In 2016, Bordador was arrested and charged with involvement in a drug-related case.[8] After nearly five years of detention, she was acquitted in 2021.[9] Her life story was featured in a two-part special on Maalaala Mo Kaya. [10]
Early life and education
Karen Cortez-Bordador was born in Makati in Metro Manila to Wilfredo and Norie Cortez-Bordador.[11] She began her career as a model, landing several magazine projects, including features for FHM Philippines.[12] Her modeling work led to brand endorsements, where she became a spokesperson for several companies, which ultimately caught the attention of the radio industry.[13]
Career
Kären Bordador auditioned for and won the Hottest Next DJ competition for Monster Radio RX 93.1.[14]
In addition to her radio career, Bordador expanded into event hosting. She hosted the fan meeting for Korean actor-singer Seo In-guk[15] and the premiere of Imagine You and Me.
She also ventured into television, making appearances on several popular shows, including TV Patrol as a Star Patroller,[16]LUV U on ABS-CBN,[17] and I Do.[18]
Additionally, she became a lead host on PIE NIGHT LONG on the PIE Channel by ABS-CBN.[19] Bordador also hosted her own radio talk show, K-Way, on Kstage Radio via Kumu.[20]
Legal issues and acquittal
In August 2016, Bordador was arrested alongside her now ex-boyfriend in Pasig City as part of a drug operation.[21] They were charged with the sale and possession of illegal drugs.[22] The case attracted significant media attention.[23]
After nearly five years of legal proceedings, Bordador was acquitted of all charges and released from detention in June 2021.[24] 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.[25] She has also become a resource person for Persons Deprived of Liberty.[26]
Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10
Following her acquittal, Bordador joined the reality television show Pinoy Big Brother: Kumunity Season 10 as a celebrity housemate.[27] During the season, she discussed how her experiences in prison shaped her perspective.[28]
In the competition, Bordador faced two nominations for eviction.[29] She survived her first nomination in Week 3 but was evicted during a double eviction in Week 7.[30]
Current work
In 2023, Karen Bordador was selected to host a fan meeting for Korean actor and singer Seo In-guk.[31] She was a last-minute replacement for actress and content creator Kristel Fulgar, who was originally scheduled to host the event.[32]
She is currently the Marketing Director of ENZI CORPORATION, a collection agency in the Philippines, as well as the Marketing Director of a satellite company in the country.[27] 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.[33]
Her prison experiences were dramatized in a two-part episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya (MMK), a Philippine drama anthology, as part of its International Women's Month special. She was portrayed by Kaila Estrada.[34][35] Bordador herself also played the role of a detainee Lizzie in the two episodes.[36]
Karen Bordador also has her own YouTube channel where she has two shows: The Brightside: Stories of Setups That Become the Greatest Comebacks and Kulongbia Stories: Untold Jail Stories.[37]
In 2025, Karen Bordador released her debut single "Waving Red" on April 16, a day after her 33rd birthday.[38]
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