Maria Mercedes Porte Cabral (born August 10, 1986) is a Filipino actress. Known for her roles in arthouse and independent films,- - - - - - - she has appeared in numerous international productions.- - - - - Cabral has received a selection of accolades, including a World Premieres Film Festival Award, a Metro Manila Film Festival Award and a Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival Award.
Early life and education She studied at the University of the Philippines Diliman, where she majored in sculpture at the College of Fine Arts.
Career She gained early international recognition in Brillante Mendoza films like Serbis (2008) and Kinatay (2009). She has successfully bridged independent films with mainstream success, recently starring as the viral kontrabida (villain) Lena Cortez in FPJ's Batang Quiapo (2023–2024). Cabral has made a significant return to GMA Network, featuring as Melania Sarmiento in the afternoon drama series Hating Kapatid, which premiered on October 13, 2025. Cabral has officially joined the cast of Honor Thy Mother, an upcoming family drama series that marks the historic third collaboration between Philippine media giants ABS-CBN Studios and GMA Network, in partnership with streaming platform Prime Video.
Filmography Film Year Title Role 2008 Serbis- Merly 2012Biktima Thy Womb- Ayesha Captive Emma PolicarpioThe Healing KellCrossroads 2015 Binhi Cynthia 2016 Oro Linda Ma' Rosa Linda SUPOT Cora 2017 I'm Drunk, I Love You Carson's friend 2018 Aurora Delia 2019 Culion Sano Pandanggo sa Hukay Shailmar2020Nightshift Nora U-Turn Captain Salavador 2023 Apag Chedeng 2025Lola Barang The Time That Remains Carms Fatherland Vice Mayor Gwen 2026 Enjoy Your Stay Luz Desperada Carol Ang Bangkay Miding
Babae ako (short film, 2009) Soliloquy (2009) Panahon na (2009) Latak (2009) Karera (2009) Tigasan (2009) The Rapture of Fe (2009) Kinatay (2009) Thirst (2009) 1017: Sa paglaya ng aking salita (2009) Padyak (2009) Booking (2009) Loophole (2009) Chronicle of Wasted Lives (2009) Shake, Rattle and Roll 12 (segment "Punerarya", 2010) The Night Infinite (2010) Ang Babae sa Sementeryo (2010) Gayuma (2010) Si Techie, si Teknoboy, at si Juana B (2010) Blood Ties (2010) Garden of Eve (segment "Minsan May Isang Puta", 2010) Sakit (short film, 2010) Pilgrim Lovers (2011) Ligo na Ü, Lapit na Me (2011) The Woman in the Septic Tank (2011) Liberacion (2011) Emille Joson's My Second Mom (short film, 2012) Ad Ignorantiam (2012) Colossal Woman (2012) Hunger Pangs (short film, 2012) Aberya (2012) Mater Dolorosa (2012) Limang Dipang Tao (2012) Ginger and Cumin (short film, 2012) Imik (2012) Ang Nawawala (2012) Di ingon 'nato (2011) Dog Show (2012) Pedro Calungsod: Batang Martir (2013) Bingoleras (2013) Transit (2013) Playtime (2013) Bad Romance (2013) Rosita (2014) Serpent Sword and the Betrayal (2014) Force of Angel (2014) The Deadline (2014)
Television Year Title Role 2011 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Bibliya Myrna 2012 Precious Hearts Romances Presents: Hiyas Giana - - Luna Blanca Mariett 2012–2013 Magdalena: Anghel sa Putikan Kim 2013 Bayan Ko Eliza Bauer Cassandra: Warrior Angel Camilla / Hunyango Katipunan Teresa Magbanua Magpakailanman: Lola Putol: The Veronica Martinez Story Helen 2014–2015 Ang Lihim ni Annasandra Saling 2015 Karelasyon: Kasambahay Jasmin Ningning Evaporada "Eva" Herrera 2016 Saq Al Bamboo (The Bamboo Stalk) JosephinePhilippine Daily Inquirer (June 10, 2016). Mercedes Cabral stars in Kuwaiti soap.- ABS-CBN News. (June 9, 2016). Mercedes Cabral a hit on Kuwaiti TV.- Abando, P. (June 12, 2016). Mercedes Cabral enchants viewers in the Middle East. The Manila Bulletin. 2016–2017 The Greatest Love Greta Ramirez / Clarissa Ramirez 2017 FPJ's Ang Probinsyano Aurora Dumaguit 2017–2018 Hanggang Saan Carolina Dela Guerra 2018 Maalaala Mo Kaya: Bantay Bata Esang Ngayon at Kailanman Mia Bartolome 2019 The General's Daughter Gabriela "Cinco" Sta. Ana Maalaala Mo Kaya: 600 Pesos Jocelyn Ang Babae sa Septic Tank 3: The Real Untold Story of Josephine Bracken Herself/Lucia Rizal 2020 A Soldier's Heart 2021 Huwag Kang Mangamba Agatha Delos Santos 2022 2 Good 2 Be True Abegail Rosales 2023 ReTox: 2 Be Continued Teresa Baquiran 2023–2025 ASAP Herself / co-host / Performer 2023–2024 FPJ's Batang Quiapo Lena Cortez 2025–2026 Hating Kapatid Melania Sarmiento 2026Carlota Cervantes
Awards and nominations + Award Year Recipient(s) Category Result Cinemalaya Independent Film Festival2013TransitBest Acting EnsembleGawad Urian Awards2011GayumaBest Actress2016Da Dog ShowGolden Screen Awards2012Ligo na Ü, Lapit na MeBest Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role (Musical or Comedy)Metro Manila Film Festival2016OroBest Supporting ActressBest Acting EnsembleStar Awards for Movies2017OroBest Supporting ActressWorld Premieres Film Festival2015An Kubo sa KawayanBest Performance by an ActressYoung Critics Circle2010Biyaheng LupaBest Performance2016Da Dog ShowAn Kubo sa Kawayan2017Ma' Rosa
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