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."

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.

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.