Kapuso actress Carla Abellana recently sat down for a chat with Boy Abunda on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, which aired on June 28, 2024.
During the interview, she opened up about her divorce from fellow actor Tom Rodriguez, sharing her feelings and reflections on moving past the high-profile split.
Read: Carla Abellana on estranged husband's newfound love: "Not any of my concern anymore."
When Boy asked if she has forgiven Tom, Carla's response was clear and genuine: "Definitely po, yes definitely po."
However, forgetting is a different story.
"It doesn't just leave your head, your heart even, even the body," she said, noting that the memories still linger, especially since it hasn't been that long.
Carla confirmed that their separation has been officially recognized by the local court as per the foreign divorce decree, and they haven't spoken since: "We are divorced. Recognized na po yan ng court, local court po natin dito."
On Tom's dating life, she admitted she doesn't know much, saying, "We don't communicate anymore."
Despite the end of their marriage, Carla emphasized that she has completely let go of any anger.
"Ang hirap po nang may bitbit na galit dito po e, di ba? Because life is so short," she reflected.
Holding onto anger, she believes, would only ruin one's health and hinder the process of moving on.
Moreover, the Widows' War lead star expressed her readiness to meet Tom again if the situation arises, though she prefers to avoid small talk.
"Maybe siguro I'll nod. I won't even say hi back. Hindi naman sa ayoko siyang kausapin or what, but as much as possible i-a-avoid ko po yung ganun," she guaranteed.
Read: Carla Abellana undecided about stand on divorce
CARLA LETS GO OF THE PAIN
As for her personal life, Carla revealed that she is not currently prioritizing romantic relationships due to her busy schedule.
Nonetheless, she remains open to possibilities, saying, "Ayokong hanapin or habulin. Whatever comes na lang po along the way. We'll see where it'll take me."
She also noted that to love again, does not necessarily equate to romantic love immediately: "But you know, basically to love life again. To love where I am at this point in life."
Carla explained losing this ability when she went through the separation, reasoning, "It comes with pain, yung heartbreak. Kasama po yun.
"Medyo mahirap pong maging masaya pa rin, optimistic, and mahalin pa rin ang buhay, kapag po talagang malalim at matindi po yung pinagdadaanan.
"But as long as alam nyo pong temporary lang po yun, it will pass, then you'll be okay po."
Read: Kris Aquino rallies on amid health battle; plays matchmaker to Carla Abellana
Looking back on her failed marriage, Carla shared that the experience has made her stronger and wiser, yet also more vulnerable, which she views as a positive change.
She mentioned, "Of course relationships are so important, family is important, marriage is important, it's sacred pa nga po.
"Pero pag hindi na po tama or too much already, hindi na po dapat ipilit pa.
"Hindi naman po sa sinasabi ko na yung mga mag-asawa na hindi po okay ay dapat maghiwalay na po ano.
"[But] if you know there things that already are too painful or hindi na po maayos or ma-resolve, dapat hindi na po siya pinipilit," she asserted.
"Because you might lose yourself, baka maging malala po. Kapag po na marami na pong ibang affected, hindi na po dapat."
Moving forward, she conveyed a hopeful message for her future self, anticipating what else life has in store for her.
When asked if she is now free from the pain of the past year, Carla responded confidently, "Definitely free from the pain. I've let go of that already.
"Hindi na po siya nakakapit. Hindi na po siya naghahabol."
Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez tied the knot on October 23, 2021, after seven years of exclusively dating.
Their romance blossomed from the set of My Husband's Lover (2013). They also acted opposite each other in So It's You (2014), My Destiny (2014), and No Boyfriend Since Birth (2015).
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