she said. Despite being linked to the two star athletes, Mendiola said she has yet to meet them, adding she is open to make their acquaintance. "Hindi pa sila sa akin nagpapakita. Sa TV, oo, sa pictures, sa Twitter, sa Instagram, nakikita ko na sila. Tsaka nag-ti-tweet narin sila sa akin about Maria Mercedes, gano'n. Hindi naman sila strangers to me. Siguro naman hindi rin ako strangers sa kanila," she said.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/10/23/13/jessy-asked-jeric-or-jeron

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Jessy Mendiola on Matteo Guidicelli and Sarah Geronimo: “Mukha ba akong bitter?’

As she reprises the role made famous by Mexican telenovela superstar Thalia, Jessy Mendiola said she feels honored to play the lead role in the Kapamilya remake of Maria Mercedes. “Siyempre sobrang saya ko and I'm very overwhelmed. Kinakabahan hanggang ngayon at hindi ko akalain na ma-pull off yung ganitong klaseng role so masaya talaga ako. Dito ako si Maria Mercedes, tatalakayin natin ang buhay ni Maria, yung pagsuporta niya sa mga kapatid niya simula pagkabata hanggang sa pagtanda niya at siyempre ma-i-in love din siya,” she shared. Jessy said she is also lucky to be paired with new leading men Jake Cuenca and Jason Abalos. Jake has been vocal about his admiration for Jessy's beauty. “Talaga sinabi niya yun? Naku, suwerte din naman ako kasi nabigyan ako ng ganitong role at ng mga napakabait na leading men at sa Primetime pa kaya ang saya. Masaya naman kasi first time ko makatrabaho si Jake tapos si Jason nakatrabaho ko na siya before and kumportable na kami sa isa’t isa,” she said. The pretty mestiza said she won't be surprised anymore if news will start to come out linking her and Jake. “Eh normal din naman kasi yun kaya okay lang din sa akin siguro. Kahit kanino naman eh, kahit kay Jason. Eh minsan nga kahit hindi ko nakakatrabaho na-li-link din ako eh (laughs),” she added. After news broke that her former Paraiso co-star Matteo Guidicelli (whom she had admitted to dating) and Sarah Geronimo had started dating, Jessy said she wishes them nothing but the best. “Bakit naman ako magiging bitter? Mukha ba akong bitter? Baka better. (laughs) Eh di good for them. Okay naman, masaya ako para sa kanila. Masaya ako para sa kanya kasi matagal na din naman niyang crush si Sarah at finally nung nakatrabaho niya sa States, this is the chance na maka-close niya lalo so I’m very happy for the both of them. Labas na naman ako dun. Kung sila eh di sila,” she admitted. After doing the hit afternoon soap together, Jessy admitted that she and Matteo are not in constant touch anymore. “Nagkita kami nung last TV commercial namin at saka presscon lang. Busy din kasi yata siya. Nag-te-training kasi siya for a triathlon. Congrats nga kasi balita ko nag-seventh place daw siya. Ako naman sobrang busy ko sa Maria Mercedes,” she said.

Source: http://push.abs-cbn.com/features/9889/jessy-mendiola-on-matteo-guidicelli-and-sarah-geronimo-mukha-ba-akong-bitter/

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Jessy vows to step up acting in 'Maria Mercedes'

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.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/10/07/13/jessy-vows-step-acting-maria-mercedes

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Sam Milby, Jessy seen together at Star Magic Ball

MANILA - Following Sam Milby’s admission that Jessy Mendiola is his new object of affection, many people expected that the two would be walking the red carpet together at the recently concluded Star Magic Ball. But to everyone’s surprise, Milby arrived first at the Fairmont Hotel in Makati on Saturday, while Mendiola came in a little later without an escort. In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Milby said their separate arrival should not be an issue. “We are walking alone. We are all going to be together naman. We’ll all be seated in the same area anyway,” he briefly said. This was echoed by Mendiola, adding that they all just want to have fun during the annual event. “Nauna si Sam. Magkikita naman kami sa loob eh. Siguro mas maganda if we’ll just have fun inside,” she said. In a previous interview, Milby admitted that he likes the 20-year-old actress for her simplicity and beauty. “Nililigawan ko si Jessy. She’s aware. I did let her know my intentions, yes. I like her, she’s beautiful. I like her simplicity. Hindi siya maarte,” he said at the time. In a separate interview during the Star Magic Ball, Mendiola said she's not yet ready to enter a new relationship but hinted that Milby has a chance to win her heart. "Oo may pag-asa naman, mabait naman," the "Maria Marcedes" star said. "Consistent naman siya manligaw. Very reliable." Meanwhile, Milby reacted to reports that actor Jake Cuenca is also courting Mendiola. Unlike him, Cuenca allegedly doesn’t want to announce on national television his intentions for the actress. “It is better to be discreet pero at the same time, there are times na nagha-hangout kami and I want to be honest sa mga tao,” Milby said. Milby and Mendiola were seen together most of the time throughout Saturday's party.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/09/09/13/sam-milby-jessy-seen-together-star-magic-ball

