The treasures of Carla Abellana

It’s probably hard to imagine now, but there was a time when people doubted Carla Abellana’s decision to accept the role of the wife of a closeted gay in My Husband’s Lover. Here’s a show that’s being trumpeted as edgy and new. And with a gay couple (played by Kapuso actors Tom Rodriguez and Dennis Trillo) as among the show’s centerpiece, how can Carla shine through the show’s controversial theme?  

Months later, the 27-year-old actress — who was first introduced via the remake of the Mexican telenovela Rosalinda — proved that she is more than a pretty face. She has won awards for her acting on the big screen (particularly her turn on the 2011 film Shake, Rattle & Roll XII, wherein she bested a number of more accomplished and veteran actresses) but the Kapuso star has never received this much attention.

Tom and Dennis may get the media and online buzz, but Carla is getting her due notice as a TV star.

“Mas gusto ko nga yung ganun kasi interested akong makita yung angle na ganun,” she said when asked if she ever hesitated to accept the role because of the potential to be overshadowed by her two male co-actors. “But when the story was discussed to us, the focus is also on the wife and her marriage. So okay lang, hindi rin nawawalan ng attention yung character.”

My Husband’s Lover may be Carla’s most buzz-worthy show to date, but she has appeared in numerous challenging projects that have perhaps prepared her for this moment in her career.

She said, “I am more than grateful. It’s so difficult to imagine leaving the network.”

Here are the treasures of Carla’s life and career:

Most treasured person: Carla said she treasures her mother the most — someone she considers as a best friend more than a parent because “of how strong she is raising us alone and the sacrifices she made as a single mom.”

“I owe her my life. I’d do anything for her. Whatever she wants, whatever she needs, ibibigay ko sa kanya. I find time for her,” she said on how she makes her mom special.

Carla believes she made her mom feel special when she graduated — with honors — from college at the De La Salle University Manila with a degree in Psychology.

Most treasured thing: It does not surprise when she said her most treasured objects are her college diploma and medals. These symbolize her hard work and perseverance as a student. Even though she’s not practicing her degree, Carla believes education is very important.

“It’s not just to get ahead, but it’s really for you as a person — para matalino ka sa mundo at sa tao, para hindi ka natatapakan.”

Most treasured travel destination: The Kapuso actress said that her family tries to have a vacation at least once a year. “Walang taon na walang vacation at least once a year. It doesn’t have to be out of the country as long as it’s with my family.”

Her most treasured travel destination is Bohol — because it’s the venue of her most memorable vacation with her family. She’s only been there with her family twice, but the memories remain special.

“The peace, the quiet, the beautiful place. And with the best company also — my family,” she said of her vacation.

Most treasured advice: The My Husband’s Lover star said her grandmother, former actress Delia Razon, gives the best advice. So her life’s most treasured advice came from her. The advice is simple: “Always be kind to people. Always be humble.”

It’s an advice she takes to heart, especially as a showbiz personality. “Kahit may mga taong difficult, I have that reminder na it’s okay, I just have to be kind and do my part.”

Most treasured moment: Aside from her college graduation, Carla considers her official launch as Rosalinda in 2009 during a trade launch as her most treasured moment.

“Clueless ka, hindi mo alam kung ano nangyayari, kung ano mangyayari. You’re just overwhelmed with the attention, the fear, the kaba,” she said.

The show, after all, marks a lot of firsts in her life. That’s where she also met Geoff Eigenmann, her boyfriend. They starred together in numerous GMA 7 shows. She also won awards, thanks to her portrayal as Rosalinda.

Most treasured role: But her most treasured role is Orang from Basahang Ginto, which also starred Geoff. It’s a heavy drama, so the show served as a test of her mettle as an actress — and so early in her career.

“Napakasarap i-play ng character ni Orang. Although very heavy, very painful. Gustong-gusto ko yun. I embraced that role.”

Most treasured moment as a Kapuso: No doubt, this is Carla’s time. She agrees — as she cited this particular moment as her most treasured one as a Kapuso.

“There are a lot of actresses in the industry but alam mo na sa daming gustong mag-artista, sa iyo napupunta yung role and ikaw yung naiisip nila to do a role. Ang sarap ng feeling,” she said.

With what she has shown us, one can say her home network and the audience will continue embracing her in any role she inhabits.