Karen Bordador

Has it REALLY been 10 years already?!?
August 13, 2016 was the day my whole life turned upside down.

I swear, I still remember it like it was yesterday.
How is it possible that was TEN years ago?!? 😭🥲

Nobody is ever truly ready for moments like that.
No matter how careful, how guarded, how “prepared” you think you are… when it’s meant to happen, it will happen. Destiny doesn’t ask permission.

Months before that, I was still a radio DJ—on my 5th year.
And honestly? My spark was fading.
I wasn’t as excited anymore
I wasn’t as inspired, my fuel to entertain was running low

I started praying to God for depth.
Because blessings were there, yes—
I was doing TV shows, endorsements, all the “success” signs… But inside? I felt like I wasn’t really doing what I was created to do.

My radio platform started feeling like I was just… playing music.
I got into radio to inspire and elevate people.
But for me, I felt like my “hugot” was drying up.

I had used my childhood pain and my ugly-duckling-to-confidence story as my inspiration— and it was powerful… until it wasn’t anymore.

Then the years passed, and the feeling got deeper:
the bigger my platforms became…
the more inadequate I felt to fill the space.

So I prayed—again and again and again—
for wisdom. For experiences that would actually teach me…
and not just “sound good” to my audience.

Little did I know God would answer me in the most shocking way.
The way to inspire is to expire, right? 😭😂

And He put me in jail— not as a punishment I could explain…
but as a profound turning point I could finally understand.

(And yes… I was like, “Lord, be honest—joke ba to?!” 😭)
Ang ganda ng buhay ko… I was like—I got this blessing… then God switched the whole script.

I simply asked God for depth and wisdom.
But He placed me in the saddest, scariest situation—
and it wasn’t even days or months… it was nearly 5 years.

Like an actual college course with a specialization. 😭 Grabe naman toh.

And honestly—yes, I got what I asked for.
I just wasn’t specific… so I let God do His divine intervention.

So when people ask, “How did you survive?”
Here’s one reason:
I had a little whisper in me that this was part of my prayer.

That what I asked for—lessons to impart—
was going to be lived first… not just heard.

I made meaning out of it, because maybe this is what God wanted me to talk about:
🖤the life behind bars
🖤second chances
🖤and the kind of situations inside that barely ever get spoken about

And then there were the other gifts too—
the pathways that allowed me to start again, rebuild, and come back stronger—
so that people with the same situation could find their way back too.

Because in life, we don’t just experience things…
we interpret them.
And I choose to believe He planned it all—
even the parts that broke me.

Now when I talk to people, I don’t look for surface-level stories.
I think: are they free… or are they still locked in their current circumstances—
the ones that keep shaping what they do?

I went through years of solitude and spent time with the hardest people,
I’ve watched them:
breakdown when they were finally ready
melt when they were ripe to shed old ways
regress when they lost their grip

People are complicated.
But the truth is… everyone has a heart that’s just imprisoned in darkness—
and sometimes, what they need is to be set free.

I have so many lifetime learnings.
And I’m happy to share them with you—
especially if you’re in a season where you think you’re stuck.

So yeah… it’s been 10 years already.
Ang tagal pala sa loob, pero sa labas—ang bilis ng panahon.

Every night, I try to slow it down.
Meditate. Recalibrate.
So I don’t get swallowed by the noise—
the kind that keeps pulling us toward what’s wrong and pushing us away from what’s right.

I know who I am, and I want to be better.
And I want to bring as many people with me—
into what better can actually look like for themselves.

Thank you for giving me a safe space to keep sharing.
More to come.

