Why Mercedes Cabral stepped away from primetime for a role in Berlin-bound film

From emotionally demanding TV to an international film festival, Cabral shares the challenges and triumphs of shooting in Switzerland.

It was an acting gig in Switzerland, titled “Enjoy Your Stay,” that ultimately cost Mercedes Cabral her spot on primetime television, saying goodbye to Lena, the controversial mistress in “Batang Quiapo” that viewers loved to hate.

The trade-off, however, is anything but small. “Enjoy Your Stay” is set to compete at the 76th Berlinale International Film Festival in Germany, and Mercedes is currently en route—passport ready, nerves (and excitement) in tow.

Completing the triple crown of film festivals

In an exclusive interview with radar Entertainment, the actress admitted that the film’s selection still feels surreal. The idea that “Enjoy Your Stay” is heading to Berlin, she said, is both thrilling and affirming—one of those career moments that makes every risk worth it.

When she found out about Berlin, her initial reaction was surprise. “At first, I thought post-production would take longer. I thought it would be released next year or later this year. I didn’t have an update on the movie. But when they told me about Berlin, I was so happy because I’ll have completed all three major festivals: Cannes, Venice, and now Berlin, which I haven’t been to yet.”

Mercedes has appeared in multiple films at Cannes, including “Serbis” (2008), “Kinatay” (2009), and “Ma’ Rosa” (2016), all directed by Brillante Ma  Mendoza. The film she appeared in at both Cannes and Venice is “Thy Womb,” starring Nora Aunor.

Cabral, who stars as Luz in “Enjoy Your Stay,” has experienced festival screenings where travel wasn’t funded. “I made a movie in Denmark called ‘Rosita,’ and I only went once for the premiere. Then I found out it joined other festivals, but I didn’t join because they didn’t have a budget for my trip,” she said. For Berlin, she’ll be accompanied by fellow actress Irma Adlawan, flying out on February 12 and returning on the 16th due to her commitments on a GMA 7 teleserye. “My stay will be short because I don’t want to be gone for too long,” she said.

The emotional and physical toll of filming in Switzerland

Filming in Switzerland presented professional and personal challenges. Preparation for “Enjoy Your Stay” took nearly a year, much of it via Zoom, alongside visits from the director to Manila. Mercedes noted that balancing Luz with her character Lena in “Batang Quiapo” was taxing. “I didn’t really have time to shake off Lena before starting Luz. The first week was challenging. I was so nervous and mentally drained that I even considered leaving.”

Support from colleagues and the production team helped her push through. “The producer was calm and considerate, asking what I needed to do better. After every shoot, they made sure I was okay for the next day,” she said. Filipino actors including Anna Luna, Ruby Ruiz, Madlen Nicolas, and Hasmine Kilip were a source of support throughout filming.

The rigorous schedule—five days a week for eight to ten hours—combined with Switzerland’s harsh winter, had a significant mental effect. “At first, I didn’t believe the stories about winter depression. But being there, with little sunlight for long periods, it really affected me,” she admitted.

From global cinema back to Primetime

Mercedes credited workshops with Angel Bayani and Susan Batson for helping her navigate the role. “Batson has worked with Nicole Kidman and Lady Gaga. I learned so much from her. The prep was hard, but I’m grateful for the experience,” she said.

Despite the difficulties, Mercedes gained new connections and international experience. She applied what she learned to her new GMA7 show, “Hating Kapatid,” where she reunited with director Adolf Alix Jr., with whom she first worked early in her career. “The set was light and efficient, and we could finish early and still have time for family,” she said.

Through it all, Mercedes demonstrated resilience, dedication, and the willingness to embrace international opportunities—even at the cost of stepping away from her popular TV role.

 

 

I didn’t really have time to shake off Lena before starting Luz. The first week was challenging. I was so nervous and mentally drained that I even considered leaving.

Mercedes Cabral

 

 

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