Ask any viewer about the most memorable independent film in the Philippines and the honest ones will mention Mercedes Cabral and Coco Martin’s “Serbis.”

Years after, Cabral was asked to join Martin’s “FPJ’s Ang Probinsyano” and “FPJ’s Batang Quiapo.” Cabral has earned her throne in pop culture for her iconic portrayal of Lena, with memes on TikTok and Facebook.

In an interview with ABS-CBN News during Alvin Yapan’s book launch, Cabral reacted to her now online fame. “I didn’t expect that to happen. ‘Yung binigay sa akin ‘yung character, I didn’t expect na lalaki nang ganun, na ganun ang magiging acceptance ng tao sa character ko,” she said.

Actress Mercedes Cabral. Photo by Josh Mercado

“Ang alam ko lang is kakainisan ‘yung character. Pero nagulat ako na ganun ‘yung reception. Nagulat lang ako. Siyempre very appreciative and grateful din naman ako sa mga tao. Wala rin naman akong naririnig na bad kapag may nakikilala akong tao sa labas,“ she added.

However, there was an incident in Bicol where an upset fan told her that she has come to represent mistresses.

“I remember na bumisita ako ng Bicol to visit my family there. May group chat dun eh. Nalaman na nandun ako. May tao na nag-comment na, ‘Kinakahiya ka namin. Nire-represent mo ‘yung mga kabit.’ Nakakatawa kasi it’s just a character. Part ng trabaho namin ‘yun. Doesn’t mean I’m representing a character na kino-condone ko ‘yung ganung klaseng relationship. Even me naiinis din ako kapag nababasa ko ‘yung script,” she confessed.

Cabral also talked about the generosity of Martin.

“I’m proud. Siya na siguro ‘yung pinaka-hardworking na tao na nakilala ko sa buong buhay ko. Nakakatuwa kasi kahit kilalang-kilala na siya, hindi siya nakakalimot sa mga tao na nakasama niya before. Sobrang generous niya and sobrang helpful pa niya. May mga lumalapit sa kanya to ask for help. Walang tanong. Tutulungan talaga niya,” she said.

She added: “Ang dami niyang nabibigyan ng trabaho kaya sobrang daming nagmamahal sa kanya. I’m happy. He deserves everything na nangyayari at binibigay sa kanya. Hindi niya sinasarili. He shares his blessings in different ways. Very happy and very proud.”

Did you know that Cabral is also a visual artist? She likes to paint and hopes to showcase her art pieces.

“Mahilig ako sa mga linear art. May digital art and paintings. Pinag-i-eksperimentuhan ko ngayon ‘yung photographs tapos pinapatungan ko siya ng linear art.

“Last April of this year, I was part of a show for women’s month. I think 10 kaming mga babae na artists. I was happy na I got invited to be a part and at the same time kinabahan din ako.

“This is my first love naman talaga. Every time I shoot din kasi, sa phone ko, halimbawa hindi ako kasama sa eksena, nagdo-draw talaga ako,” she revealed.

Her favorite subjects? “I like women. ‘Yung anatomy ng katawan ng mga babae. I like erotica rin kasi very intimate,” she ended.