ABS-CBN’s local adaptation of hit Mexicanovela “Maria Mercedes” may be ending this Friday (Jan 24), but for leading man Jake Cuenca, the battle to win Jessy Mendiola’s heart is far from being over. Jake said he would even go the next level now that he can woo the young actress more privately and off cam.

“I’ll miss Jessy the most. But I think it will be better now that the show is over. At least there is no more pressure. I’ll still be the same with Jessy even now that the show is over. The only difference is that we will have more privacy than before,” said Jake.

Jessy, who is currently being tagged as the “it girl” of showbiz, recently revealed in “Buzz ng Bayan” last Sunday that she rarely sees or communicates with actor Sam Milby. Does this development encourage Jake even more to pursue the sought-after actress?

“I really don’t mind Jessy’s other suitors. Like what I’ve said, I’m moving at my own pace regardless if Sam is courting her or not or if Jessy and I will be together or not. I just want it to happen at the right time when Jessy and I are both ready,” he said.

“Maria Mercedes” recently held its last taping day where the production team shot the intense finale scenes avid viewers should watch out for this week. Find out what Misty (Nikki Gil) is capable of doing just to destroy the lives of (Jessy Mendiola) and Luis (Jake Cuenca). How will she save herself from going to jail after Malvina (Vivian Velez) surrendered the last piece of evidence to authorities that will prove she is guilty of killing Mercedes’ brother Guillermo (Marx Topacio)? Whose life will be sacrificed in the name of revenge?

Don’t miss the intense finale of “Maria Mercedes” this Friday (Jan 24) after “Got to Believe” on ABS-CBN’s Primetime Bida. For updates, follow @MariaMercedesPH on Twitter and like www.facebook.com/MariaMercedesOfficial on Facebook. Tweet your thoughts about the show using the hashtag #MariaMercedesAngPagtatapos.