The lead role in the 2009 Philippine adaptation of the Mexican telenovela Rosalinda launched the career of Carla Angeline Reyes Abellana. Since her television debut, she has become an exclusive talent of the GMA Network and a contract artist for Regal Films, accumulating a extensive list of credits across prime-time drama series and film productions.
Early Life and Academic Background
Born on June 12, 1986, in Manila, Carla Abellana is the daughter of actor Rey 'PJ' Abellana and Rea Reyes. Her family background includes ties to the entertainment industry through her maternal grandmother, Delia Razon. Abellana pursued formal higher education at De La Salle University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology, graduating with cum laude honors.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Television and Hosting Career
Abellana's professional entry into media began with modeling for television commercials for brands such as CreamSilk and Palmolive in the early 2000s. Following her 2009 casting in Rosalinda, she secured numerous leading roles in series including Kung Aagawin Mo Ang Langit, Makapiling Kang Muli, My Husband's Lover, and My Destiny. Her television portfolio extends to hosting roles for programs such as StarStruck, Party Pilipinas, the drama anthology Karelasyon, and pageants like Binibining Pilipinas 2010 and Miss World Philippines 2013.
Film and Production Work
Under a 12-picture contract with Regal Films, Abellana transitioned into cinema with the 2010 production Mamarazzi. Her filmography includes a variety of genres, such as the horror entry Shake, Rattle & Roll XII and romantic comedies like Somebody to Love and No Boyfriend Since Birth. Recent television appearances include her portrayal of the antagonist Georgina Balay-Palacios in the 2024 production Widows' War.
Personal Life and Health
Abellana married actor Tom Rodriguez in October 2021, though the marriage was dissolved by a United States decree in 2022, a status confirmed by Philippine courts in 2024. In December 2025, she married Reginald Santos. Publicly disclosing her health status in 2024, she revealed ongoing management for hypothyroidism, which she has experienced since 2019, alongside diagnoses of kidney stone disease and urinary tract infections.
Fast facts
- Born: 12 June 1986, Manila
- Education: De La Salle University
- Language: Tagalog
- Career Beginnings: 2002
- Notable Works: Rosalinda, My Husband's Lover, Pamilya Roces
Questions readers ask
What degree did Carla Abellana earn at university?
She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from De La Salle University.
Which major television network is she associated with?
She is an exclusive talent of the GMA Network.
.jpg)