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WATCH: Thalia meets Jessy Mendiola

MANILA -- Mexican superstar Thalia was thrilled to meet Kapamilya actress Jessy Mendiola, who is taking on a role she first made popular in the early '90s. Thalia, whose real name is Ariadna Thalia Miranda, met Mendiola for the first time through a video chat arranged by the current affairs program "Tapatan ni Tunying" in its episode aired Thursday. Mendiola was introduced by ABS-CBN anchor Anthony Taberna as the program's birthday gift to Thalia, who turned 42 last August 26. "Everyone still loves you here!" an overjoyed Mendiola told Thalia. The Mexican singer-actress went on to congratulate Mendiola for being tapped to play "Maria Mercedes" in an upcoming ABS-CBN remake of the "telenovela" which starred Thalia. Mendiola is the fourth Filipina actress to become a "successor" to the international star, with actresses Marian Rivera and Carla Abellana playing the title characters in the GMA-7 remakes of "MariMar" and "Rosalinda," respectively. Kapamilya star, Erich Gonzales, meanwhile, became "Maria la del Barrio" in the ABS-CBN adaptation of the hit soap. Referring to the Philippine remakes of her series, Thalia said, "I'm so glad because it keeps them fresh, it keeps them updated and it keeps them current in terms of what it is right now, the soap opera world." The actress dubbed "Reyna ng Telenovela" recalled the massive success of the original shows, specifically the trilogy featuring her as a character named Maria -- "MariMar," "Maria Mercedes," and "Maria la del Barrio." "I'd have to say we made history with [that trilogy]. The first trilogy in the history of soap operas," she said. Pertaining to "Maria Mercedes" in particular, Thalia continued, "It was surprising, at that time, the ratings that we made. It was historical. The ratings were unheard of at the time, and because of that soap opera, I traveled the world." The "telenovela" is said to be the first TV series to be shown in some 120 countries with corresponding translations per territory. For the Philippine remake of "Maria Mercedes," Mendiola earlier said several changes were made to cater to its target audience's taste. "Maraming changes dito. Same pa rin 'yung basic flow but maraming parang iniba ng konti para ma-adapt siya sa pagiging Pinoy," she said. Joining Mendiola in the upcoming Kapamilya series are Jake Cuenca, Jason Abalos, Vina Morales, Dominic Ochoa, Nadia Montenegro and Vivian Velez. It is directed by Rechie del Carmen.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/08/30/13/watch-thalia-meets-jessy-mendiola

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Sam Milby now courting Jessy Mendiola

MANILA – Actor Sam Milby admitted that he has now set his eyes on actress Jessy Mendiola. In an interview with “The Buzz” last Friday, Milby said he likes Mendiola because of her simplicity and beauty. “Nililigawan ko si Jessy. She’s aware. I did let her know my intentions, yes. I like her, she’s beautiful. I like her simplicity. Hindi siya maarte,” he said. While some people think Mendiola is too young for him, Milby said: “I think a lot of times she’s misunderstood too. Masyado siyang bata pero she’s mature for her age. I can’t say na I know her that well but the times that I’ve hung out with her have been fun.” Mendiola is currently 20 years old, while Milby is 29. Meanwhile, Mendiola exclusively told “The Buzz” that she sees nothing wrong if she allows Milby to get to know her more. “Single ako at single siya so bakit naman hindi. Pero we go out lang naman and hang. Nothing super serious since alam niya priority ko ang career ko. He’s a very sweet and nice guy so I don’t want to close any doors naman and why not let him get the chance na makilala ako and ganoon din ako sa kanya,” she said. “Let’s see how it goes na lang,” the actress added. Milby and Mendiola first worked together for a “Maalaala Mo Kaya” episode which aired last year. Months ago, Milby admitted that he was “hanging out” with actress Shaina Magdayao, while Mendiola recently made the headlines after her nipped-in-the-bud romance with Matteo Guidicelli. Milby said he’s been courting Mendiola for two weeks now.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/08/25/13/sam-milby-now-courting-jessy-mendiola

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Thalia gives blessing to Jessy as 'Maria Mercedes'

