KaladKaren. Image: Twitter/@jervijervi
KaladKaren made history as the Philippines’ first transgender news anchor for TV5’s “Frontline Pilipinas,” as she described the milestone as a step towards inclusive journalism.
The actress took to her Twitter account on Friday, June 9, to express her joy over her recent milestone.
“Mas inklusibo na po ang pagbabalita. [🌈] Gabi-gabi niyo na po tayong mapapanood sa primetime newscast ng TV5- Frontline Pilipinas. Sa wakas, may transgender news anchor na sa PHILIPPINE NEWS!!! Happy Pride,” she said.
(More inclusive reportage. Every night, witness me joining the primetime newscast of TV5 — Frontline Pilipinas. Finally, a transgender news anchor can be seen on Philippine news. Happy Pride!)
Mas inklusibo na po ang pagbabalita.🙏🏼🌈
Gabi-gabi niyo na po tayong mapapanood sa primetime newscast ng TV5- Frontline Pilipinas. Sa wakas, may transgender news anchor na sa PHILIPPINE NEWS!!! Happy Pride! ❤️🌈 @News5PH pic.twitter.com/Vj4NgAz9uj
— KaladKaren (@jervijervi) June 9, 2023
KaladKaren also shared a glimpse of her contract signing with TV5’s president Guido Zaballero and News5 chief Luchi Cruz-Valdez in a separate post.
Maraming Salamat po TV5 President Sir Guido Zaballero and News 5 Chief Ma’am Luchi Cruz-Valdez! #Kapatid #Kapamilya #News5 pic.twitter.com/qgkDRMEc0Z
— KaladKaren (@jervijervi) June 9, 2023
In her new stint, the “Drag Race Philippines” judge will be the program’s anchor for its showbiz news and trivia, according to a News5 report.
“I’m speechless kasi pangarap ko talagang maging isang news anchor so nangyari na [siya]. I really hope na isa ‘tong pagkakataon na buksan ang pinto para sa mga katulad ko, na it’s not about who you are,” she said in the report. “It’s not about your sexuality. It’s a matter of competence when it comes to doing this job.”
(I’m speechless because it’s my dream to become a news anchor, and it finally happened. I really hope that this opportunity would open doors for those who are like me because it’s not about who you are. It’s not about your sexuality. It’s a matter of competence when it comes to doing this job.)
Donning an orange dress, Kaladkaren showed a behind-the-scenes look of her first day on the job on her Twitter page last Monday, June 12.
I can’t believe this happened today!😭😭😭
Happy Independence Day! Cheers to a more inclusive Philippines!🇵🇭🌈 Salamat po @News5PH pic.twitter.com/cZ4mZsYycI
— KaladKaren (@jervijervi) June 12, 2023
Mas pinalakas na #FrontlinePilipinas @News5PH pic.twitter.com/FWVDBZDLcV
— KaladKaren (@jervijervi) June 12, 2023
The “Here Comes the Groom” star’s milestone comes months after being tapped as TV Patrol’s Star Patroller in April 2023.
KaladKaren started her showbiz career as an impersonator of broadcast journalist Karen Davila, and went on to host several programs including “Umagang Kay Ganda,” and “Pilipinas Got Talent Exclusives,” among others.
She was named as Best Supporting Actress at the 2023 Summer Metro Manila Film Festival for her portrayal of Wilhelmina in “Here Comes the Groom.” JMS