Karen Bordador

Karen Cortez Bordador is a Filipino radio DJ, host, reality television personality and actress. She is best known for her work as a DJ at Monster Radio RX 93.1

Karen Bordador has also starred in various television programs, including I Do (TV series), TV Patrol as a Star Patroller, Luv U, and It's Showtime.

She was a main host on PIE NIGHT LONG, a current events and advice talk show on PIE Channel by ABS-CBN Corporation. Recently, she appeared in shows like Can't Buy Me Love (ABS-CBN), Open 24/7 (GMA), and Around The Arena on TV5.

In 2016, Bordador was arrested and charged with involvement in a drug-related case. After nearly five years of detention, she was acquitted in 2021. Her life story was featured in a two-part special on Maalaala Mo Kaya.

Early life and education Karen Cortez-Bordador was born in Makati in Metro Manila to Wilfredo and Norie Cortez-Bordador. She has an older sister named Jocelyn. She began her career as a model, landing several magazine projects, including features for FHM Philippines. Her modeling work led to brand endorsements, where she became a spokesperson for several companies, which ultimately caught the attention of the radio industry.

Career Kären Bordador auditioned for and won the Hottest Next DJ competition for Monster Radio RX 93.1.

In addition to her radio career, Bordador expanded into event hosting. She hosted the fan meeting for Korean actor-singer Seo In-guk 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, LUV U on ABS-CBN, and I Do.

Additionally, she became a lead host on PIE NIGHT LONG on the PIE Channel by ABS-CBN. Bordador also hosted her own radio talk show, K-Way, on Kstage Radio via Kumu.

Legal issues and acquittal In August 2016, Bordador was arrested alongside her now ex-boyfriend in Pasig City as part of a drug operation. They were charged with the sale and possession of illegal drugs.

After nearly five years of legal proceedings, Bordador was acquitted of all charges and released from detention in June 2021. 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. She has also become a resource person for Persons Deprived of Liberty.

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. During the season, she discussed how her experiences in prison shaped her perspective.

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

Current work In 2023, Bordador was selected to host a fan meeting for Korean actor and singer Seo In-guk. She was a last-minute replacement for actress and content creator Kristel Fulgar, who was originally scheduled to host the event.

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.

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. Bordador herself also played the role of a detainee Lizzie in the two episodes.

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.

In 2025, Karen Bordador released her debut single "Waving Red" on April 16, a day after her 33rd birthday.

Filmography

Television Year Title Role Notes 2010 Imortal Customer Guest 2014 I Do Contestant Reality show 2015 Luv U Nikita Ponti Guest; Season 2 2021 Pinoy Big Brother Celebrity Housemate Season 10, Reality show 2022 Maalaala Mo Kaya Lizzie Season 30, Episodes: "Selda", "Tablet";Bordador plays the role of a detainee Lizzie, while Kaila Estrada plays as Bordador 2024 Can't Buy Me Love Margaret Guest Open 24/7 Shala Episode 47

Discography +YearSongAlbumLanguageComposerNotes2025"Waving Red"SingleEnglishKaren BordadorFLM Creatives and Productions Inc