Karla Estrada


Carla Elago Ford, known professionally as Karla Estrada, is a Filipino-American actress, singer, television host, and comedian. She is best known for hosting the talk shows Magandang Buhay and Face 2 Face for ABS-CBN and TV5, respectively, as well as the variety show Chibugan Na! for RPN. She is also known as the mother of actor-singer Daniel Padilla.
In 2016, Estrada signed a 2-year exclusive contract with ABS-CBN.

Early life and career

Karla Estrada was born Carla Elago Ford on November 21, 1974, in Tacloban City, Leyte, to a Filipino mother and an American father. Shortly thereafter, her father left after being misinformed that she had died at birth. Her younger cousin is actor Antonio Aquitania.
According to an episode in Maalaala Mo Kaya featuring accounts on her life, Estrada was born to a rich family but was forced to move to Tacloban after the death of her grandfather, who was responsible for most of the livelihood of the family. Estrada aspired to become an actress since childhood and joined singing competitions. She was discovered by a talent manager in Quezon City, which led to her appearance in That's Entertainment.

Personal life

Estrada is the mother of Daniel Padilla whom she had at the age of 20 with Rommel Padilla. Estrada brought Daniel to see Rommel Padilla during his prison sentence three years later. She has three more children: Jose Carlito "JC", whom she had at the age of 21 with Naldy Padilla; Margaret "Magui" Fiona Ford, whose father is former Quezon City Councilor and sometime Philippine Postal Corporation Chairman Mike Planas, who was already separated from Pat-P Daza; and Carmella, with a non-showbiz father. She has one grandson, Claudio, by her second son, JC.
At age 18, Estrada searched for her father who later apologized for not knowing she had survived infancy. In 2016, she stated she is on good terms with her father, describing herself as his "carbon copy".
In 2019, Estrada confirmed on Magandang Buhay she dated her non-showbiz boyfriend Jam Ignacio since June that year after her breakup with Mark Yatco, who was her partner since 2017. In August 2024, however, Estrada parted ways with Ignacio who has a new girlfriend, influencer and resident disc jockey base, Jellie AW.

Filmography

Film

  • Wanted Bata-Batuta
  • First Time... Like a Virgin!
  • Maricris Sioson: Japayuki
  • Kahit May Mahal Ka Nang iba
  • Teenage Mama
  • Sobra Talaga
  • Bala at Lipistik
  • The Secrets of Sarah Jane: Sana'y Mapatawad Mo
  • Kakaibang Karisma
  • Masarap ang Unang Kagat
  • Banatan
  • Sa Iyo ang Sarap, Akin ang Hirap
  • Markova: Comfort Gay – Markova's talent for Japan
  • Kung Ikaw Ay Isang Panaginip – Bebang/Bisaya
  • Super Noypi – Thelma
  • Bahay Kubo: A Pinoy Mano Po! – Loida
  • Loving You – Lina
  • Pipo
  • Pagnanasa
  • This Guy's in Love with U Mare! – Mike's mom
  • Palad Ta ang Nagbuot
  • Sa Ngalan ng Ama, Ina, at mga Anak – Erning's wife
  • Moron 5.2: The Transformation – Doctor 1
  • Beauty and the Bestie – Barbara "Ms. Barney" Clooney
  • Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad – Peppa/Barna
  • Familia Blondina
  • Momshies! Ang Soul Mo'y Akin!
  • ''Maid in Malacañang''

    Television

Radio