Carla Elago Ford (born November 21, 1974), better known as Karla Estrada (Tagalog:[ˈkaɾlɐɛsˈtɾada]), is a Filipino 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. She is also known as the mother of actor-singer Daniel Padilla.
In 2016, Estrada signed a 2-year exclusive contract with ABS-CBN.[1]
Early life and career
Karla Estrada was born as Carla Elago Ford on November 21, 1974, in Tacloban City to a Filipino mother and an American father. Shortly thereafter, her father left after being misinformed that Karla had died at birth.[2]
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.[3]
Personal life
Estrada is the mother of Daniel Padilla whom she had at the age of 20; her son's father is Rommel Padilla. Estrada brought Daniel to see Rommel Padilla in prison three years later. She has three other children, Jose Carlito whom she had at the age of 21 with Naldy Padilla, Margaret "Magui" Fiona Ford[4] whose father is a former Quezon City councilor Mike Planas, former Philippine Postal Corporation Chairman,[5][6] who was formerly engaged to "Pat P",[7] and Carmella from a different man.[8]
At age 18, Estrada looked for her father who later apologized for not knowing that her birth was successful. In 2016, she stated that she is on good terms with her father, describing herself as his "carbon copy".[2]
In 2019, Estrada confirmed at Magandang Buhay, she dated her non-showbiz boyfriend Jam Ignacio since June 2019 after breakup with Mark Yatco, her partner since 2017.[9] In August 2024, however, Estrada parted ways with Ignacio who has a new girlfriend, influencer and resident disc jockey base, Jellie AW.[10]
Filmography
Film
Wanted Bata-Batuta (1987)
First Time... Like a Virgin! (1992)
Maricris Sioson: Japayuki (1993)
Kahit May Mahal Ka Nang iba (1993)
Teenage Mama (1993)
Sobra Talaga (1994)
Bala at Lipistik (1994)
The Secrets of Sarah Jane: Sana'y Mapatawad Mo (1994)
