Just one name took the entire crowd at A. Venue Events Hall in Makati City last week to make a loud buzz on GMA Network. And she’s not even a big star yet. The network just introduced her to the advertisers during its GMA Valentine Partnership Party, which, according to Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, was to celebrate and strengthen ties with its valued partners in the trade.

The event was the brainchild of GMA Marketing and Productions Inc., which was actually the network’s way of expressing its gratitude to the advertisers for their continued and unwavering support to the Kapuso Network.

Yet, the buzz was on that pretty lady in a fuchsia strapless gown called on stage when the network presented its upcoming shows for the year.

The shows would be a mix of localized series, new seasons of existing shows, and more innovative shows that the network anticipates would sit well with its loyal viewers.

The young lady was called as the star the network has been waiting for to star in the Filipinization of the Mexican telenovela.

Before she was introduced to the guests at the all-star party, the some members of the audience had the chance to be contestants in Family Feud. Everyone went under the spell of host Richard Gomez who was at the time was extra charming.

The ladies went gaga playing the feisty Proserfina in a game that recreated a scene from the pilot episode of Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking tadyang. Dingdong Dantes had the girls in the audience swooning over him as Homer.

Now, back to the girl in fuchsia, she was Carla Abellana and she was in the spotlight when she was introduced as the star to play the lead role in the localized version of Rosalinda. The former commercial model is the latest artist to join GMA’s stable of dynamic and talented actors and actresses.

A year ago, rumors had it that Marian Rivera (after Marimar and Dyesebel) would return to the telenovela mode. But since she is back on the small screen with perennial leading man Dingdong Dantes in Ang Babaeng Hinugot sa Aking Tadyang, she has given up all aspirations to be the queen of Filipinized Mexican telenovelas.

At the party, along with Kapuso stars, like Richard Gutierrez, Dantes, Regine Velasquez, Robin Padilla, Manny Pacquiao, Richard Gomez, Iza Calzado, Sunshine Dizon, Jean Garcia, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Alfred Vargas, Dennis Trillo, Heart Evangelista, JC de Vera, Rhian Ramos, all of whom went on Full force

GMA’s formidable News and Public Affairs team also came in full force with Mel Tiangco, Jessica Soho, Arnold Clavio, Vicky Morales, Mike Enriquez and Jiggy Manicad leading the pack.

The party saw over a thousand crowd packing the A. Venue Hall. It was a mixed crowd of businessmen, Kapuso artists, and the network’s top officers headed by Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, chairman, president and CEO; Gilberto R. Duavit, EVP and COO; Manuel P. Quiogue, GMA Marketing and Productions president and COO; Joel G. Jimenez, SVP GMA Marketing and Productions; Felipe S. Yalong, SVP for Corporate Services; Wilma V. Galvante, SVP for Entertainment; Marissa L. Flores, SVP for News and Public Affairs; Mike C. Enriquez, SVP for Radio; Marivin Arayata, VP for Entertainment; Butch S. Raquel, VP for Corporate Communications among others.

The event, which carried the theme “Valentine Partnership,” concluded with a huge raffle draw and was hosted by Paolo Bediones.



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HINDI maitatanggi na may hawig kay Ma­rian Rivera ang bagong contract star ng Regal Entertainment na si Carla Abellana, anak ni Rey ‘PJ’ Abellana, at apo ng beteranang aktres na si Delia Razon.


Hindi raw problema kay Carla kung ihambing siya kay Marian, lalo na at magkahawig sila.


“That’s good. Okey lang. She’s somebody I respect. She’s a very good actress. She’s very beautiful!” sabi ni Carla.


Bongga si Carla, dahil tulad ni Marian (na nagtapos ng kolehiyo sa La Salle DasmariƱas), nakapagtapos din siya ng kursong Psychology sa La Salle (Taft Avenue).


Pero, ang pagkakaiba nga lang daw, cum laude siya nu’ng nagtapos siya ng kolehiyo.


