Karen Bordador made the headlines in 2016 when she was arrested on drug-related charges and sentenced to five years in the Pasig City Jail. She was eventually cleared of all charges and freed in 2021. Since then, the former radio host and model who is now an actor and events host has been promoting prison reform and better rights for the country’s Persons Deprived of Liberty.

Karen officially marked her fourth year of getting her freedom in her January 4 Facebook post. “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.”

The 33-year-old former housemate on Pinoy Big Brother talked about keeping positive, moving on, and continually reaching for higher goals in the same piece.

She wrote, “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!”

Karen continued by describing 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.”

Karen has made the decision to accept her prison history rather than run away from it. Last year, she started a YouTube channel titled “The Brightside,” which highlights additional motivational tales from people who have gone through similar experiences.

Karen continued by saying that she thinks their stories have a lot to teach us. She wants to emphasize the importance of second opportunities and offer an alternative viewpoint to the prejudices.