Carla Abellana Opens Up About Rekindled Romance with Dr. Reginald Santos
In a heartfelt revelation on "Fast Talk With Boy Abunda," actress Carla Abellana shared the touching story of how her relationship with Dr. Reginald Santos began, rooted in their shared history as high school sweethearts at OB Montessori in San Juan.
High School Sweethearts: A Love Story Begins
"Three batches higher po siya sa akin. So, first year ako and he was in fourth year high school," Abellana recalled during Wednesday's interview. The actress confirmed that Santos was not only her schoolmate but also her very first boyfriend and first love.
Their young romance lasted approximately two years before circumstances forced them apart. "Na-break po kami because he had to really focus on his studies. Kasi, of course, he was serious about med school," she explained.
The breakup was particularly difficult for the young Abellana. "Sobrang hirap po nun sa akin. Umiyak ako siyempre kasi hindi naman ganoon ka-broad ang pag-iisip ko that time. A break-up is a break-up," she admitted with characteristic honesty.
An Amicable Parting
Despite the pain, Abellana emphasized that their separation was respectful and mature. "It wasn't a bad breakup. It's not like, galit po kami sa isa't isa or anything. So maayos naman po. We left, we parted ways in good terms," she clarified.
"Disente po. Maayos po. At saka, wala pong bad blood. Walang tampuhan. Walang galit sa isa't-isa," she added, demonstrating the values of respect and understanding that characterize Filipino relationships at their best.
However, the former couple did not maintain contact after their breakup. "Wala pong reunions. Hindi po kami nagkita or anything. Walang kamustahan. Walang anything na ganoon," Abellana revealed.
Divine Timing: A Christmas Greeting Changes Everything
Years later, following Abellana's difficult divorce from Tom Rodriguez, Santos reached out during her most vulnerable period. "Siguro mga 2022 or 2023 na Christmas. Out of the blue, nag-greet lang siya through private message sa social media ng 'Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.' Of course I greeted him back," she narrated.
The actress described her initial reaction with genuine surprise: "Naano lang ako na, 'it's you'! Hello again. It's been so long. I didn't think of it in any other way."
Their renewed communication began slowly and naturally. After exchanging messages on social media, they discovered they still had each other's contact numbers and transitioned to more direct communication.
Healing Hearts: The Long Road to Trust
Abellana candidly shared her emotional state during this period of reconnection. "At that time, honestly, I was very vulnerable. May wall pa ako. Talagang nagtayo ako ng wall. I was very doubtful of people," she explained.
"Medyo mahirap pa ako mag-trust sa paligid. I didn't welcome men or suitors or date or anything back then. Talagang medyo may guard, may wall pa ako," she added, illustrating the careful process of emotional healing.
Santos demonstrated remarkable patience and respect for her boundaries. "It took months bago ako naging ready na lumabas on a date. Medyo nakailang attempts siya," Abellana recalled.
"Hindi siya yung type na namilit. He wasn't that persistent. Parang sa kaniya, depende sayo kung kelan ka ready. Any time you are ready. Hindi siya namilit, he let me decide," she said, praising his gentlemanly approach.
This story of patience, respect, and second chances resonates deeply with Filipino values of understanding, forgiveness, and the belief that God's timing is perfect. As Abellana noted, "May reason po yan si God."
The actress's openness about her journey from heartbreak to healing offers hope and inspiration to many Filipinos navigating their own relationship challenges, demonstrating that sometimes the most beautiful love stories are those that come full circle.