Kapuso actor Tom Rodriguez has made a triumphant comeback to the entertainment scene, signaling a fresh start after a challenging period following his separation from former spouse Carla Abellana, which led to him spending more than two years in the United States.
Tom’s return to the Philippines follows his relocation to Arizona, USA in 2022, a decision prompted by his breakup with Carla. Now back on home soil, Tom is eager to dive back into the world of showbiz, which he admits to missing deeply during his time abroad.
Reflecting on his experience in America, Tom shared that it was a time of self-discovery and learning, away from the spotlight of the entertainment industry.
“Simpleng buhay ang naranasan ko sa Amerika at napakarami kong natutunan na life lessons habang naroroon at malayo sa mundo ng showbiz,” Tom said in an interview with “24 Oras” on GMA Network.
During his hiatus, Tom took on household responsibilities, such as cooking and doing laundry, experiences he found surprisingly fulfilling.
“Nawili din ako na when I started taking on responsibilities for myself, maintaining the household, learning to cook, learning to do laundry, ‘yung washing machine tsaka dryer doon, mag-grocery, couponing, all that stuff. Na-enjoy ko,” the actor shared.
In addition to his television projects, Tom is set to return to the theater scene, with a role in the concert version of “Ibarra: The Musical,” scheduled for the second quarter of 2024.
“I’m glad na they offered me this role. I’ve been really yearning to be back into theater and napagbigyan uli,” Tom expressed.
As he reacclimates to life in the Philippines, Tom confessed to feeling somewhat out of touch with social media, but he is making an effort to reconnect with fans through platforms like TikTok.
“Medyo hindi pa ako sanay mag-social media uli. So I’ve been trying to force myself to go back. I’m on TikTok din, I’m starting to push myself out of my comfort zone kasi nakaka-spoil pala ‘yung wala. It’s nice din to reconnect with the people. Kaya I’m trying to push myself to go out of my ermitanyo mode,” he shared.