Carla Abellana, one of the Philippines’ most esteemed and beloved actresses, has navigated a high-profile love life marked by intense romances, public heartbreaks, and a persistent pursuit of genuine happiness. Her personal story, intertwined with her celebrated career, is a compelling narrative of growth, resilience, and the power of starting anew.
Tom Rodriguez: The Public Romance and Painful Split
Carla’s most visible and widely-followed relationship was with actor Tom Rodriguez, a partnership that blossomed from the screen into a real-life marriage. Their undeniable chemistry became a fan favorite, showcased across multiple projects before transitioning into a deeper connection during the filming of the movie Destiny.
By 2014, their relationship was publicly confirmed, quickly solidifying into a serious, long-term commitment that included cohabitation. Their journey culminated in a much-anticipated engagement announcement in 2021, followed by an intimate wedding in Tagaytay that same year, celebrated despite the prevailing pandemic restrictions.
However, the fairy tale was unexpectedly short-lived. A mere three months after exchanging vows, news of their separation sent shockwaves through the industry. Tom confirmed their divorce in 2022. Carla later shed light on the painful conclusion, citing a pattern of lies, lack of respect, and repeated disappointments that ultimately proved insurmountable. Despite the painful public ordeal, both have moved forward, with Tom reportedly embracing fatherhood in a new relationship.
A New Chapter: Finding Privacy and Stability
Following the highly publicized divorce, Carla demonstrated remarkable resilience by cautiously opening her heart once more. In a surprise to her followers in mid-2023, she began sharing subtle glimpses of dinner dates with a mysterious new man. She later confirmed the new relationship, explaining her decision to keep his identity private: “It’s time for me to open my heart and meet new people. That’s why I decided to give it a try.”
According to industry reports, her new partner is a Medical Director at a private hospital in Quezon City. Interestingly, the couple’s connection is a rekindling of a long-dormant link, as they had crossed paths during their high school years. Fans have widely praised Carla’s choice to maintain privacy, expressing hope that she has finally found her “end game” in a stable and respectable partnership.
Past Relationships: Maturity and Professional Grace
Carla’s romantic history reveals a maturity in navigating past connections, a quality admired by many.
JC Intal: Her relationship with the PBA athlete, now married to TV host Bianca Gonzalez, ended with grace. Carla even supported JC during his proposal to Bianca, showcasing her ability to transform a past romance into a strong, supportive friendship.
Jeff Eigenman: Prior to Tom Rodriguez, Carla was in a nearly four-year relationship with actor Jeff Eigenman. In clarifying their 2014 breakup, she was emphatic that the split was not due to religious differences, but rather a natural progression and “a normal part of life’s circumstances,” emphasizing that no third party was involved.
On-Screen Partners: Maintaining Boundaries
Throughout her career, Carla’s authentic performances have frequently sparked relationship rumors with her co-stars. However, she has consistently maintained a clear line between professional chemistry and personal life.
Actors like Dennis Trillo (whom she described as one of the most outstanding men she has worked with) and Mike Tan (with whom she shared a teleserye) were acknowledged for their professionalism and the need to respect boundaries while delivering compelling on-screen connections.
Similar rumors involving Gabby Eigenmann, Richard Gutierrez, and Rafael Roselle were always clarified as being rooted solely in mutual respect and intense on-screen collaboration, highlighting Carla’s disciplined approach to separating her demanding career from her private commitments.
A Testament to Strength
Carla Abellana’s journey through love is a powerful testament to her strength and resilience. Her experiences—from the joys of a public marriage to the pain of its dissolution—have clearly contributed to her personal evolution. Today, she appears to have found a stable and joyful foundation in her new relationship, one wisely shielded from the intense scrutiny of the public eye.
Fans continue to look up to her for handling heartbreak with dignity and for her unwavering belief in the possibility of genuine love. As she moves forward, both personally and professionally, Carla Abellana’s story remains an inspiring example of evolution, enduring hope, and the quiet triumph of finding happiness again.