‘The goddess has arrived’

The Tuviera-owned artist management group, Triple A, was bubbling with excitement as primetime drama star Carla Abellana officially became a part of their prestigious roster during an elegant dinner party at Sampaguita Gardens.

Triple A, short for All Access to Artists, Inc., went all out to roll out the red carpet for Carla’s arrival. “The goddess has arrived,” resounded the voiceover as the porcelain-skinned beauty made her entrance, visibly surprised by the grand reception.

‘Drama Goddess’ Carla Abellana INSTAGRAM PHOTOS/ALLACCESSTOARTISTS.PH 

With her shoulder-length hair and a charming strapless summer dress, Carla appeared youthful and radiant, clearly indicating that she had moved beyond the heartaches and disappointments of her past, especially her brief marriage with Tom Rodriguez. Every inch of her personified the belief that the best is yet to come.

As always, the articulate and straightforward daughter of former matinee idol Rey PJ Abellana did not shy away from any questions. In Philippine showbiz, signing with a new management often raises questions about network transfers, and Carla knew she couldn’t avoid the inquiry about leaving GMA Network for rival ABS-CBN.

Confirming that her contract with GMA had expired last May, Carla affirmed that discussions were ongoing between network executives and Triple A regarding future projects.

When informed about the buzz surrounding Coco Martin’s “Batang Quiapo” on ABS-CBN possibly casting her in the primetime series, she sensibly stated, “For now, there’s no offer for any project with ABS-CBN, but if they approach me or extend an invitation, I’ll be open to it.”

However, Carla reassured her loyal Kapuso fans that there was no need to worry. She emphasized in the interview that loyalty held significant importance to her. If ABS-CBN were to extend an invitation, she admitted that making a decision would be extremely challenging. She would have to balance her loyalty to GMA, where she had made a name for herself, with her career prospects and financial responsibilities.

Triple A CEO and President Michael Tuviera, celebrity hairstylist Celeste Tuviera, Head of Operations Jacqui Cara, and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Finance Officer Jojo Oconer welcome Abellana to the family. 

Whatever the outcome, one of Carla’s most fervent aspirations, which she had already shared with her new management, is the desire to work with a diverse range of actors, not limiting herself to those within the same network. It’s on her bucket list to collaborate with different leading men, including her long-held dream of working with Piolo Pascual.

“Whether it’s in a movie or a TV series, anything!” she exclaimed with a laugh.

In the days or weeks to come, Carla’s fans will undoubtedly be closely watching to see whether she renews her contract with GMA or chooses the path of a freelancer, especially given Triple A’s involvement in TV5 productions.

In the end, having a multitude of options is a positive development for the actress.

When asked how she felt about being referred to as a “goddess,” Carla shared, “I believe it all started with GMA when they began calling me the ‘Primetime Goddess.’ I don’t even know where it came from—maybe from the fans. But I know that since then, GMA has always mentioned it when I have a teleserye, so it stuck around, I guess.”

Nonetheless, Carla doesn’t take the title lightly. Rather than avoiding or denying it, she ensures that her performance aligns as closely as possible with such a grandiose reference.

For those who have missed Carla on the primetime TV block, there’s good news. You can soon catch her in the upcoming TV series “Stolen Life” alongside Gabby Concepcion, set to premiere this November on GMA.