Karen Bordador (born April 15, 1992) is a Filipino radio DJ[1], host[2], and reality television personality.[3] She is known for her work as a DJ at Monster Radio RX 93.1[4] and later for her participation in Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10.[5] She also starred in I Do (TV series), TV Patrol as a Star Patroller, Luv U and It's Showtime. In 2016, she was arrested and charged with involvement in a drug-related case.[6] After nearly five years of detention, she was acquitted in 2021.[7] Her life story was featured in a two-part special on Maalaala Mo Kaya.[8]

Early life and career

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She was born in Manila to Wilfred and Norie Broke Bordador.[9] Bordador began her career as a model which landed her magazine projects including for FHM Philippines.[3] She then became a spokesperson for many of the brands she worked with which caught the attention of radio.[10]

She audition for the Hottest Next DJ for Monster Radio RX 93.1 and was declared winner. [11]

In addition to her work in radio, she pursued event hosting, she hosted fan meet for Korean actor-singer Seo In-guk[12] and premier of Imagine You and Me.

She also ventured into television, appearing on shows like TV Patrol as a Star Patroller[13], LUV U on ABS CBN[14] and I Do (TV series).[15]

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In August 2016, Bordador was arrested alongside her now ex boyfriend for a drug case in Pasig City.[16] Both were charged with the sale and possession of illegal drugs.[17] The arrest attracted significant media attention.[18] After nearly five years of legal proceedings, she was acquitted of all charges and released from detention in June 2021.[7] She is now a resource person for Persons Deprived of Liberty. [19] Following her release, Bordador became an advocate for prison reform and the improvement of the Philippine justice system, citing its slow pace and lack of resources as major issues.[20]

Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10

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Following her acquittal, Bordador joined the reality television show Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10 as a celebrity housemate.[4] During the season, she discussed how her experiences in prison.[5]

In the competition, Bordador faced two nominations for eviction.[21] She survived her first nomination in Week 3 but was evicted during a double eviction in Week 7.[22]

Current work

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In 2023, She was selected her role as the host at a fan meeting for Korean actor and singer Seo In-guk.[23] Bordador was selected as a last-minute replacement for actress and content creator Kristel Fulgar, who was originally scheduled to host the event.[24]

In addition to her work as a host and influencer, Bordador has expanded her career into business, prior to her arrest she was the  CEO of SisterSecrets, an online lifestyle website.[25]

Her prision experiences were dramatized in a two-part episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK),[26] a Philippine drama anthology, as part of its International Women’s Month special; she was potrayed by Kaila Estrada.[27]

References

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  1. ^ "FM station condemns illegal drug use after DJ's arrest". ABS-CBN Corporation.
  2. ^ Mallorca, Hannah (16 August 2023). "Karen Bordador cries foul over 'hate' posts after replacing Kristel Fulgar in Seo In-guk event". INQUIRER.net. The Philadelphia Inquirer, LLC.
  3. ^ a b "Meet the former reality TV contestant and disk jockey Karen Bordador". www.gmanetwork.com.
  4. ^ a b "Ex-radio DJ Karen Bordador finds miracle in entering 'PBB' house". ABS-CBN Corporation.
  5. ^ a b Choa, Kane Errol. "PBB's Karen Bordador bounces back". Philstar.com.
  6. ^ Villano, Alexa (16 August 2016). "Police eye charges against Karen Bordador, Emilio Lim". Rappler.
  7. ^ a b Diaz, Ogie. "After release and acquittal, celebrity DJ Karen Bordador shares harrowing 5-year in jail and new beginnings on 1st YouTube vlog". Manila Bulletin.
  8. ^ Cruz, Marinel (14 March 2022). "Kaila Estrada's learnings from portraying jailed radio DJ Karen Bordador in 'MMK' series". INQUIRER.net.
  9. ^ "Karen Bordador's mother insists on daughter's innocence, asks for a stop to condemnation". GMA News Online. 17 August 2016.
  10. ^ Mendoza, Ralph (2024-09-09). "Karen Bordador, nanawagan sa hoarders ng sanitary napkin para sa BINI photocards". Balita. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  11. ^ "Karen Bordador on Staying Positive Even in Prison, and Dreaming for Bo". Belle de Jour Power Planner. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  12. ^ "Karen Bordador explains 'impromptu hosting' of Seo In-guk's Manila fan meeting amid bashing". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  13. ^ Cruz, Marinel (2022-10-18). "First-time host Elmo Magalona thrilled to show people a different side of his being an artist". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  14. ^ Madarang, Catalina Ricci S. (2023-08-17). "'Damage is done': Karen Bordador speaks up about criticisms vs fan meet hosting gig". Interaksyon. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  15. ^ Pagulong, Charmie Joy. "Karen Bordador recounts ordeal in prison in MMK". Philstar.com. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  16. ^ Tantuco, Vernise (2016-08-14). "DJ Karen Bordador, boyfriend arrested in drug operation". RAPPLER. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  17. ^ Sauler, Erika (2016-08-17). "Jailed DJ won't sign drug test papers". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  18. ^ "Karen Bordador has nothing to do with drug bust?". Yahoo News. 2016-08-16. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  19. ^ "GOSSIP GIRL: Karen Bordador's mission for every prisoner in PH". Manila Bulletin. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  20. ^ Pagulong, Charmie Joy. "Karen Bordador recounts ordeal in prison in MMK". Philstar.com.
  21. ^ Cruz, Dana (2021-12-06). "TJ Valderrama, Karen Bordador double eviction ends their 'Pinoy Big Brother' journey". INQUIRER.net. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  22. ^ Abad, Ysa (2021-12-06). "TJ Valderrama, Karen Bordador are evicted from 'Pinoy Big Brother'". RAPPLER. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  23. ^ "Karen Bordador airs side on hosting Seo In-guk fan meet". Panay News. 2023-08-19. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  24. ^ Deala, Joanna (2023-08-17). "Karen Bordador speaks up vs hate comments after hosting Seo In Guk fan meet". RepublicAsia Media, Inc. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  25. ^ Bueza, Michael (2014-12-28). "Sister Secrets: E-commerce by Filipinas for Filipinas". RAPPLER. Retrieved 2024-11-01.
  26. ^ "Karen Bordador, imprisoned for 5 years, sees the value of her time behind bars". Lifestyle.INQ. 10 March 2022.
  27. ^ Pagulong, Charmie Joy. "MMK stars redefine women of today". Philstar.com.