Award-winning actress and TV5 news anchor, Kaladkaren, also known as Jervi Li, extends her heartfelt appreciation for being acknowledged as a Woman of Influence by Cosmopolitan Philippines.
Kaladkaren graciously accepted the award along with Iza Calzado, Carla Abellana, and several other awardees during the recognition dinner held on March 21, 2024, at Origine restaurant in Brittany Hotel, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.
In her acceptance speech, Kaladkaren took the audience on an emotional journey, beginning with a light-hearted comment, humorously pointing out the coincidence of her dress matching the stage's production design.
She said, "Hindi ako nakapag-prepare ng speech because I was busy looking for my outfit for tonight.
"Kasi, ang sabi daw nila, iridescent, na sparkly na dress, so, hanap ako nang hanap, so sabi ko, ano ba ang susuotin ko? Sabi kong ganoon, pero I found this dress.
"And I think nasa theme naman ako, di ba? From a scale of one to ten, I think I’ve got plenty."
Kaladkaren further quipped, "And I promise you, hindi po ako production designer for tonight’s event.
"Parang ayaw ko masyadong tumabi dito sa mga box na ito, kasi baka ano, hindi na ako makita."
Switching to a more serious tone, Kaladkaren expressed her profound gratitude for being acknowledged alongside inspiring Filipinas and for being the second transwoman to receive this honor, following in the footsteps of Mela Habijan from last year's edition.
She said, "But to be honest with you, and, seriously, I am very honored to be here tonight.
"I am very honored to be here as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. I’m honored to be here as one of your honorees.
"And most especially, I am honored to be here, to be a woman."
Kaladkaren's emotions welled up, and she struggled to hold back tears as she acknowledged the negative comments she had received for being part of this year's awardees.
Some netizens questioned her presence on the list, but Kaladkaren asserted that the acknowledgment from Cosmopolitan Philippines was enough to overshadow any negativity.
"Alam niyo po, it’s very difficult to be a transgender woman in this society, every day we face so many challenges and tribulations.
"In fact, when I posted that I am one of the Women of Influence 2024 [awardees], may mga taong nagsabi na, 'Bakit siya nandiyan? E, hindi naman siya babae. I think she’s taking up space not meant for her, but meant for other women.'
"But I don’t care, because Cosmopolitan Philippines thinks otherwise."
KALADKAREN'S ACCEPTANCE SPEECH
Continuing her speech, Kaladkaren reflected on her childhood, recalling how she drew inspiration from numerous extraordinary women.
Despite this, she couldn't ignore the lack of transgender representation in mainstream media during her formative years, which made her believe her aspirations were out of reach.
She said, "When I was a little boy, let me share this with all of you, when I was a little boy, I have so many heroes and inspirations that are women.
"My mother, of course, Britney Spears, Spice Girls, di ba? Iyan yung mga idol ko noong kabataan ako, and news anchors in the Philippines like Mel Tiangco, Korina Sanchez and Ma’am Karen Davila.
"And I was thinking, 'Parang gusto kong maging sila,' I thought to myself. Sabi ko, 'Parang, gusto kong maging babae in the future.'
"And I knew from the start, deep in my heart, that I am a woman.
"Pero sabi ko, parang imposible, because I haven’t seen any transgender woman on mainstream media when I was growing up."
Nevertheless, Kaladkaren emerged as a living example, shattering barriers as a transgender woman.
She continued, "That’s why, when I won the first... my award, as the first transgender Best Supporting Actress, and became the first transgender news anchor in the Philippines, I said, 'I think the Lord has paved the way to have me, this kind of responsibility, to represent the LGBTQIA+ community, and the transgender community, so that, the trans-kids, the trans-youth, you know, have someone to look up to.'
"And that is really very important because you are giving them hope, you are giving them inspiration to become who they want to be.
"And it is not impossible, because I am the living testament to that, I am standing here right in front of all of you, as myself, as my true self, and I am so proud of that.
"And nothing can take that away from me. No matter what other people say, I am me, I am KaledKaren, and I am proud to be myself.
"Again, I am so thankful to Cosmopolitan Philippines.
"Thank you very much for including me, I am grateful, because this is exactly how it feels like to be included. Thank you very much."
KALADKAREN: GRATEFUL FOR REPRESENTATION
In her exclusive interview with PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal), Kaladkaren reiterated her gratitude for the opportunity to represent trans women on the list and to serve as a voice for the LGBTQIA+ community through this recognition.
"I’m so happy to be included, you know."
She added, "Normally, I prepare, you know, a speech whenever I receive something, a recognition and stuff like that.
"Kanina ko lang nalaman na mag-i-speech pala, but, ang beauty naman ng hindi ka nag-prepare, you speak from the heart, you know.
"So, kanina, noong tinanggap ko yung award, I spoke from my heart.
"And, I didn’t know what I said, but I knew that my heart was speaking on behalf of me, and on behalf of the LGBTQIA+ community, so I’m so happy."
Kaladkaren also highlighted how inclusivity encourages unity and harmony within society.
"Like, I always say in my interviews, there should be inclusivity in everything that we do.
"Because, it promotes a healthier environment, it promotes a healthier society, a happier society, so, let’s include everyone."
But what does influence mean to her? For Kaladkaren, influence is like a double-edged sword.
She explained, "Influence, you know influence is power.
"It’s power to... it depends on you, how you’re going to use it.
"It’s power to empower, power to inspire, you can even use this influence as a power to destruct, a power to destroy, a power to belittle people.
"But, it’s really up to you how you’re going to use your influence for the good."
@pepalerts Award-winning actress #Kaladkaren emphasizes importance of representation especially for members of the LGBTQIA+ #CosmoWomenOfInfluence2024 #PEPNews #NewsPH #EntertainmentNewsPH #WomenOfTikTok ? original sound - PEP.ph
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