In the world of showbiz, it is inevitable that every detail of a big event is noticed, praised, or even criticized by the public. One of the most anticipated events is the wedding of famous personalities. Here, every element—from the gown, venue, food, and even the wedding cake—is subjected to intense scrutiny by the public. Recently, the wedding of Kapuso Goddess Carla Abellana to her first love and high school sweetheart Dr. Reginald Santos became the talk of the town, not only because of the beauty of the ceremony, but also because of a controversial joke from actor Janus Del Prado regarding their wedding cake.

The Root of the Issue: “Cake or Coffin?”

The otherwise happy discussion about the wedding turned into a bit of intrigue when Janus Del Prado posted a photo of Carla and Dr. Red’s wedding cake. The cake in question was not the traditional tall, layered design that many are used to. Instead, it was a long, rectangular “slab cake” or “sheet cake” decorated with flowers.

In his social media post, Janus joked and compared the appearance of the cake to a coffin. In his caption, the actor jokingly asked, “Cake, ba’t mo kami iwina?” as if he was talking to a deceased person. His insinuation didn’t end there, as he added, “All we need is a chicken,” which is a direct reference to the tradition of funerals or wakes in the Philippines. He further said that what was ordered was a cake, but what was given was a “wake” or wake, because of its coffin-like shape.

This type of comment, although it may be considered “dark humor” by some, quickly spread and garnered mixed reactions from netizens. For many, the shape of the cake was indeed unique, but comparing it to a symbol of death on a wedding day seems like a big “no-no” in Filipino culture.

Netizens’ Reaction: Rude or Just Joking?

Public opinion was immediately divided after Janus’ post. On the one hand, there were netizens who jumped on the joke and laughed at the actor’s observation. They said that Janus had a point because of the “rectangular” shape and white color of the cake surrounded by flowers, which at first glance could be mistaken for a coffin. For them, this is simple “Filipino humor” that should not be taken seriously.

However, many were more subdued and called Janus’s actions “disrespectful,” “tackless,” and “unnecessary.” Critics emphasized that a wedding is a sacred occasion and that joking about the dead or the coffin is considered bad luck or a “bad omen.” Many said that no matter how close or well-known they are as artists, there should still be limits when it comes to joking, especially on such a special day for a newlywed.

Some of the comments called the actor “bitter” or “just trying to get attention.” According to them, if he had nothing good to say, it would be better for him to just keep quiet than ruin the “good vibes” of the celebration. The word “delicadeza” was mentioned repeatedly by netizens, reminding them that not everything should be made fun of on social media.

Carla Abellana’s “Classy” Answer

Amidst the noise and criticism, the bride herself, Carla Abellana, ended the conversation with a very elegant and calm response. She did not show anger or irritation in the comment section. Instead, she answered the issue directly but respectfully.

According to Carla, the cake was “delicious” and “fully edible.” She was proud that their guests enjoyed the taste, and for her and her husband, the cake was beautiful and that was the most important thing. Her response shows her “breeding” and sophistication. She did not criticize the negative aspect of the joke; instead, she focused on the positive experience of their guests and the practicality of their decision.

The term “Sinupalpal” became a buzzword among fans, because with Carla’s simple statement, negative speculations stopped and she was able to show that she is not affected by “bashers” or negative comments, even if they come from fellow artists.

The Concept of “Sheet Cakes” and Modern Weddings

This issue also opened up a discussion about the changing trends in weddings. The “slab cake” or “sheet cake” has long been a trend in other countries and is gradually being accepted in the Philippines due to its practicality. It is easier to slice and distribute to guests compared to towering fondant cakes that sometimes have only styrofoam inside.

Some experts and wedding coordinators explained that Carla’s cake design is called “unconventional” but reflects the couple’s personality—simple, practical, and authentic. In modern times, many couples are straying from tradition and choosing things that make them happy, even if it doesn’t suit most people’s tastes.

As one netizen put it, Filipino humor is “undefeated,” but sometimes it goes too far. What happened shows the clash of two perspectives: the traditional belief in superstition (that coffin-shaped bodies are unlucky) and modern art and practicality.

Explanation vs. Reality

It is undeniable that superstition still has a strong influence on Filipino culture. The fear that something bad might happen because of the shape of the cake is rooted in our ancestors. However, many have also reminded us that in the end, the strength of a marriage is not in the cake.

As the hosts discussed in the video, if a couple has any problems in the future, it won’t be because of the cake. The foundation of marriage is the love, respect, and communication between the two people who made their vows at the altar. The cake is just decoration and food; it won’t dictate the fate of their relationship.

Social Media Etiquette for Celebrities

This incident also serves as a reminder to public figures about their influence and responsibility on social media. Janus Del Prado, known for being outspoken and vocal, became the center of controversy for not estimating the impact of his joke. Although he is said to be “close” with Carla or others in the industry, social media is a public space where every word can be given a different meaning.

Being “tackless” or lacking restraint in speech can cause emotional pain, even if it is not the intention. On the other hand, Carla’s reaction taught a lesson in “grace under pressure.” She showed that there is no need to fight or be rude to defend yourself.

Conclusion

In the end, the wedding of Carla Abellana and Dr. Reginald Santos remains a joyful celebration of love. The cake issue will also pass and be overshadowed by other news, but the way Carla handled the situation will be remembered by many as the mark of a true queen.

The “coffin cake” issue left an important thought for everyone: Before commenting or joking, think first about whether it is helpful or hurtful. And above all, on a wedding day, the happiness of the newlyweds should prevail, not other people’s opinions on the shape of their dessert. The cake is delicious, the guests are happy, and the couple is in love—that’s all that matters.