Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10 celebrity housemate Karen Bordador appeared on Hotspot with DJ Jhai Ho to share her colorful and challenging life journey as depicted in her two-part life story on Maaalaa Mo Kaya.

Karen told DJ Jhai how touched and happy she was when she first learned that the longest-running drama anthology was featuring her story. She related it was a dream come true, after going through the difficult experience of being incarcerated. This was the chance for her to show how empowered she was even as she faced the worst behind bars.

Karen was imprisoned for five years after being falsely arrested for a supposed drug-related charge she didn’t commit.

Part of the former radio DJ-model’s difficult journey as an inmate of the Pasig City Jail was losing not only the product endorsements she enjoyed as a prominent celebrity, but also realizing that her closest friends had abandoned her in the lowest point in her life. But that however made her discover who her true friends are given her situation.

But what made the pain worse was how her arrest became so sensationalized and that people were pouncing on her to pass judgment on her as a person. Social media she said was particularly harsh, with comments she just recently read that were too demeaning. As such, Karen described ‘cancel culture’ as very negative and bad since no one should pass judgment on anyone because there is always two sides to every story, and that people should never immediately believe what they see, hear or read.

Karen also revealed that one of the most fulfilling tasks she did while in jail was when she taught English to fellow inmates, a fact that made her find renewed purpose in life. This was unlike the time before she entered the jail, having no motivation in pursuing her career. After being incarcerated for five years, Karen said she now has found meaning in her life to inspire more people. Since then, Karen said she has been more compassionate and more emphatic as a person, wanting to contribute more to the community instead of just thinking about advancing her career.

Karen then disclosed that while she was in jail, she vowed that once she is freed, she will join PBB to try her luck as a housemate. Thus, becoming a celebrity housemate for PBB Kumunity Season 10 was a dream come true. She emphasized that the opportunity was God’s way to brighten her life after her incarceration. She said this has opened many doors for her, including that fulfilled dream of her story being featured on MMK.

As for the advice she would give to people who are currently struggling, Karen encouraged them to remain hopeful and persevere despite their ordeals. She said they should stay strong and believe that things would get better eventually.

Karen then revealed an upcoming show she is set to host and her current programs on Kumu that keeps her busy since her PBB stint. She also shared her celebrity crush, who she said she actually liked watching while she was in jail—Tony Labrusca.

Karen then ended the show by heaping praises on Kaila Estrada, who portrayed her in her MMK life story. She said Kaila did a great job of even mimicking the way she speaks and moves, aside from the dramatic brilliance she showed. Karen said no one else could have portrayed the role better than her.

Catch the second part of MMK “Karen Bordador,” this Saturday, March 19, on Kapamilya Channel, Kapamilya Online Live, and A2Z.