Veteran TV host Kim “Kuya Kim” Atienza has spoken for the first time about the heartbreaking passing of his 19-year-old daughter, Emman Atienza, sharing emotional details of her final days and the lessons he hopes others will take from her story.
In an interview with Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho, Kim recalled how his wife, Felicia Atienza, received a message from Emman last October 20. The young content creator, who was based in Los Angeles, reached out to say she was in an emergency but assured her mother that she was safe.
“Mom, I’m in an emergency right now but worry not. There’s no self-harm. But I need to go to a therapy center,” Emman had said in her message.
Two days later, Kim woke up to his wife’s message that would change their lives forever: “I have terrible, terrible news.” Soon after, they learned that Emman had passed away. The couple immediately flew to Los Angeles to bring their daughter’s ashes home to the Philippines.
Kim shared that Emman had long been open about her mental health struggles. She had spoken publicly about surviving childhood abuse, being diagnosed with PTSD, and facing relapses in self-harm. Still, the family believed she was getting better — especially since she had been vocal online about her healing journey.
“I thought Emman was very strong. But I didn’t know that deep inside she was also suffering,” Kim said, admitting that he had mistaken her openness for recovery.
What deeply moved him was learning from Emman’s friends that she had spoken fondly about her family — and her father in particular.
“She told her friends that I was a good father,” Kim shared tearfully.
The broadcaster said his grief continues to come in waves, sometimes manageable, sometimes overwhelming. Yet through faith, he finds meaning in the tragedy.
“Everything’s planned by the Lord. Emman did not die in vain. There’s a reason for everything, and that reason is good,” he said.
Kim also thanked the outpouring of support from people online, saying he carefully reads messages that honor his daughter while avoiding those that could deepen the pain. Many netizens shared how Emman’s story had touched them, inspiring Kim to use her memory as a call for compassion and mental health awareness.
Emman was described as a bright, creative young woman who used her platform to talk openly about mental health and personal healing. Her honesty, Kim said, helped others feel seen — even as she quietly battled her own struggles.
As the Atienza family continues to grieve, Kim hopes that sharing their story will remind others to look beyond appearances and to reach out with kindness.
“She did not die in vain,” he said once more. “If her story can help even one person, then her life continues to have purpose.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of self-harm, please reach out for help. In the Philippines, you can contact the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 1553 (landline) or 0966-351-4518 (mobile).
