Tom Rodriguez returned to the spotlight this week with a striking mix of vulnerability and resolve. During the press conference for UnMarry—one of this year’s Metro Manila Film Festival entries—the actor opened up about two significant turning points in his life: accepting a film that mirrors themes he once lived through, and learning that his former wife Carla Abellana is now engaged.

The 38-year-old actor, who stars opposite Angelica Panganiban in the Jeffrey Jeturian–directed marriage drama, admitted he initially hesitated when producer Atty. Joji Alonso offered him the role. The topic—about partners questioning the marriage they once fought for—was something he wasn’t sure he wanted to tackle so soon.

But the weight of the material, and the trust he had in Alonso, tipped the balance.

“Eh nanay ko yan eh (laughs)… Ang hirap tanggihan pero it has to be the material especially with the topic like this. I’m not sure if I want to do a movie about that right away pero wow pag nabasa mo, this is really good story na hindi mo mabitawan from start to finish,” Tom said.

He emphasized how deeply the story resonated with him. “I know that it happens to a lot of people. I, myself, can relate to it kaya how could I say no?”

A Chapter Long Closed

During the media event, Tom echoed Angelica Panganiban’s sentiment when both were asked what they would say to the people they once loved.

“Gusto ko yung sinabi ni Angelica na I like the peace that I have now… Kasi it’s already closed eh. That letter was already written way in the past and that’s where they’ll stay,” he agreed.

The actor’s sense of finality was tested the same day, when questions emerged about Carla Abellana’s recent confirmation of her engagement to her non-showbiz partner. Calm and composed, Tom chose grace.

“I wish her well, I wish them well. I’m glad to know everyone is moving on. We all deserve it… Everyone deserves happiness and we all deserve to move on and I’m glad we’re all moving on,” he said.

Carla, for her part, is also part of this year’s MMFF lineup as one of the leads of the lone horror entry, Shake, Rattle & Roll: Evil Origins.

Holding On to the Present

Asked about how he navigates his personal life today, Tom was clear that he no longer revisits what has already ended. Earlier this year, he shared a glimpse of his current partner and their son—perhaps the clearest sign of his own fresh start.

“That’s their life. Ako nakatutok ako sa sarili ko, sa sarili kong married life lang… For me, I like what I have now and I’d like to keep it that way. Yun lang. Gusto ko yung peace na meron ako ngayon. Mas dun na lang ako magfo-focus. So yung past, I don’t want to open it ever.”

A Holiday Release Rooted in Real Emotion

UnMarry brings together an acclaimed ensemble cast: Angelica Panganiban, Zanjoe Marudo, Eugene Domingo, Nico Antonio, Solenn Heussaff, and Tom Rodriguez. The film explores the unspoken aches, the quiet reckonings, and the emotional labor behind marriages that reach their breaking point—making Tom’s performance one that audiences will be watching closely.

Produced by Quantum Films and CineKo Productions and directed by Jeffrey Jeturian, UnMarry opens nationwide on December 25 as part of the 2025 Metro Manila Film Festival.

A story about endings and new beginnings, UnMarry mirrors the very journey its lead actor has chosen to live—with honesty, closure, and an unwavering commitment to his own peace.