METRO MANILA — In a turn of events that feels ripped from the pages of a romantic novel, the Philippine entertainment industry is celebrating a massive milestone for one of its most beloved leading ladies. After a highly publicized heartbreak and a quiet journey toward healing, Kapuso actress Carla Abellana has officially tied the knot with her high school sweetheart, Dr. Reginald “Redge” Santos.
The wedding, which took place on December 27, 2025, marks a definitive new chapter for Abellana. It serves as a powerful testament to the idea that love, when meant to be, will always find its way back. For the fans who have followed her career from her breakthrough roles to her personal struggles, this union is not just a celebrity update—it is a “second chance at forever” that has resonated deeply across the nation.
A Private Ceremony in Alfonso, Cavite
Far removed from the glitz and chaotic glamour often associated with showbiz nuptials, Abellana and Santos chose to exchange vows in the serenity of Alfonso, Cavite. The venue, identified as the picturesque Almond Garden Tagaytay, provided the perfect backdrop for what the couple described as an intimate and “grounded” celebration.
The ceremony was kept strictly confidential until the couple was ready to share their joy with the public. This discretion stands in stark contrast to the noise that surrounded Abellana’s previous separation, highlighting her desire to protect the sanctity of this new union.
Abellana walked down the aisle looking radiant in a classic gown by renowned designer Rosa Clará. The dress, described as minimalist yet elegant, featured a floral-appliquéd veil that added a touch of romance to the solemn occasion. Dr. Santos matched her elegance in a sharp, cream-colored tuxedo.
Witnesses to the event described the atmosphere as emotionally charged but incredibly peaceful. It was a gathering of only the closest family and friends, a circle of trust that allowed the couple to be their most authentic selves.
The Groom: Who is Dr. Reginald Santos?
Since the news broke, the question on everyone’s lips has been: Who is the man who captured Carla Abellana’s heart?
Dr. Reginald Santos is not a figure from the entertainment world, which many sources cite as a breath of fresh air for the actress. He is a medical professional and, more importantly, holds the title of Abellana’s “first love.”
The couple’s history dates back over two decades. They were students at OB Montessori in San Juan, where they first dated. Santos was a senior (fourth year) while Abellana was a freshman (first year). Their teenage romance lasted roughly two years before life took them in different directions—Abellana toward stardom and Santos toward medical school.
In her wedding vows, which were partly shared in a same-day edit video by Mayad Studios, Abellana touched on this history with profound emotion. She referred to Santos as her “first and last,” acknowledging the twenty-year gap as a necessary journey that allowed them to grow into the people they needed to be for one another.
The Reconnection: A Christmas Miracle?
The rekindling of their romance was not an orchestrated event but a simple twist of fate. According to Abellana in recent interviews, the two reconnected around the holiday season of 2022 or 2023.
It began with a simple, platonic greeting from Dr. Santos—a “Merry Christmas” message sent via social media. At the time, Abellana was in a fragile state, navigating the aftermath of her divorce from actor Tom Rodriguez. She admitted that she had built emotional walls and was hesitant to trust anyone new.
However, the familiarity of Santos disarmed her fears. “It felt familiar. It wasn’t messy or uncertain. It was real. It was healthy,” Abellana shared.
The courtship was slow and respectful. Santos did not rush the actress, understanding the trauma she had endured from her previous failed marriage. It took months before Abellana agreed to a formal date, but Santos’s patience eventually paid off. This “slow burn” romance allowed them to build a foundation of friendship and trust that had been missing in Abellana’s life for some time.
Vows That Made the Nation Cry
The emotional core of the wedding was undoubtedly the exchange of vows. Abellana, known for her eloquence, did not shy away from addressing the pain of her past while celebrating her present joy.
“Thank you, Lord, most importantly, for now giving me the clearest answer to all my painful whys,” Abellana said, fighting back tears. This line resonated instantly with netizens, many of whom interpreted it as her closure regarding the turbulent end of her marriage to Rodriguez.
