"Her authenticity helped so many feel less alone": Family announces deeply saddening news of daughter Emman Atienza passing away at 19

Television host Kim “Kuya Kim” Atienza and his family announced the passing of their 19-year-old daughter, Emmanuelle “Emman” Atienza. In a joint statement posted on Instagram on Friday, October 24, 2025, the family described her death as “unexpected” and expressed profound grief over the loss. As reported by GMA News Online on October 24, the Atienzas remembered Emman as a loving daughter and sister who “brought so much joy, laughter, and love” into their lives. The post also mentioned her openness about her struggles with mental health, saying,

"She wasn’t afraid to share her own journey with mental health. Her authenticity helped so many feel less alone."

The family asked the public to honor her memory by living with “compassion, courage, and a little extra kindness every day.”

Emman Atienza is survived by her father Kim, mother Felicia and siblings Eliana and Jose Atienza. No further details have been the cause of Emman’s death or funeral arrangements at the time of press.

Tributes pour in for Emman Atienza

As tributes pour in, many are reportedly remembering Emman for her courage and authenticity, qualities that resonated with young Filipinos who followed her on TikTok and social media.

Emaam's father, Kim Atienza, has been a familiar face in Philippine television for decades, while her mother, Felicia, is an educator and entrepreneur. Together, they raised three children, with Emman as the second.

The 19-year-old influencer and social media personality was also part of GMA Network’s Sparkle roster, and was often seen accompanying her father to public events, including the first GMA Gala.

Kuya Kim, had often shared messages of pride and affection for his daughter. On her 16th birthday on February 8, 2022, he wrote in an Instagram post,

"You will be papa and mama’s baby forever."

Emman Atienza went viral for defending her family

Beyond her role as a content creator, Emman was also known for addressing public criticism with sincerity and maturity. In 2024, she reportedly went viral after responding to online backlash over a ₱133,000 dinner video shared by friends.

As reported by The Filipino Times on October 24, 2025, Emman defended her family’s right to enjoy the rewards of their hard work, saying,

"Even if I had paid that much, even if we did have that much money, it is our choice and our freedom to do what we want with money that we earned."

She also spoke out against claims linking her family’s finances to political connections, clarifying that her parents are financially independent. In August, she reportedly said,

"My immediate family- my sister, my brother, me, my mom, my dad- do not get financial support of any means from that side of the family. My mom is the breadwinner"

Her willingness to confront public misconceptions while maintaining grace and honesty reportedly earned her respect across social media.

About the author

Devangee Halder is a Food and Pop culture writer at Sportskeeda. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and a Master's Degree in International Studies. A bibliophile and foodie, her academic background, with the intersection of history and cultural studies, has deepened her love for reading and writing.

With over a year of experience, including an internship at Indian Express, which she landed through correspondence with editor Raj Kumar Jha, she transitioned into her current role at this company.

When not working, she enjoys cooking and reading, alongside her newfound interest in weightlifting. Among her favorite personalities are Sarah Todd and Vikas Khanna, and she admires the late chef Jock Zonfrillo for his work on indigenous food habits and ingredients.

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Edited by Devangee