Because if you’re in a negative circumstance right now…
I promise you: you’re not just enduring.
You might be becoming. 🫂🤗

And now that it’s been 10 years… I can say it loud: THAT SEASON DIDN’T DEFINE ME— IT REFINED ME. 🔥💪👑

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3

1 month ago | [YT] | 40

Karen Bordador

This was a 45 minutes inspirational talk but these were the only snippets recorded . ❤️

I visited the Makati City with the resources of Jci Makati, KonsultaMD and Makati Medical Center as they brought in mental health doctors, medical needs, livelihood skills and pro-bono lawyers! 🔥

I have always wished to do this. Imagine therapists helping out the mental health of already helpless, hopeless and confused prisoners that are feeling so lost in life. Connecting with JCI MAKATI has been a dream! And we continue to visit many jails for this program.

Palagi akong naiiyak when I’m in a jail. It brings back memories of the past. The struggle… the yearning of going home… and when I see fellow prisoners.. I know their heart and what it wants and need. It pains me to see PDLs still in the dark tunnel.. but of course all of this is part of God’s plan so I now do what I wished others did when I was inside… bring in blessings to the least blessed.

Medyo natatawa ako with my Tagalog here cause I sound funny pala but when I was inside pasig city jail.. Pag galit ako.. Grabe lalim ng Tagalog. It’s been a while since I spoke straight Tagalog. Only when I visit.. and I sound like this na ulit wahahahah

But anyway the emotions still run deep and I keep telling myself to always return to the place that humbled me and made me a person who started to care. So this is a continuous mission and hopefully one day you can join me!

I give out slippers but perhaps ya’ll can send me makeup! So ladies can look beautiful inside. Let me know! Pls dm me!

Thank you Lord for this opportunity. 🥹 I will always be grateful for the freedom You gave me.. and my constant Thank You to You is through my promise of fulfilling my visit to every jail in the Philippines. 🥲

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

4 months ago | [YT] | 59

Karen Bordador

Another day sharing blessings to PDLs of the Mandaluyong City Jail! Gave the ladies slippers for their everyday use. 🥰

mWell , Makati Medical Center and Jci Makati along with Counselor Charisse Marie Abalos-Vargas joined forces to bring in Mental Health doctors via online consultations, livelihood programs, paralegal support and loot bags for the imprisoned women.

I’m so excited to bring in many of these programs to different jails as mental health support is something we don’t have for prisons in the Philippines. Free and definitely accessible for PDLs so they’ll be able to elevate their lives in all aspects.

May we touch more lives behind bars one visit at a time. 🥹❤️

Would you like to DONATE to PDLs? Do email me:
Karenbordador.passionprojects@gmail.com

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10

8 months ago | [YT] | 42

Karen Bordador

Today, I visited the ladies at Makati City Jail, one of Luzon's most spacious city jails. I brought loot bags, including napkins from last year’s BINI project with other useful everyday needs, and shared my story to remind them that imprisonment is temporary. No matter how hopeless it feels, God is with them—even behind bars. When they’re ready, He will open doors for their future.

I met someone who has been imprisoned for 27 years, though most cases in Makati last around three years—still far too long just waiting for hearings. Thankfully, the women receive skill training, making their time inside more meaningful.

Let’s support them by providing jobs when they return home. Grateful to finally fulfill my promise to God—to bring light to those in the dark and awareness to those who don’t see their struggles.

Do join me on my mission by donating goods and sharing your skills: EMAIL: KarenBordador.PassionProjects@gmail.com 🫶❤️

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3 4

1 year ago | [YT] | 45

Karen Bordador

Enjoyed judging Mr. & Ms. CIW! 🤩

Normally I enter CIW to visit the sentenced female prisoners to cheer them up but this time… I bonded with the jail officers. It was so fun watching them compete for the crown! Happy officers, happy PDLs!

I was happy to judge with RTC Judges and other personalities that also advocate the 2nd chances of prisoners.

Big thanks Superintendent Maam Sanedad for having me and Ma’am Jen!!!

I always visit jails all over the PH. Should you want to help and donate to them too… please do message me. ❤️

Congrats CIW for a fun and successful beauty pageant!

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3 4

1 year ago | [YT] | 64

Karen Bordador

Every day we wake up… we’re one day closer to our death… so what are you going to do today?