She continued, “Just when I stopped looking for anything or anyone, life surprised me in the most unexpected way… Who would have known it was still going to be us in the end?”
Dr. Santos’s vows were equally moving. He recalled their youth, saying, “I can still vividly remember. We were in high school. We were young back then. We fell in love, and then life had interim plans for us.”
He emphasized that their time apart was necessary for their growth: “We reconnected at the perfect time. We are now the best versions of ourselves.”
Moving On with Humor and Grace
One of the most refreshing aspects of this new chapter is Abellana’s ability to laugh again. In the weeks following the wedding, she has shown a lighter side to the press.
During a guest appearance on “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” shortly after the nuptials, Abellana jokingly remarked about her “marriage record.” Referring to her short-lived union with Rodriguez, she quipped that she is looking forward to “beating her personal record” for marriage duration.
“Sabi ko nga najojoke ako so far we’re married [for] two weeks so konti nalang mabeat ko yung record ko dati,” she laughed. (I joked that so far we’ve been married for two weeks, so I’m close to beating my old record.)
This self-deprecating humor signals a significant shift in her demeanor. Where there was once tension and sadness, there is now confidence and the ability to look back at the past without bitterness.
Public Reaction and Netizen Support
The “AlDub” or “DongYan” phenomenon proves that Filipinos are deeply invested in the love lives of their celebrities. The Abellana-Santos union has been met with overwhelming positivity.
Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook have been flooded with congratulatory messages. The narrative of the “high school sweetheart” is a powerful trope in Filipino culture, representing purity and destiny. Fans have praised Abellana for maintaining her dignity throughout her public ordeal and for finding a partner who offers stability and privacy.
Many have also pointed out the contrast between her two weddings. While her wedding to Rodriguez was a massive, highly publicized showbiz event, her wedding to Santos was quiet, grounded, and focused on the sacrament rather than the spectacle. For many observers, this shift indicates maturity and a realignment of priorities.
The Significance of 2026 for Carla Abellana
As 2026 begins, Carla Abellana stands at a unique vantage point. She has successfully successfully navigated the stormy waters of a public annulment/divorce process (recognized via US courts and local recognition) and has re-emerged not as a victim, but as a victor in her own life story.
Professionally, this stability is expected to translate into her work. With the emotional turbulence behind her, industry insiders predict a strong year for the actress, who can now focus entirely on her craft without the distraction of personal drama.
The story of Carla Abellana and Dr. Reginald Santos is more than just a wedding news update. It is a narrative of resilience. It reminds the public that “interim plans”—the heartbreaks, the failures, and the detours—are often just preparations for the destination that was waiting all along.
For Carla Abellana, the long road home has finally led her back to where she started: in the arms of her first love.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who is Carla Abellana’s new husband? Carla Abellana’s husband is Dr. Reginald “Redge” Santos. He is a medical doctor and was Carla’s high school boyfriend and first love. They were schoolmates at OB Montessori in San Juan.
2. When and where did Carla Abellana get married? The couple tied the knot on December 27, 2025. The ceremony was held at the Almond Garden Tagaytay in Alfonso, Cavite.
3. Did Carla Abellana and Dr. Reginald Santos have a child together before marriage? No. There are no reports of the couple having children together prior to the wedding. Their relationship was rekindled around 2022/2023, and they have kept their dating life very private until the wedding.
4. Is Carla Abellana’s marriage to Tom Rodriguez officially annulled? Carla Abellana and Tom Rodriguez were divorced in the United States (where Rodriguez is a citizen). In the Philippines, judicial recognition of a foreign divorce is required to allow the Filipino spouse to remarry. Abellana has successfully navigated the legal processes allowing her to marry Dr. Santos.
5. How long did Carla Abellana and Dr. Reginald Santos date before getting married? The couple dated for roughly two years during high school (over 20 years ago). They reconnected in late 2022 or early 2023 and dated for about two years as adults before getting married in December 2025.