Wikipedia Entry

Jennylyn Mercado (born May 15, 1987) is a Filipina actress and singer. She became famous after winning in the first season of StarStruck, a reality-based talent search show of GMA Network in the Philippines.

Personal Background

Childhood

Jennylyn's mother worked in Dubai and left Jennylyn to the care of her stepfather. But Jennylyn became a victim of child abuse as she was often beaten by her stepfather. This abuse was even reported in some Philippine tabloids and broadsheets in May 4, 1991. Her stepfather was imprisoned, but her mother later bailed him out.

Her mother migrated to London and had her own family. Because of this, Jennylyn's aunt, Lydia Mercado, legally adopted her. This part of her life was dramatized in Magpakailanman, a drama show on GMA Network.

Because of her experience as an abused child, she is trying to start a foundation that helps victims of child abuse.

Relationships

She became the girlfriend of co-StarStruck survivor Mark Herras but their relationship has become on and off.

They are now officially on a break. Mark Herras is now courting a newcomer, Marian Rivera, while she is being wooed by numerous guys.

Acting and Singing Career

The Beginning

After winning in StarStruck, she has been cast in various TV shows, appeared in movies and ventured into singing. One of her notable roles is Milagros/Lira in the fantasy soap opera Encantadia.

Ranked #9 (2004) and #10 (2005) in FHM Philippines 100 Sexiest Women in the World.

Known as the Starstruck Diva and the new Drama Princess by respected directors in the Philippines.

Television Shows

Love to Love Season 9: Miss Match (2005) 

Encantadia (2005) 

Love to Love Season 7: Love ko Urok (2005) 

SOP Gigsters (2005-present) 

Joyride (2004) 

Forever in my Heart (2004) 

Click Barkada Hunt (2004) 

Click (2004) 

SOP (2004-present) 

Love to Love Season 3: Duet for love (2004) 

Stage 1: LIVE! (2004) 

Stage 1: The StarStruck Playhouse (2004) 

StarStruck (2003) 

Ang Iibigin Ay Ikaw Pa Rin (2003) 

Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay (2003) 

Filmography

Blue Moon (2006) 

Lovestruck (2005) 

Say That You Love Me (2005) 

Let the Love Begin (2005) 

So..Happy Together (2004) 

Discography

Living the Dream (2004) - 1x gold 

Notable Awards

2005 Metro Manila Film Festival - Philippines People's Choice for Best Actress 

2004 Star Awards for Televison Female Star of the Night 

2004 Breakthrough Artist at SOP Music Awards and CandyMag Awards. 

Voted as the Most Popular Female Young Star and Most Popular Loveteam (with Mark Herras) at the 2004 YesMag Reader's Choice Awards. 

2004 Guillermo awardee for Most Popular Loveteam of RP Movies 

2005 Awit Awards winner for Best Performance by a Duet, for the song, "If I'm Not In Love" with Janno Gibbs from her first certified hit album, Living the Dream.