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.
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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
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)