Life is short. This is how we make every waking day count:

1. Pursue passions. Not tomorrow, not later… but RIGHT NOW. Never allow regret to knock on your door when it’s too late.

2. Make time to TRAVEL as frequently as possible. Your eyes are meant to see the most beautiful creations of God. Don’t deprive yourself because you’re “too busy.” You’re only busy with what you prioritize. Go explore!

3. Learn new skills. We become MORE when we empower ourselves with abilities that can elevate us physically, mentally, and financially.

4. Listen to your soul. SELF-HEAL by understanding your inner world. You cannot embrace the universe with an open heart when you’re too “damaged” by it. Confront your inner self, write in a journal, or maybe even go to therapy. However you can untangle the knots that give you anxiety, confusion, and chaos… do it without hesitation. You will be a purposeful individual in the community when you’re at your best. It all starts by working on you.

5. Create and maintain a strong relationship with God.Some people have timeframes for when they might see God, so they get the chance to repent and have open communication with Him. However, for most of us, death is uncertain. Be close to Him early on. He will guide you, talk to you, and when the day comes… He will welcome you to His home. We wouldn’t want to regret going to the fiery elsewhere just because we simply failed to prioritize Him. Refocus and know He’s #1. This mentality will guide all your decisions in every aspect of your life.

6. Let go of people who do not make you a better person.If you feel disrespected, lost, or confused by certain people… let them go. If they disalign you… then they’re not part of your journey. Those who should remain are individuals that keep you strong, loved, and protected. Only LOVE those who truly love you back. All others, LET GO.

7. Take as many photos and videos of your life as you can.One day, these days… it will end. At least while you’re still here, you can celebrate how good you’re living your life.

8. Let go of things you don’t need.Declutter and clean. You’ll realize how light it feels to have fewer things. An empty room is a room that can be filled up, but a messy room is a clogged room that cannot hold anything more.

9. Spend!Your money is just paper when you’re accumulating. When you die… you won’t even get to enjoy it, so what’s the point? Enjoy life and pay for activities and other precious moments. Don’t deprive yourself when you have the money anyway.

10. Get more deeply in love with your loved one/s. Look at them daily as if it’s for the last time. Look at them as if you’ve just miraculously healed from your blindness and are seeing them for the very first time. With new eyes, you’ll see so many new things you took for granted before. Realize how lucky you are to have them in your life, and be in awe of their presence. Let them feel that you’re extremely blessed and happy that they’re with you. START TELLING THEM YOU LOVE THEM daily and you’ll see how big of a difference your relationships will be from here on. 🔥

Tomorrow is never promised but today lets promise each other to make it count.

❤️
Karen

1 year ago | [YT] | 51

Karen Bordador

I sometimes get instantenuous anxiety whenever I feel like I’m not achieving enough, earning enough or accomplishing enough. Especially whenever I see others fulfilling their life purpose… I get rattled and it affects me inside. Like why am I NOT doing that well? Why am I not getting what I want? It’s a very demeaning feeling that really belittles you inside.

However… because of my life experiences and learning curve… I have FULL AWARENESS that these are irrelevant and unnecessary negativity. Im awake while I’m sliding on a downward spiral…. Then I call myself out and find ways to snap out of it.

I tell myself… I’ve been through so much worse already… should this little panic really ruin what’s ahead of me? I’ve already overcome public humiliation, discrimination, deprivation, unlawful incarceration, the pandemic, loss of income, separation from family, long term uncertainty, bullying so much more…. LIKE REALLY? Should I really let this little hiccup make me sweat???

When I do feel down… I tell myself that I’m disrespecting my past. For people that have gone through turmoil and translated these bad experiences as stepping stones for a better and stronger you… it becomes a lot easier to recover from “bad days.” That the past is a source of strength and NOT weakness.

Sooooo yes I still get spurts of downers but I turn it around fast. Likewise i only see dark days as an opportunity to shine and recalibrate.

