Carla Abellana on healing, home and saying ‘I Do’ again

There is a gentler rhythm to Carla Abellana these days — one shaped by clarity, laughter and a hard-won sense of peace. 

Sitting down on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, the actress spoke with refreshing candor about remarriage, second chances, and the quiet confidence that comes from choosing love after everything has been tested.

Fresh from her December wedding to Dr. Reginald Santos, Carla didn’t romanticize marriage as a fairy tale. Instead, she embraced it as real life — lived more intentionally, with eyes wide open and heart firmly grounded.

Asked what excites her most about being married again, she smiled and answered with honesty and humor.

“I always joke about it. We’ve been married for two weeks, so I’m already close to beating my old record,” she shared, laughing. “Before, it lasted seven weeks — so in five more weeks, I’ll already beat my own record.”

The studio laughed with her — not because the joke was light, but because it came from someone who had clearly made peace with her past. When the conversation turned playful, Carla leaned in.

“Yes! There should definitely be a celebration by the seventh week.”

It was a moment that revealed more than wit. It showed a woman no longer weighed down by old timelines, but strong enough to laugh at them.

A marriage rooted in reality

This time, Carla said, marriage is not about chasing perfection — but about embracing the full experience.

“Whether it’s the honeymoon stage or challenges along the way — whatever comes with getting married and experiencing married life for the first time,” she explained.

There was no hesitation in her voice, no fear of the unknown. What she looks forward to now is not just happiness, but growth — together.

Motherhood, hope and preparedness

One of the most personal parts of the conversation centered on Carla’s long-expressed desire to become a mother. She spoke openly about preparation, faith, and the importance of having options — subjects she has never treated as taboo.

She revealed that she had previously undergone egg freezing, a decision made with intention and supported fully by her husband.

“He’s supportive. He was there, supporting me. At one point, he even gave me my daily injections. He was present and supportive.”

Now married, the couple hopes to begin building a family, guided by patience and faith.

“Hopefully, we can start building our family if God permits. That’s really the focus, especially since the clock is ticking — I’m turning forty this year,” Carla shared frankly.

They are also open to medical assistance should they need it.

“If we have difficulty conceiving naturally, at least we have a backup — there’s an option available.”

For Carla, preparedness brings peace — allowing her to hope without pressure.

The man beside her

Speaking about her husband, Carla was deliberate, respectful, and visibly proud.

“Dr. Reginald Santos is my husband. It sounds so good. It feels so good to say,” she said, pausing to let the words settle.

She described him as someone far removed from show business — private, disciplined, and deeply committed to his profession.

“He’s a very private person. Right off the bat, he’s really non-showbiz. Very serious. He’s a professional. He’s a doctor. He’s not currently practicing full-time, but he’s managing — he runs the hospital where he works. He’s the chief medical officer.”

Yet beyond the hospital walls, she shared, is a man of warmth and humor.

“He can be serious and strict at times. Sometimes he can be grumpy. But that’s only when he’s being professional as a doctor. Outside of work, he’s very quirky, cheerful, very helpful, very calm — and very loving.”

First love, revisited

Their story began long before fame and adulthood — inside the hallways of O.B. Montessori Center Greenhills.

“I was in first year, and he was already in fourth year high school. But we went to the same school… So yes — first boyfriend, first love,” Carla recalled.

Their young relationship lasted nearly two years, until reality intervened.

“We broke up because he really had to focus on his studies… It was very brave of him to have to choose between our relationship and medical school.”

It was a painful choice — but one Carla now understands with grace.

Timing, growth and coming home

Years later, their paths crossed again — but only after Carla had gone through profound healing.

“Of course, time heals all things — but it’s not just time passing. I went through so much to improve myself, to learn and to heal,” she reflected.

She believes meeting again too soon might have led to a different ending.

“So I really believe it was all about timing.”

This time, they came back to each other as equals — clear-eyed, intentional, and ready.

A wedding kept sacred

The couple chose an intimate ceremony in Cavite, far from the public eye. In her vows, Carla called Reginald her “first and last” — a sentiment that resonated deeply with those who have followed her journey.

Earlier, when asked about wedding rumors, she had simply said, “I would like to keep it private.” And she did — saving the moment not for headlines, but for meaning.

Today, Carla Abellana stands firmly in a life she chose with care. Not rushing. Not proving anything. Simply loving — fully, freely and with gratitude.

For her, marriage is no longer about fixing the past. It’s about honoring it, learning from it, and finally choosing a love that feels like home.