Anyway, tulad ni Marian, beterana na rin si Carla sa paggawa ng commercials. Sa tantiya ni Carla, mahigit sa 10 na ang commercials na nagawa niya.


Ikinuwento rin ni Carla na masaya ang Lola Delia niya na pinasok na rin niya ang showbiz.


“She’s happy! When she found out, ang laki ng smile niya,” say pa ni Carla.


Sina Richard Gutierrez at Dingdong Dantes ang mga type makapareha ni Carla sa mga gagawin niyang project.


Anyway, naging tea­cher din ng mga bata si Carla, kaya alam niya ang kiliti ng mga bata. At giit ni Carla, galing daw siya sa konserbatibong pamilya, kaya hin­ding-hindi raw siya magpapakita ng alindog sa harap ng kamera.


Pero, kung ganda at husay magsalita ang pagbabasehan, tila palaban nga si Carla kay Marian.


Siyanga pala, ang da­ting player ng Ateneo, at player na ngayon ng Ba­rangay Ginebra na si JC Intal ang madalas na nakaka-date ni Carla ngayon.



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The Internet was suddenly abuzz about Carla Abellana's name being attached to the 'Rosalinda' project during GMA's trade launch last February. Sino nga ba siya at saan siya nanggaling? Makikilala niyo na siya—dito sa iGMA. Text by Jason John S. Lim. Photos by Mitch S. Mauricio.

Question #1: Paano napili si Carla Abellana para maging Rosalinda?

stars"Well sa napanood naming casting tapes, maliwanag na maliwanag ang potential ni Carla," sagot ni Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr., Vice President and Chief Operating Officer ng GMA Network. "We are very pleased and very happy na siya ay isang Kapuso ngayon. And well, ang programa na una niyang gaganapan ay isang prime time soap of which we are also very, very excited about."

Casting tapes? Carla, iGMA found out, was one of the girls na nag-audtion for the leading lady role sa Zorro.

Atty. Felipe L. Gozon, Chairman and President and CEO of the network, says, "Nakita ng grupo ang malaking potential ni Carla Abellana para maging isang malaking star. Kaya't tayo ay natutuwa na happy naman siya sa ating pagiging Kapuso."

Ms. Wilma V. Galvante, Senior Vice President for Entertainment, explains, "Kasi si Carla, ang ganda ng face niya. We saw the potential in her, we saw the opportunity of building a good actress in her."

Question #2: Ano ang masasabi ni Carla sa kanyang pagkakapili na gumanap bilang Rosalinda?

"Very, very excited," sagot ng dalaga. During her contract-signing, umamin si Carla na talagang kinabahan daw siya. "Pero 'pag salubong sa akin kaagad ng mga tao, very welcoming sila, very hospitable—they're all very nice. So lalo akong na-excite."

And of course, she's very thankful din daw: "Kasi it came as a surprise, eh," Carla says. "It's such a big project—right away Rosalinda 'yung binigay. So unang-una, I was surprised. And then I got excited, tapos dumating 'yung pressure tsaka 'yung kaba—which is just natural, 'di ba?"

Dagdag pa niya na Rosalinda is such a big blessing that she wants to prepare herself for the role: "Workshops, singing lessons, dancing lessons—whatever it has to take to prepare for that role; I'll go to the gym, I'll do whatever to prepare for that role."

Question #3: Kaya ba ni Carla na maging Pinay Rosalinda?

Miss Wilma reveals that Carla is currently undergoing an acting workshop with Director Joel Lamangan, bukod pa ito sa dance and voice workshops that the actress is also going through. Why?

"Si Rosalinda, kumakanta 'yan," Miss Wilma says. "[Carla] sings, pero kailangan pang hasain."

starsShe continues na in Rosalinda, the titular character must go through the stages of fame—and for that, they will need a fresh face that the audience will root for, "so parang bini-build up [din] natin siya sa ganoon."

