Kim Atienza Mourns Daughter Emman: “She Was Strong, But She Was Suffering”

In his first public interview since his daughter’s passing, TV host Kim Atienza opened up about the pain of losing Emmanuelle “Emman” Atienza—and the faith that’s been helping him endure it.

In an emotional conversation with Jessica Soho, Kuya Kim shared that while the grief is overwhelming, he finds peace in believing that Emman’s death carries a deeper purpose.

“I’d like to think that my daughter Emman did not die in vain,” he said. “We know that Emman was sick and she had a few attempts in the past. My prayer to the Lord every single day was for this not to happen—for Emman to be safe, for Emman to be happy, and for Emman to heal. Yet this happened.”

Despite his grief, Kim said he trusts that everything unfolded according to God’s plan. “I know that nothing happens as an accident. I know that all things work out well. Everything is planned by the Lord. I know that this is not in vain. Emman did not die in vain. May dahilan, at ang dahilan ay maganda. That gives me peace,” he added.

Kim recalled that two days before Emman’s death, he and his wife, Felicia, already sensed something was wrong after receiving a message from their daughter.

“Emman texted her Mommy, saying, ‘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.’ So, we knew there was something wrong. We tried calling her, [but] hindi sumasagot,” he said.

They tried calling her again the next day. The following morning, Felicia sent Kim a message that would change their lives forever.

“She said, ‘I have terrible, terrible news.’ Napaluhod ako, nanlambot ang tuhod ko. Sabi ko, ‘Lord, eto na.’ So I called Feli, and Feli said, ‘Emman’s gone.’ Nanlambot ako, nanlamig ako. And ang nasa utak ko, ‘Lord, dasal ko sa ’yo ’to araw-araw. Why?’”

Kim flew to Los Angeles two days later, where Emman had been staying. Her remains have since been brought home to the Philippines.

Kim shared that the journey of grief is ongoing and unpredictable.“Grief comes in waves, e. Minsan biglang bumabagsak. Ngayon, okay ako... I look at social media because I get inspired. Sabi ng mga kaibigan ko, e, ‘Huwag ka tumingin.’ ’Yung comments, hindi ko binabasa, pero ’yung mga post, binabasa ko because I can see that Emman’s death has touched a lot of lives.”

Asked how his family is coping, Kim said he is the emotional one while describing his wife and children as very strong. “Malakas si Feli. She’s a very strong woman. Ang way of coping ni Feli, she’s very busy taking care of details ng wake, sa pag-ayos ng bahay. Galing kami sa LA ng ilang araw, e. So, that’s what keeps her sane and keeps her from grieving too much,” he said.

“I raised very strong kids,” he said proudly. “Even Emman was very strong, but I didn’t know that deep inside she was also suffering. Kasi she put up a very strong front, a very happy front, yet she was suffering and she was in pain.”

Jessica noted that Emman had previously spoken publicly about the abuse she experienced as a child from a household helper. She developed paranoia after repeated traumatic experiences, including being locked in a cabinet with a stuffed toy that was used to frighten her. Her parents only learned about these incidents when Emman mentioned them to her Grade 1 teacher, who then relayed the information to them.

Kim explained that some of Emman’s struggles remained private while she was still processing them. “We were keeping that secret because nalaman namin ’yung mga details na iyan in one of her attempts in the past. Meron siyang kinausap na mgas therapist at sinabi ng mga psychologist na ito ’yung cause niya. Nagkaroon siya ng PTSD o Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder at ang dahilan ay ’yun... And we were keeping that secret because we wanted to protect her.”

He added that he was surprised when Emman opened up about her experiences in interviews and on social media. “She kept on talking about it openly with passion. In her TikTok, in her guestings, open siya, e.”

Reflecting on her advocacy, Kim said, “That’s why we thought that she’s okay. Because despite her pain, she was reaching out. And despite her pain, nagkukuwento siya, e. And that’s a sign that you’re okay. So, we felt she was okay kasi ang advocacy niya, mental health. Ang advocacy niya, wag made-depress. ’Yun pala, she was suffering.”

Holding back tears, Kim said that the pain of losing a child is unlike anything he has ever experienced. “Parang, ‘Lord, kahit bigyan mo ako ng cancer, okay, e.’ ‘Titiisin ko ’yun. Madali ang physical pain. Pero ’yung mawalan ng anak, masakit. Hindi mo alam saan galing yung sakit, masakit lang. Sakit sa lahat.’”

Emman, who passed away on October 22, 2025, was the youngest child of Kim and Felicia Atienza. She was 19 years old. Her wake will be held at the Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City on November 3 and 4. The family has opened the services to the public for those who wish to pay their respects.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or mental health issues, contact the National Center for Mental Health Crisis Hotline at 1553, (02) 7-989-8727, or 0966-351-4518 for help.

Click here to read how moms who lost a child cope with their grief.