Jessy Mendiola

Jessy Mendiola Tawile (born December 3, 1992), popularly known as Jessy Mendiola, is a Filipino actress. She played the role of Maria Mercedes in the remake of the 1995 Mexican telenovela Maria Mercedes. Early life Mendiola was born in the United Arab Emirates where her father used to work. She is the second of three siblings, of a Filipino mother and a half Lebanese, half British father. She was three years old when her mother moved and brought her and her elder sister, Pamela, to the Philippines. Her mother left her father due to his infidelity. Her younger sister, Megan, was born in the Mexico when her parents reconciled but then separated again because of unknown reasons. She remains in contact with her father, who now works overseas as a marine anthropologist. She studied at Far Eastern University. Career Jessy Mendiola was one of the 18 new talents launched by ABS-CBN under Star Magic Batch 15. She, along with Megan Young, Alfonso Martinez, Carlo Guevarra and her Star Magic batchmates, joined the cast of Star Magic Presents: Abt Ur Luv when it was revamped to Abt Ur Luv Ur Lyf 2 in 2007. She had a minor role in Sineserye Presents: Natutulog Ba Ang Diyos?. In 2008, she was cast as Chappy Girl in the TV series Volta, which was adapted from the Star Cinema film of the same name. Mendiola was supposed to appear in Habang May Buhay. She was featured in the 2008 trailer of the show which was originally titled as Humingi Ako Sa Langit. The TV series, which was supposed to air in 2008, was cancelled, reshot and recast. In 2010, she had a guest appearances in George and Cecil, playing the love interest of Dino Imperial's Jun. Mendiola revealed that she was pulled out of Habang May Buhay and was cast as Christina in the TV series Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo instead. Due to good feedback, her one week guest appearance in Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo was extended. She was later cast in Your Song Presents: Gimik 2010, playing the role of the reformed rebel teenager Jessy. Mendiola was supposed to appear in Kokey @ Ako, opposite Enrique Gil, but their characters were written off in favor of Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco. She eventually returned as a recurring character in the last few episodes of Kung Tayo'y Magkakalayo. She portrayed lead roles in Maalaala Mo Kaya: "Marriage Contract"  and in Wansapanataym: "Kakambal Ko'y Manika". Her biggest break is playing the title role of the ABS-CBN afternoon TV show Sabel. In 2011, when Sabel ended, Mendiola joined ASAP Rocks. She along with Empress Schuck, Enchong Dee and Sam Concepcion are referred to as ASAP's "Dance Quad". Earlier, she portrayed Isabel Valderama in Agimat: Ang Mga Alamat ni Ramon Revilla Presents: Bianong Bulag. In April, she became a guest judge for Showtime and appeared as Risa in the Maalaala Mo Kaya episode, "Medalyon". She also played the role of Jackie Marasigan in the primetime TV show, Budoy, opposite Gerald Anderson and Enrique Gil. In 2012, she starred in the film The Reunion, with Enchong Dee, Enrique Gil and Xian Lim. She also starred in the afternoon TV show Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Paraiso, with Matteo Guidicelli, Matt Evans and Jewel Mische. In 2013, she currently plays the titular role of the Philippine remake of Maria Mercedes. In October 2013, she flew to Korea for a ceremonial appointment by Korean Tourism Organization as the Honorary Ambassador for Korean Tourism.