But, she continues, Carla will not be coming out of nowhere naman. "Marami nang nakakita sa kanya sa mga commercials," Miss Wilma shares. And if people are worried that Carla might not be able to carry her own show, Miss Wilma wants to put their fears to rest. "Lagi naman, 'pag tayo gumagawa, [binibigyan natin ang show ng] all-star cast." For Carla to shine, Miss Wilma says, "[kailangan] bibigyan mo ng tamang support."

And all-star cast that would support Carla would include Fernando Jose, right? Ready na ba si Miss Wilma to announce who will become Carla's very first leading man?

Natatawang sagot ni Miss Wilma, "We cannot announce that yet. [Maybe] next time."

Question #4: Kung si Carla ang pipili, who would she want to be her Fernando Jose?

"Anybody!" Carla answers excitedly. For Carla, it's the network's decision who they think is the best fit for her, the best actor na makapagpapalabas ng galing niya sa pag-arte. So to ask her kung sino ang gusto niyang maka-pareha, she says, "I'm really open to anybody."

"Excited [na ako] kung sino man ['yung magiging Fernando Jose]," she ends.

Though asked kung meron ba siyang type sa showbiz, Carla says she has a preference for the "tall, dark, and handsome ones." Qualities perfect for Fernando Jose, don't you think? Well, kung sino man ang gaganap sa leading man ni Rosalinda, find it out here sa iGMA soon. And siyempre, get to know Carla more din sa mga future articles and features ng iGMA sa kanya!

Rosalinda, according to Miss Wilma Galvante, will start pre-production this May.


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Carla Abellana, the daughter of actor Rey “PJ” Abellana finally signed an exclusive contract on GMA 7 yesterday. Present at the event was President/Chairman/CEO of GMA, Atty. Felipe Gozon, Executive Vice President and COO Gilberto Duavit Jr. and SVP for Entertainment Wilma Galvante.
Carla Abellana
Carla was wearing a green dress with a glossy layer. How coincidental that SVP Wilma Galvante and Carla wore the same color, is it a good indication of luck? Anyway, after watching the report of Chika Minute regarding Carla’s contract signing, we can’t help but remember the time when Marian Rivera was in the same position of being introduced to the public as the newest leading lady of the Kapuso Station. And what’s more interesting was, it’s also an original Thalia soap as Carla is set to play as Rosalinda in the upcoming remake of GMA.

Carla Abellana“Nakita ng grupo ang malaking potential ni Carla Abellana para maging isang malaking star sa GMA. Kaya’t tayo’y natutuwa na happy naman siya sa pagiging kapuso.” Atty. Gozon related.

Carla is a 21 year old Psychology graduate from the De La Salle University. She once worked as a pre-school teacher. She started her dodge into showbiz after doing some commercials. “Never naman ako pinagbawalan din. At the same time ng daddy ko, so you know, when he found out that I was about to enter showbizness, he was actually very excited also. Gusto niya na i ga-guide niya pa ako. When I came here, kinabahan pa ako at first eh. Pero pagsalubong sa akin agad ng mga tao, very very welcoming sila ano.. very hospitable, they are all very nice. Lalo akong na excite, very happy!” Carla expounded.

GMA is really good in surprising the public! Another star was born yesterday.

sassyqarla.com


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HINDI maitatanggi na may hawig kay Ma­rian Rivera ang bagong contract star ng Regal Entertainment na si Carla Abellana, anak ni Rey ‘PJ’ Abellana, at apo ng beteranang aktres na si Delia Razon. Hindi raw problema kay Carla kung ihambing siya kay Marian, lalo na at magkahawig sila. “That’s good. Okey lang. She’s somebody I respect. She’s a very good actress. She’s very beautiful!” sabi ni Carla.

Bongga si Carla, dahil tulad ni Marian (na nagtapos ng kolehiyo sa La Salle DasmariƱas), nakapagtapos din siya ng kursong Psychology sa La Salle (Taft Avenue). Pero, ang pagkakaiba nga lang daw, cum laude siya nu’ng nagtapos siya ng kolehiyo.