MANILA -- Mexican superstar Thalia has given Kapamilya star Jessy Mendiola her blessing in taking on a character she popularized in the early '90s. The 41-year-old singer-actress appeared in a taped message during the segment launching the Philippine remake of "Maria Mercedes" and "Kwentuhan Tayo" at the ABS-CBN trade event held Tuesday night in Pasay City. Following the debut of the series' first trailer at the event, Thalia was shown in a video addressing Mendiola. She thanked the 20-year-old actress, and wished her luck in taking on the Maria Mercedes role. "Thank you to Jessy! All the luck in the world. You're going to make an amazing job. All the production and all the cast, good luck," Thalia said. Mendiola is the fourth Filipina actress to portray a role made iconic by Thalia, whose numerous "telenovela" became big hits in the Philippines in throughout the '90s. Before Mendiola, actresses Marian Rivera and Carla Abellana played the title characters in the GMA-7 remakes of "MariMar" and "Rosalinda," respectively. Kapamilya star, Erich Gonzales, meanwhile, became "Maria la del Barrio" in the ABS-CBN adaptation of the hit soap. In the original "Maria Mercedes" -- which aired on ABS-CBN in 1996, four years after its original Mexican run --Thalia portrays a street urchin whose life takes a turn when she agrees to marry a rich man who is terminally ill. For the Philippine remake, Mendiola earlier said several changes were made to cater to its target audience's taste. "Maraming changes dito. Same pa rin 'yung basic flow but maraming parang iniba ng konti para ma-adapt siya sa pagiging Pinoy," she said. Joining Mendiola in the upcoming Kapamilya series are Jake Cuenca, Jason Abalos, Vina Morales, Dominic Ochoa, Nadia Montenegro and Vivian Velez. It is directed by Rechie del Carmen.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/08/07/13/thalia-gives-blessing-jessy-maria-mercedes

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What Jessy, Marian, Erich, Carla have in common

MANILA, Philippines -- Actresses Jessy Mendiola, Marian Rivera, Erich Gonzales and Carla Abellana are all primetime stars of their respective TV networks. All four of them have also portrayed iconic roles popularized by Mexican superstar Thalia. Rivera and Abellana played the title characters in the GMA-7 remakes of "MariMar" and "Rosalinda," respectively, while Gonzales became "Maria la del Barrio" in the Kapamilya adaptation of the hit "telenovela." Set to portray the title character in ABS-CBN's upcoming remake of "Maria Mercedes," Mendiola is the latest Filipina actress to channel Thalia's charm in taking on a role she made iconic. Asked what she thinks sets her apart from the previous actresses who followed in Thalia's footsteps, the 20-year-old Kapamilya star instead brought up the differences in the stories of their respective characters. "Iba ito sa Maria la Del Barrio, kasi si Maria Mercedes very boyish siya, lumaki siya sa Tondo so iba siyang klaseng babae. Hindi siya 'yung lagi niyong nakikita sa akin na pa-sweet na babaeng babae. Iba siya, palaban siya. Vulnerable siya pero pag inaway na 'yung pamilya niya, siya na 'yung haharap," she was quoted as saying by entertainment news site Push. Mendiola nonetheless welcomes the comparisons, saying she has also come to "accept" that not everyone may see her fit to take on her latest role. Noting that she is aware of comparisons to Gonzales and River specifically, Mendiola said, "I guess I’ll just have to accept kung ano 'yung opinion ng ibang tao kasi madami rin naman 'yung nagsasabi na bagay at marami rin nagsasabi na mas bagay si ganito sa ganyan. Ito na po eh. Ako na si Maria Mercedes!" 'Close to heart' In the original Mexican series, Thalia portrays a street urchin whose life takes a turn when she agrees to marry an immensely rich man who is terminally ill. For the Pinoy remake, Mendiola said several changes were made to cater to its target audience's taste. "Maraming changes dito. Same pa rin 'yung basic flow but maraming parang iniba ng konti para ma-adapt siya sa pagiging Pinoy... Parang gusto nila very close sa pagiging Filipino at close din sa akin kasi Waray ako eh," she said. The actress said the role is "close to her heart," citing her similarities with Maria Mercedes. "Si Maria Mercedes palaban, masayahin, pero kahit walang-wala sila, mahal na mahal niya pamilya niya. Ako rin mahal ko din pamilya ko. Ito 'yung character na talagang feeling ko sobrang lapit sa puso ko. "Si Maria kasi 'yung tipo ng tao na gagawin niya ang lahat para sa pamilya niya. Lalaban kapag kahit isa sa pamilya niya maapi, siya na mismo ang haharap. Ako na mismo ang awayin niyo huwag lang ang pamilya ko, ganun siya. So malapit sa puso ko talaga ang pamilya ko. So parehas kami dun sa area na 'yun ni Maria Mercedes," she said. Joining Mendiola in the upcoming Kapamilya series are Jake Cuenca, Jason Abalos, Vina Morales, Dominic Ochoa, Nadia Montenegro and Vivian Velez. It will be directed by Rechie del Carmen.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/07/20/13/what-jessy-marian-erich-carla-have-common

