The world of Philippine show business often feels like a dazzling, yet fragile, glass house where life’s most intimate moments are constantly on display. For Kapuso actress Carla Abellana, the past few years have been a journey through some of the most public emotional challenges imaginable. After a highly publicized separation and the finalization of her previous marriage, the narrative surrounding Carla was one of resilience, healing, and moving forward. The public watched, holding its collective breath, hoping the talented and beloved actress would find the peace and happiness she deserved.

That wish for her new beginning was gloriously realized in early December 2025, when Carla Abellana subtly, yet powerfully, announced her engagement to her non-showbiz boyfriend, Dr. Reginald Santos. The announcement was not a flashy, orchestrated media event, but a quiet, deeply personal revelation shared on her Instagram account. The moment, captured in a single photograph, spoke volumes: Carla’s hand, sporting a beautiful, prominent diamond ring on her left ring finger, was gently clasped by another person’s hand, presumably her fiancé’s.

The social media post was captioned simply with three white heart emojis and a poignant Bible verse, Jeremiah 29:11: “’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.’” This scriptural reference, known for its message of faith in a hopeful future, served as a spiritual declaration of her new chapter. It instantly resonated with her millions of fans and was quickly met with an outpouring of congratulations from fellow celebrities, including Max Collins, Megan Young, and Coney Reyes, who were clearly ecstatic for their friend’s renewed happiness.

The confirmation of the engagement came swiftly afterward when veteran television host Boy Abunda, on his talk show Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, revealed that he and his team had reached out directly to the actress for verification. Carla, trusting in the platform, gave her express permission for the happy news to be announced on air. “We asked permission if we can confirm this in the program that she is indeed engaged. And she said, sure. This is wonderful news,” the host shared warmly, validating the rumors and making the news official.

The significance of this engagement lies not just in the romance, but in the complete, full-circle renewal it represents for Carla Abellana. Just a year prior, in 2024, the local courts had recognized her separation, concluding a deeply painful, public chapter of her life. Her openness about the difficult process of healing and moving on resonated with countless Filipinos who had also experienced personal setbacks. She had previously revealed her decision to open herself up to dating again, famously stating, “it’s about time I open myself to dating [and] meeting new people.” This candid, matter-of-fact approach to navigating her post-separation life was both brave and inspirational.

The man who eventually captured her heart, Dr. Reginald Santos, is a non-showbiz personality. This decision to keep her new love life shielded from the intense scrutiny of the entertainment world was a deliberate choice that many believe contributed to the solid foundation of their relationship. While details about Dr. Santos’s background remain largely private, what is known is that he is a medical doctor. His professional life stands in contrast to the theatrical world of show business, offering Carla a partner whose life is anchored in a different kind of reality.

Carla has consistently been protective of her new relationship, only revealing in August 2025 that she was dating someone and that her “mystery guy” was Filipino and not part of the industry. This gradual, guarded revelation allowed the relationship to develop organically, away from the demanding eyes of the public and the pressures of celebrity pairing. This protective stance seems to be a key element of the peace she now enjoys.

The emotional weight of this engagement was further highlighted by the public reaction of her former husband, Tom Rodriguez. When asked about Carla’s engagement during a media event, Tom, speaking from the perspective of a man who had also publicly moved on, wished her well. “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 shared. However, Carla herself, when asked for a reaction to his message, made it clear that she has firmly closed that door, choosing to focus exclusively on her new beginning and the peace she has found. This stance, focused on the future and protecting her present joy, has been widely applauded by her supporters.

The news of the engagement is more than just a piece of celebrity gossip; it is a profound testament to the power of resilience, faith, and the possibility of finding love again after a heartbreak. For many, Carla Abellana’s journey symbolizes hope—the hope that setbacks are temporary, and that happiness, in its truest and most fulfilling form, is always within reach for those brave enough to open their hearts one more time. The beautiful diamond ring is not just a symbol of a promise; it is a shining declaration that Carla Abellana has found her prosperous future, and the public is eagerly waiting to cheer her on as she walks toward the next great chapter of her life.