If you had to pick one power tool, what would it be and why?
[Laugh] Probably a power screwdriver. Because screwing is practical and fun.
Word . . . ?
Hey! Get your mind out the gutter! [laughter]
You also made appearances on my favorite summer vacation program-The Price is Right!
I did! Being a Barker girl was a lot of fun. I loved being on the set and seeing how happy and excited people were, trying to win the prizes.
A burning question: No matter how great the first batch of Showcase Showdown prizes looked, why was the second set always better?
Like everything else, you have to save the best for last! It's part of the teasing process that keeps you interested and wanting more!
That was almost profound! Almost. Let's go back to your roots-what do you miss most about Mexico?
I miss the traditional atmosphere. I feel that people in Mexico are very humble and very welcoming. They always want to feed you. Every time I go to a relative's house, after they ask how I am, the next question is always, "are you hungry?" And I definitely miss the authentic food.
Can you cook Mexican food?
Of course! I learned from my grandmother who was the best cook, ever. My favorite dish to make is enchiladas rancheras. Guaranteed to make you say, "yum!"
How about Taco Trucks? Are you for or against?
Sorry, but I can't handle taco trucks.
Why not? Bad experience?
I got really sick once! I feel like they're not very clean.
Do you go back to Mexico to visit?
I love seeing my family but they live near the border and it's scary because some of the people over there get gangster!
Example, por favor?
I was driving home after a late night of partying with my girl cousin, and I accidentally drove the wrong way down a one-way street . . .
So is this a story about how you drive like a gangster?
[laughs] No! It's a story of how I was almost at my cousin Araseli's house when a guy pulls up in another car, yelling at me to turn around. When my cousin argued that we were almost home and to leave us alone, the crazy dude jumped out of his car and pulled a gun. My cousin started yelling, 'You better be ready to pull the trigger if you pull a gun,' followed by me screaming at my cousin, 'Shut up and get back in the car!'
What happened?
Let's just say we took the long way back. [laughs]
For the ultimate plot twist, you're one-eighth Japanese, correct?
Yes!
How the hell did that happen?
My grandfather on my mother's side of the family was half Spanish and half Japanese.
The fixed-up Civic? Totally explains it.
[laughs]
Mercedes Luna
Height: 5'6"
Measurements: 34C-26-35
Ethnicity: Mexican, Japanese
Sign: Aries
Birthday: March 31st
Hometown: Mexicali, Mexico
Website:
mercedesluna.com
Thanks: My grandmother for all the great advice, my mom for kicking my butt to always do better, my brother and sis for always being there for me, my best friends for always motivating me, my long-time career consultant Daniel Garite, and my agents Pacific Talent and Maier Management for believing in me.