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Jessy Mendiola reacts to being compared to Erich Gonzales and Marian Rivera

After showing a bolder, more mature image in Kapamilya series like Sabel and Precious Hearts Romance Presents: Paraiso, Jessy Mendiola takes on one of the biggest television projects of her career as she reprises the role originally played by Mexican superstar Thalia in the hit telenovela Maria Mercedes. Jessy said their show would be an updated version of the original 1993 drama about an orphan who grows up into an optimistic and lovable woman. “Maraming changes dito. Same pa rin yung basic flow but maraming parang iniba ng konti para ma-adapt siya sa pagiging Pinoy. I can’t really say that much kasi may separate presscon for Maria Mercedes. Pero ang masasabi ko very close siya sa heart ko kasi may mga terms like ‘kasing-kasing’ na ibig sabihin nun sa waray ay ‘puso.’ Parang gusto nila very close sa pagiging Filipino at close din sa akin kasi waray ako eh. Si Maria Mercedes palaban, masayahin, pero kahit walang-wala sila, mahal na mahal niya pamilya niya. Ako rin mahal ko din pamilya ko. ito yung character na talagang feeling ko sobrang lapit sa puso ko,” she said. As a family breadwinner, Jessy admitted she can relate to her character because of their shared love for putting family above all else. “Si Maria kasi yung tipo ng tao na gagawin niya ang lahat para sa pamilya niya. Lalaban kapag kahit isa sa pamilya niya maapi, siya na mismo ang haharap. Ako na mismo ang awayin niyo huwag lang ang pamilya ko, ganun siya. So malapit sa puso ko talaga ang pamilya ko. So parehas kami dun sa area na yun ni Maria Mercedes,” she explained. Jessy said she is not surprised to be compared to Erich Gonzales and Marian Rivera who have also revived roles originally played by Thalia. The pretty mestiza said she is not affected by the comparison. “Sa Maria Mercedes kasi, iba ito sa Maria la Del Barrio kasi si Maria Mercedes very boyish siya, lumaki siya sa Tondo so iba siyang klaseng babae. Hindi siya yung lagi niyong nakikita sa akin na pa-sweet na babaeng babae. Iba siya, palaban siya. Vulnerable siya pero pag inaway na yung pamilya niya, siya na yugn haharap. Magkaiba naman si Maria La Del Barrio at si Maria Mercedes so siguro yung pag-portray ko bilang Maria Mercedes iba na siya sa pag-portray ni Erich kasi magkaiba din kami at si Erich, hanga na talaga ako sa kanya sa heavy dramatic scenes and hindi naman talaga maiiwasan yung comparison. Even with Marian Rivera kino-compare din ako kasi siya yung nag-Marimar sa kabila. Marami namang soaps si Thalia kaya expected naman na mako-compare and I guess I’ll just have to accept kung ano yung opinion ng ibang tao kasi madami rin naman yung nagsasabi na bagay at marami rin nagsasabi na mas bagay si ganito sa ganyan. Eto na po eh. ako na si Maria Mercedes (laughs).” she explained. Jessy admitted that doing the show is a dream come true for a big Thalia fan like her. “Sino ba naman ang hindi matutuwa na ikaw ang gaganap na Maria Mercedes? So bilang hamak lang na supporter ni Thalia, nung sinabi sa akin na ako si Maria Mercedes masayang masaya ako at nagpapasalamat ako sa ABS-CBN na binigyan nila ako ng ganitong role after Paraiso. Pinapanuod ko dati lahat ng shows niya. Sobra, kaya nung nalaman ko na ako si Maria Mercedes sobrang naging emotional ko. Pangarap ko talagang maging tulad niya so nung sinabi sa akin at pinakanta pa sa akin yung theme song, sobrang saya ko na hanggang ngayon pinagkakatiwalaan pa rin ako ng ganito kalaking role,” she said. Aside from acting in the series, Jessy also sang the theme song and starred in the music video just like her idol Thalia. “Yung sayaw at music video niya pinanuod ko ng ilang beses tapos pinag-aralan ko yung kanta kasi nga rinecord namin. Pero yung movements ni Thalia sa Maria Mercedes medyo iniba namin kasi ako naman ito at Pinoy tayo. So it’s a remake but it’s the Pinoy adaptation so mas malapit siya sa puso ng mga Pinoy,” she explained. In the series, Jessy will be joined by new leading men Jake Cuenca and Jason Abalos as well as a talented cast which includes Vina Morales, and Dominic Ochoa. “Andito rin si Miss Nadia Montenegro, ang kanyang pagbabalik. Si Miss Vivian Velez, nung una ko siyang nakita sobrang na-star struck, first time ko ata magpa-picture sa artista,” she said.

