Catching up with Karla Estrada on KathNiel, leaving ‘Magandang Buhay’

CEBU, Philippines — Karla Estrada is always excited whenever she stops by Cebu. Her recent visit to the province was for the Cebu leg of the “TINGOG ng Pasasalamat” concert which took place last February 12 at the Pure Gold Open Lot in Mandaue City where she was one of the headlining performers along with Bamboo and Andrew E.

“Growing up in Tacloban, feeling namin sa Cebu is America noong araw. Via Ormoc, we would go through the sea so we would go to Cebu and it’s actually a big deal for me when my parents say that we would have a vacation in Cebu,” she told The FREEMAN in an exclusive interview backstage after her performance.

Estrada said she was content with the status of the relationship between her son Daniel Padilla and girlfriend Kathryn Bernardo. “I am very happy over their relationship because it’s really hard [to maintain it] when you are in show business together, but they triumph together and we haven’t even reached the most exciting part yet, which I am sure they will reach that soon.”

“I am very proud of KathNiel because it’s hard to have a relationship in the industry when there is so much noise around them. They kept going strong and better every day.”

Since leaving ABS-CBN’s morning show “Magandang Buhay” where she hosted with Melai Cantiveros and Jolina Magdangal for six years, she has been busy doing her duties as Chief Consultant for Social Services for Tingog Partylist and the Office of Speaker Martin Romualdez.

“Once in a while, meron kami communication but right after I left ‘Magandang Buhay’ I became busy for Tingog, so medyo busy ko,” she said, adding that she anticipates seeing them when the opportunity comes. “Someday when we see each other again, it’s like nothing has changed.”

Estrada also praised the talk show’s new host Regine Velasquez who filled her slot after her departure. “Si Ate Reg, she is very natural [in what she does] since we are very talkative and lahat kami momshies we relate to the situation of our guests. It’s important that we work together happily.”

While she may be currently busy with her work in public services, her showbiz career hasn’t paused at all. “I have a new show that I will be hosting, which is to be revealed soon!” she teased.