So to those that are feeling hopeless and helpless… YOU CONTROL YOU. Look back at your past and be inspired with your own life. You are own hero and you have to save yourself! You’ll see how much different it is when you rely on you. The strength you hold would make you unstoppable because no outside forces can affect you anymore.

Fear not today as yesterday has proven you worthy enough to move forward to tomorrow!

Love you all!
We’re all in the same boat… just different ways of rowing… but we’ll all get there.. 🤗

2 years ago (edited) | [YT] | 138

Karen Bordador

What most of you don’t know is that I also have a corporate life. I’m a marketing director of a BPO company and recently just signed off to be a marketing director for another company (thank you for the trust btw) All of this aside from my entertainment life which I’m super in love with. 🥹

I love working. It’s actually considered a hobby and my happy place. Lately I haven’t been posting cause in everything I get into… I really try my best to give 100% presence in them. Juggling my time has been an adjustment. Having to create content for brands, hosting events etc and fulfilling my corporate duties BUT at the same time making time for my puppy, family and friends can be a challenge Hihihi Wahhhhhh! I got super sick too cause of being overloaded but lately I’ve climatized and found a way to just chill and do all these things without pressuring myself too much.

I’m happy. As an ARIES… being on fire is what makes me feel alive. Having many roles is considered FUN to me.

So this is life lately. After 5 years of focusing on my inward journey… it’s now all about work work work in the outside world!

Cheers to us ladies that are in our career zone. 🥂🎤💋💪

Skip the Carousel

1 2

2 years ago | [YT] | 105

Karen Bordador

You will NEVER be the same once you’ve entered jail. The world of deprivation will make you so grateful of the life you have outside. In bars you are reminded to make every single day meaningful and colorful because inside… people aimlessly wait for their fate.

Grateful to have my fellow PBB HOUSEMATES for entering the Correctional Institution for Women with me. It is a “home” for sentenced women. I’ve promised the ladies inside that I will one day have a concert there and I’m so happy to finally be able to do it! There are many senior citizens inside that have been there for more than 20 years! Imagine not seeing the outside world for that long more so… being away from family. It’s SAD but they’re coping. I really intended to bring my handsome friends to bring some kilig to these girls. 🥹🥲🥰❤️ Oh how they were so happy about it!!! The ladies did so many performances for us btw, they are EXTREMELY TALENTED! Their costumes too were made so well. Their years on working on their craft manifested on their presentations. Super impressive! At the same time, wishing the world would see what we witnessed!

Big thanks to my donors as well that doubled my gifts for the ladies. I ensured their lootbags were so full of love. The penetentiary has around 3000 prisoners however I was only able to put together 750. Hopefully more next time. 🥰

Watch the PART 1 Correctional visit on my YouTube channel. Part 2 is our extensive tour of their facility which has never been done. You’ll be so shocked as to how things look inside.

Very grateful to be able to do these programs. Should you want to donate anything in cash / kind… please email me karenbordador.passionprojects@gmail.com . I often visit jails around Manila and you can help those that rarely get any help. Thank you! ❤️

Skip the Carousel

1 2 3 4 5

2 years ago | [YT] | 72

Karen Bordador

I will never forget to be grateful for my 2nd life!❤️

I’ll be visiting a big jail next week (Oct 29) and I know many of you are very much willing to donate! It’s my thanksgiving and promise to advocate hope for those that are still inside bars, suffering and praying for their freedom.

Please DM me or message me via email: Karenbordador.passionprojects@gmail.com

You can donate:
Hygiene Kits
Food
Makeup /Kikay Stuff
Books
Board Games
Gifts (prizes for PDLs)
Etc!

If you can sponsor then that would be great so we can give more prisoners lootbags of love. Looking forward to your contributions! Let’s spread forgiveness and kindness and give hope to the hopeless. 🤗❤️🥰 Feel free to share this!

Skip the Carousel

1 2

2 years ago | [YT] | 168