Source: http://push.abs-cbn.com/features/9573/jessy-mendiola-reacts-to-being-compared-to-erich-gonzales-and-marian-rivera/

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Matteo thanks Jessy for loving him

MANILA, Philippines -- Actor Matteo Guidicelli and Jessy Mendiola admitted that there were also awkward moments working together again. "Siyempre mayroon. Hindi ba mayroon?" Mendiola told ABS-CBNNews.com on Wednesday night during the launch event of their newest endorsement LINE. "Ah hindi ko alam, hindi ko alam kung awkward o hindi. Pero alam mo kami kasi ni Jessy kapag nasa set kami ay sobrang sanay kami sa isa't isa kasi six months kami magkasama sa Paraiso. Parang our working relationship and everything, our partnership is very nice together," Guidicelli said. Last week, Mendiola revealed that that she and Guidicelli have agreed to end their special relationship. The actress also stressed that she and her "Paraiso" leading man were never officially a couple. Weeks after her revelation, Mendiola said that as actors it is inevitable that they will see each other again. "Well, we are co-workers so hindi naman talaga maiiwasan sa mundo nating maliit na magkasalubong or whatever," Mendiola said. Asked to comment on Mendiola's revelation that they ended their "almost there" relationship, Guidicelli replied: "Kami ni Jessy we are very close. Magkasama kami sa Paraiso for six months, sobrang bonded kami ni Jessy. Hindi ko talaga makakalimutan yung moments that we are always together on set with the director and everything. So I will cherish every moment and it's a blessing to work again with her in the future." Guidicelli then thanked Mendiola for admitting that she was ready to love him. "Salamat, Jessy, for appreciating, thank you so much." The actor also addressed the issue saying that he initiated the alleged break-up with Mendiola. "Wala pong ganyan, wala po," he said. Mendiola became close to Guidicelli while doing the afternoon series "Paraiso," which ended its run last April. Mendiola was quick to say that she's not closing her doors to the actor-athlete. But for Guidicelli, he stressed that his priority now is his career and his sports. "All I'm doing right now is concentrating on my new soap, the thing I'm working on Biggest Loser and I have my Iron Man coming up this August so yun kino-concentrate ko talaga," he said.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/07/11/13/matteo-thanks-jessy-loving-him

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Jessy tells JM: We're waiting for your comeback

MANILA – Although she admitted that she does not know the exact whereabouts of actor JM de Guzman, actress Jessy Mendiola said he is hoping and praying that her former boyfriend could get back on his feet and make a showbiz comeback. In an interview with ABS-CBN News, Mendiola said she is optimistic that de Guzman could bounce back and return to the limelight. “I hope he gets well soon and gets back on his feet really soon because he’s really a good actor. I want him back also. A lot of people want him back,” she said. Saying de Guzman is one of the most talented actors of his generation, Mendiola said: “Feeling ko ang dami niyang maipapakita, marami siyang maishe-share.” Over the weekend, de Guzman’s father told Ricky Lo of The Philippine Star that the actor is currently seeking treatment so he can recover from his "health condition." “He’s somewhere, not yet stable, but getting better. A few more months and he will be okay. Maybe by December, he will be recovered. He will be a better man when he emerges and he himself will tell the whole true story,” he said. Asked whether there is something she would want to tell de Guzman, Mendiola said: “Get well soon. A lot of people are waiting for you.” Aside from Mendiola, de Guzman’s good friend, actor Jake Cuenca, also has encouraging words for the actor. “Pare, nandito kaming lahat naghihintay sayo. Hinihintay lang naming na makabalik ka. Pagbalik mo, trabaho tayo,” he said. Cuenca said he will be praying for de Guzman’s quick recovery. “I hope he’s okay. He’s a good friend. Sabay kam nag-artista niyan. I’ll be praying for him. I really hope that when everything is said and done, he comes back to show business because he’s a wonderful actor,” he said.

Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/07/09/13/jessy-tells-jm-were-waiting-your-comeback

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