Celebrity impersonator and comedian KaladKaren made history as the first trans woman to be recognized as best supporting actress in the inaugural Summer Metro Manila Film Festival.
Jervi Li in real life, KaladKaren turned emotional as she accepted the trophy for her performance in “Here Comes The Groom,” which she shared on her Instagram page.
“Itong parangal na ito ay hindi lamang recognition ng aking trabaho kundi pati na rin po ng aking pagkatao,” she said in her speech during the Gabi ng Parangal held at the New Frontier Theater on Tuesday, April 11.
“When I entered show business, I never thought na makakakuha po ako ng award kasi (that I would receive an award because) as [a] transgender woman, I thought I [would] never be enough,” she continued.
Kaladkaren dedicated her win to the transgender community, drag artists, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community, “whose lives and existence are being threatened in the world right now.” She also reminded them that they were more than enough.
She also recognized the board of jurors chaired by award-winning actress Dolly de Leon and credited her co-stars and the entire production, as well as director Chris Martinez.
“Thank you rin po sa mga role models ko sa industry—Ma’am Karen Davila, if not [for] your support, I don’t think KaladKaren would fly,” she said.
“And to meme Vice Ganda, thank you for opening so many doors for us so we can enter. You’re one of the reasons why I’m here tonight,” she added.
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KaladKaren advised members of the LGBTQIA community to be themselves and unafraid to pursue their dreams.
“Sa mga LGBTQIA+ na kids, ‘wag kayong matakot maging kayo at ‘wag kayong matakot mangarap because one day, hindi niyo alam, kayo rin ang nandirito,” she said.
“At sana ‘wag din nating kalimutan ang mensahe ng aming pelikula: Hindi po ang itsura at kasarian niyo ang mahalaga kundi ang inyong puso at kaluluwa,” she added.
KaladKaren beat out Ana Abad Santos and Maris Racal for the award.
