In 2016, Karen Bordador made headlines after she was arrested for drug related charges which led to a five-year imprisonment at the Pasig City Jail. In 2021, she was finally acquitted of all charges and released. Since then, the former radio deejay and model turned events host and actress has been advocating for prison reform and better rights for Persons Deprived of Liberty in the country.
In her Facebook post last January 4, Karen officially marked her fourth year of getting her freedom back. “It’s been four years since my unlawful imprisonment, and this is also my fourth year celebrating Christmas and New Year as a free woman. When I was behind bars, all I wanted was to be home for these moments. And now, I finally get to spend this beautiful season with my family—something I once only dreamed of.”
READ: Karen Bordador’s vlog to focus on prison stories: 'It really opens the minds of the people'
In the same post, the 33-year-old former Pinoy Big Brother housemate also talked about focusing on staying positive, moving forward, and continually reaching for higher goals.
“Lately, I’ve been extremely busy maximizing my possibilities. I’ve been hosting TV shows and events, livestreaming on different platforms, and working with both local and international brands. The sky truly is the limit in the outside world because my mindset is simple: everything is possible. If I was able to lose everything, it also means I can gain everything back and more!,” she wrote.
Karen went on to share her thoughts on her personal growth. “At this point, I see no walls anymore. When tragic situations stretch your emotions and mental capacity, you discover a strength you didn’t know you had. You realize that you can become bigger than your situation. I no longer live in doubt or worry—I carry a quiet knowing in my heart that I am meant for great things. That’s why I was given another day, another chance, to share my stories from behind bars and turn pain into purpose.”
Despite her ordeal, Karen has chosen to make something beautiful moving forward. “Thank you for listening, for remembering what was once a traumatic past and allowing it to now serve as inspiration for those still in the dark. I was able to overcome it—and so can you.”
She added: “Happy New Year, everyone! I’ve been a little quiet here lately because I’ve been busy living, working, and grinding—but I’ll try to update you all more. Thank you for the constant support and for cheering me on. Every message, every share, every bit of engagement means so much to me and is deeply appreciated.”
READ: EXCLUSIVE: Karen Bordador on meeting K-pop stars: ‘They’re very generous’
Instead of shying away from her past in prison, Karen has chosen to embrace her past and even put a spotlight on more inspiring stories from people who have similar experiences like her by launching her YouTube channel show “The Brightside” last year.
In a previous interview with PUSH ABS-CBN, Karen explained how she felt the calling to help those who are still in jail by sharing stories of former inmates. “I’ll also do a lot of my vlogs where I share jail stories. So there’s going to be a lot of personalities you’ll see that maybe you never even knew they were in prison or they were connected to the justice system. Maybe they were impoverished. Every single aspect of jail life, I’ll be able to share in my vlog on YouTube.”
Karen went on to share how she believes that there is much to learned from their stories. She hopes to present a different perspective apart from the stereotypes and highlight the value of second chances.
“The fact that I get to interview them, it means they’re open. And it means that they want to impart lessons,” she explained. “Madaming tao kasi, when they hear na nakulong ka, they feel na parang outcast ka na. So itong mga tao na I have on my show, they want to teach people in the outside world na you got to give people second chances and also madaming nalalagay sa sitwasyon na ganun, not because they did something wrong, but because the outside world has done them wrong. So it really opens the minds of the people.”