Anyway, tulad ni Marian, beterana na rin si Carla sa paggawa ng commercials. Sa tantiya ni Carla, mahigit sa 10 na ang commercials na nagawa niya. Ikinuwento rin ni Carla na masaya ang Lola Delia niya na pinasok na rin niya ang showbiz. “She’s happy! When she found out, ang laki ng smile niya,” say pa ni Carla. Sina Richard Gutierrez at Dingdong Dantes ang mga type makapareha ni Carla sa mga gagawin niyang project.

Anyway, naging tea­cher din ng mga bata si Carla, kaya alam niya ang kiliti ng mga bata. At giit ni Carla, galing daw siya sa konserbatibong pamilya, kaya hin­ding-hindi raw siya magpapakita ng alindog sa harap ng kamera. Pero, kung ganda at husay magsalita ang pagbabasehan, tila palaban nga si Carla kay Marian. Siyanga pala, ang da­ting player ng Ateneo, at player na ngayon ng Ba­rangay Ginebra na si JC Intal ang madalas na nakaka-date ni Carla ngayon.

carla abellana


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Carla Abellana


















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Pumirma na ng exclusive contract sa GMA Network ang dalaga na gaganap bilang Pinay "Rosalinda."




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Why did you enter showbiz?

Unang-una, it's an opportunity that was extended to me…I joined show business because in life you only get offered such a big opportunity once…It's such a once in a lifetime experience.

What was the toughest challenge you had to face?
Marami! So far, the toughest challenge I had to face, I think was college kasi nahirapan ako when I was in college. [‘Yung] adjustment ko took a long time also, because my school was also very far from my house. I was taken out of my comfort place...College is not a joke, di ba? But eventually, I graduated with honors. Thankful naman [ako] na it was all worth it.

What is your biggest frustration or regret?
I don't regret naman anything, pero I'm a frustrated singer. Not that I'm bad at singing, but I'm shy pagdating sa singing kaya medyo kabado pa ako…I can dance, walang problema, ‘yung singing lang medyo shy ako.

What is your most unforgettable experience?
Graduating with honors nung college, ‘yung time na I was called up on stage, I was announced cum laude, my mom pinned the medal on my chest – ‘yun ‘yung pinaka-unforgettable talaga. Doon ko na-feel na worth it lahat ng pinaghirapan ko nung college.

What are you most proud of?
Definitely how my parents and my grandmother brought me up. It's definitely how they raised me with so much values…And number one is my mom talaga -- how she raised me, how she worked hard for our family.

What are your limitations?
‘Yung sexy-sexy, the ones in bikini, ayaw ko ‘yan. I'm shy…Okay na yung dresses, and mga fitted [clothes], as long as covered pa rin, none of the sexy roles in bikinis, none of the posing in magazines -- no talaga! My lola will kill me!

Describe yourself in three words.
Versatile, resilient and easy-to-get-along-with. ... Actually hindi word yun a! Approachable, ‘yun na lang.

What are your fears?
Unang-una, intriga, but I recognize the fact that it's part of show business, that it's part of an actor and actress's life. ‘Yung mga intrigues lang that are not true, or that are not real, ‘yun takot ako doon. And siyempre, my reputation to be ruined, that's what I'm scared of.

What is your biggest dream?
My biggest dream is that I want to give back to my mom…Before I provide for myself or whatever, it's my mom and my lola also. And then for my sister and my brother, and then for myself…Perhaps buy my mom a house one day, kahit a townhouse, that's her dream. Very simple lang.


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1. Grey's Anatomy can get her glued to the TV, but she hasn’t been able to watch it regularly.

2. Brad Pitt makes her swoon “kasi he's the type na habang tumatanda, lalong guma-gwapo.”

3. "Because of You" by Brian McKnight is a memorable song because she sang it during her high school prom.

4. She loves reading the work of Gabriel Garcia Marquez, winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature.

5. Her most recent memorable experience was when she took the G-Max challenge (or reverse bungee) in Singapore with her mom and sister.

