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Kaladkaren Makes History as the First-ever Transgender PH News Anchor

Actress, impersonator, television personality, and LGBT rights advocate Jervi Li, also known as KaladKaren Davila, makes history as the first-ever transgender news anchor in the Philippines.

She shared the news on Twitter, along with a photo with the executives of TV5, where she will be presenting the latest entertainment news and trivia for Frontline Pilipinas starting June 12.

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 captioned. [Rough translation: News is more inclusive now. Every night, you will now be able to watch us on the primetime newscast of TV5- Frontline Pilipinas. Finally, a transgender news anchor is now on PHILIPPINE NEWS!!! Happy Pride!]

KaladKaren also thanked TV5 President Sir Guido Zaballero and News 5 Chief Maโ€™am Luchi Cruz-Valdez. In the replies, she clarified that she is still part of ABS-CBN’s Star Magic.

Meanwhile, TV5 anchors Gretchen Ho and Jes Delos Santos welcomed the actress through a Twitter post.

Known for her impersonation of news anchor Karen Davila, KaladKaren is no stranger when it comes to anchoring. She was previously invited as the first transgender guest Star Patroller at ABS-CBN’sย TV Patrol.

She also hosted shows, such as Umagang Kay Gandaย and I Can See Your Voiceย and became a resident judge on Drag Race Philippines.

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