She starred in multiple commercially successful films, including English Only, Please (2014), The Prenup (2015), Walang Forever (2015), and Just the 3 of Us (2016).

[5][6] Mercado's success in Philippine cinema has made her one of the top actresses in the country and established her status as the "Asia's Ultimate Star".

She was also part of the Elite Circle of "10 Modeling Search", where she competed with StarStruck co-finalist, Dion Ignacio.

In 2002, Mercado made her debut acting appearance playing a minor role in ABS-CBN's TV series Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay, which was top-billed by Bea Alonzo and John Lloyd Cruz.

After winning StarStruck, Mercado and Herras were launched as a love team in Forever in My Heart, and months earlier they were in the last batch of the teen series Click.

[13] She later starred in numerous TV series, including Encantadia, I Luv NY, Dangal, Super Twins, Paano Ba Ang Mangarap?, SRO Cinemaserye: Suspetsa, Ikaw Sana, and Gumapang Ka Sa Lusak.

Mercado released her first album Living the Dream, which contained original compositions by Vehnee Saturno, and a carrier single titled "Kahit Sandali".

In May 2006, Mercado released her second album Letting Go, which included the single "Sa Aking Panaginip" by Vehnee Saturno.

[16] Her acting career was handled by Becky Aguila and Viva Entertainment, where she joined her Starstruck co-alumnus Cristine Reyes.

Critics deemed it a "sleeper hit", and it was chosen as one of the eight official movies for the 2014 Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF).

[29] Before Mercado traveled to New York for the film PreNup with actor Sam Milby, she was surprised and given a plaque by publisher Aeus Reyes, Allan Altera, and GMA News reporter Nelson Canlas.

On July 11, Mercado participated in the two-part FHM 100 Sexiest party at the SMX Convention Center in the SM Mall of Asia.

[30] Mercado played the lead role of Melanie "Mel" Fernandez-Dela Paz in the GMA series My Faithful Husband, which aired on August 10, 2015.

Despite its success, the series was not extended due to scheduling conflicts with Mercado, who at the time was acting in two films, The Prenup and WalangForever.

[33] Through social media, Mercado announced her upcoming project, confirming that she was acting in a new film with actor John Lloyd Cruz.

[40][41] She was later chosen to play the role of Steffi for the Philippine remake of the South Korean series My Love from the Star.

[48] It was announced that Mercado would star in an action television series titled Sanggang Dikit,[49] and in a movie project entitled Anything About Your Wife with Dennis Trillo and Sam Milby.