6. She loves to watch films and her favorites include Cruel Intentions, Marley and Me, 16 Candles, The Joy Luck Club.

7. Her fashion must-have is a little black dress.

8. She isn’t into sports, but she’s into cheerleading and watches basketball.

9. Her role model is her grandmother, veteran actress Delia Razon.

10. She loves spending her free time at the spa with her mom and her sister.


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Hindi pa man sikat at nagsisimula sa kanyang unang proyekto sa telebisyon ay mukhang nakuha na ni Carla Abellana ang curiosity ng mga manonood at ang importante ay ang mga advertisers.

This is another goldmine for the Kapuso network.

I just observed that GMA 7 is experimenting on how they introduce their newest talents and/or soap operas. During the launching of Marian Rivera as Marimar, the media talked much about the audition process. Yung Darna noon ni Angel Locsin, nagtagumpay sila sa pagtatago ng identity ng gaganap. Na-curious ang mga tao. This time with Carla, agad naman nilang ipinakilala sa public.

GMA is indeed doing a great job. Hindi sila natatakot mag-experiment at talaga namang may variation sa kanilang promotion and marketing. At naging tagumpay sila sa lahat nito. Sana nga ay maging another big star in the making itong si Carla.

Hindi na lingid sa inyo kung sino si Carla Abellana. Nabasa niyo na ito sa lahat ng entertainment columns. At kung kayo ay nanonood noong late 80's to early 90's, hindi kayo magkakamaling isipin na hawig siya kay Rey PJ Abellana dahil siya mismo ang tatay niya. Carla is a carbon copy of his father.

Maganda si Carla na hawig din kay Marian Rivera. Minsan meron siyang anggulong parang si Dawn Zulueta, Gretchen Barreto at Cristina Gonzales. Bagay siyang gumanap bilang si Rosalinda, ang pangunahing karakter ng sikat na Mexican soap opera na gagawin ng GMA. Marami ang nagpapahayag ng kanilang interest sa bagong Rosalinda at swerte ang Kapuso dahil nakuha na naman nila ang attention ng mga advertisers.

Hindi masama kung mag-try ng ibang talent ang GMA for Rosalinda kahit marami rin ang may gustong si Marian Rivera pa rin dapat ang gumanap nito. Malaki ang potensiyal ng bata at madadagdagan uli ng isa namang bankable female star ang Channel 7. Lalo titibay ang kanilang pangunguna sa ratings game.

As for the fans of Marian Rivera, hindi rin masama na hindi siya ang gaganap as Rosalinda dahil mas malaki na ang chance na sa kanya mapupunta ang role ng Darna kapag ginawa na ng mother studio nito ang Darna Meets Captain Barbell. Bagay sila ni Richard Gutierrez dito. Siguradong giyera na naman ito sa ratings game.


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Carla Abellana

GMA-7 announced on Feb. 2 that a new star is born in the person of Carla Abellana who will star in the Pinoy Version of the hit telenovela, “Rosalinda.” Carla Abellana is the 20-year-old daughter of ’80s heartthrob Rey “PJ” Abellana.

Before this, Carla Abellana has been known to dabble into showbiz appearing in TV commercials, notable of which is her Palmolive commercial. She is said to be dating cager JC Intal of the Barangay Ginebra Kings of the Philippine Basketball Association. JC Intal previously played for Air21 Express and the Ateneo de Manila University. Carla Abellana is a graduate of De La Salle University-Manila majoring in Psychology. Aside from this GMA 7 major Philippine Showbiz breakthrough, Carla Abellana also signed a 12-movie contract with Regal Entertainment.


Carla Abellana

So with this news, all speculations as to Angel Locsin playing Rosalinda on ABS-CBN has now been put to rest since GMA-7 had earlier announced that it had bought the rights to Marimar and Rosalinda respectively. Many believed that after that GMA 7 declaration, the Pinoy Rosalinda project would be given to Marian Rivera but GMA 7 bigwigs apparently have other plans.

So, will Carla Abellana equal or even surpass what Marian Rivera has attained so far? Just like her (meaning an unknown), Marian was a bit player in many GMA 7 soaps before getting the breakthrough role of Marimar.


Carla Abellana



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Amazing. I'm completely fascinated by the world of business as it relates to entertainment, and I have to say that what I tell you guys about is an extremely smart business move on the part of GMA7.

So the remake of Marimar is doing extremely well on GMA7 getting top ratings every night with an average 40% ratings ranking it #1 week after week since it's debut last month, and ABS-CBN just recently announced it's plans to replicate that success with Angel Locsin as Rosalinda, another one of Thalia's blockbuster telenovelas that made it big in the Philippines.

Well, GMA7 seeing the success of what is probably now the newest trend in Philippine television: to remake Thalia's telenovelas, was smart and seized the opportunity and contacted Televisa to purchase the rights to remake Rosalinda. It was inked in pen, the deal was closed, and also the opportunity for ABS-CBN to cash in on what would've been a grand cash cow, now belongs to GMA.

If you guys remember, Rosalinda was and continues to be the highest rated television show in history on Filipino television with a 70% ratings. No show since has ever been able to beat those ratings, with the exception of Manny Pacquio's fight, but that doesn't count since it's not a scripted television show.

Thalia and Fernando Carrillo visited the Philippines during that time, the effect of which millions of Filipinos lined up the streets just to see their television heroes.



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I think it was last week when I first saw Carla Abellana on TV Patrol. My first impression was simply, she looks like Marian Rivera! Guess what she thinks when compared to Marian Rivera? Her only answer was, "I graduated as Cum Laude", hehe. Is that an implied sarcasm?

And behold, she was introduced as the next big star of GMA primetime. How is that possible? She'll only play the role of Thalia in Rosalinda. Yep, you got it right. Carla Abellana is the Pinay Rosalinda.

So who really is Carla Abellana? She's the daughter of the veteran actor Rey 'PJ' Abellana. She does modelling and also appeared on Jollibee Ice Craze commercial. She is also currently dating PBA Basketeer JC Intal.

Intrigued about Carla Abellana. Check the rest Carla Abellana photos inside ->

Carla AbellanaCarla Abellana really looks like Marian Rivera in this photo, agree?


Carla Abellana as RosalindaRegine Angeles or Bangs Garcia?


Carla Abellana PicturesCarla Abellana imagesCarla Abellana GMA StarCarla Abellana photoCarla Abellana pictureCarla-Abellana


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Twenty yrs. old commercial model Carla Abellana is geared to become the next big star of GMA-7 Kapuso Channel, after they announced that she will play the title role in the Pinoy version of the sensational Mexican telenovela Rosalinda.

Carla Abellana who earlier signed a 12 movie contract with Regal Entertainment is the daughter of ’80's star Rey “PJ” Abellana. Carla Abellana is a graduate of De La Salle University with a degree in Psychology.

Rosalinda aired on ABS-CBN back in 1999 & re-runs are aired on GMA-7.


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carla abellanaPersonal

  • Real Name: Carla Abellana
  • Screen Name: Carla Abellana
  • Profession: Actress, Model
  • Birthday: June 12, 1986

Family Background

  • Carla Abellana is the youngest daughter of Rey “PJ” Abellana (famous actor in the 80’s) and Rhea Reyes.
  • She graduated in De La Salle University with the course of a Cum Laude
  • Carla is also the grand daughter of Delia Razon, a famous actress in the 50’s.
  • Her boyfriend, JC Intal, was an Ateneo cager.

Career

  • Carla Abellana was first seen on a shampoo commercial.
  • In February 2, 2009, GMA Network announced that Carla will be portraying Rosalinda in the Philippine remake of the hit Mexican Telenovela.
  • Rosalinda is a trilogy of Thalia’s telenovela including Marimar and Maria Mercedes.
  • Rosalinda is expected to air this May or June, 2009 on GMA Telebabad.
  • Carla recently signed 12 films exclusive contract under Regal Entertainment.
  • She’s gonna be doing her first movie this 2009 under Regal Films.


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