On November 25, TV host and veteran broadcaster Kuya Kim Atienza shared with Boy Abunda, in his first sit-down interview after his daughter’s funeral, his reaction to the viral morning show moment involving Camille Prats. The host, who is still grieving the passing of his daughter Emman, shared that Camille’s viral meme moment made him during his grief, even calling her “Pambansang Dopamine”.
It can be recalled that an October 29 episode of TiktoClock featured a heartfelt message from the hosts expressing sympathy for Kuya Kim’s loss, followed by the introduction of Camille, who entered with a dance number before joining the show as a guest host. While the moment drew thousands of comments questioning the transition from the tribute to the lively entrance, Kuya Kim shared with the King of Talk that he understood the situation very differently.
READ: Kim Atienza responds to online criticism over daughter Emman's death
He revealed that he had already seen the viral video and how it affected him. “Ginawa nila sa 'TiktoClock' 'yan. Namatayan ako eh. So nag-spiels muna sila at sinabi nilang ‘Kuya Kim mahal ka namin,’ Sabay pasok si Camille Prats. Pagtingin ko, trending na siya eh. Siguro mga five thousand comments na noong nakita ko.”
Instead of being offended or hurt, Kuya Kim said the moment brought him genuine comfort. “At natawa ako. Natanggal ‘yung lungkot ko. Very effective si Camille Prats sa akin. Talagang ‘pag nakikita ko, hanggang ngayon natatawa pa rin ako,” he shared, explaining that Camille’s unexpected entrance became a source of lightness during a dark time.
“Siya na ang Pambansang Dopamine. The Dopamine of Asia,” he exclaimed.
“Ang mahal nating mars, Camille Prats!” he jokingly imitated.
READ: Atienza family pays tribute to Emman
Kuya Kim even posted the clip on his TikTok account, giving an explanation on what “dopamine” is. As he took the viral meme lightheartedly, netizens also shared on the comments section their own joke entries regarding the trending moment.
READ: Remembering Emman Atienza: her search for authenticity and making a connection
Kuya Kim also opened up about the pain of losing Emman, who passed away last October 22 at the age of 19. He admitted that grief has been unpredictable and overwhelming. “It comes and goes eh. May mga araw na hindi ako okay, may mga araw na okay ako. Kumbaga, yung grief kasi parang ambush ‘yan. Ngayon, okay ako, biglang may maalala ako na ginawa namin ni Emman. Maalala ko yung mukha ni Emman or something that reminds me of Emman and then, it attacks you,” he explained, adding that he has learned to accept the constant presence of grief as part of his journey.
“My grief will stay with me all my life but I will learn to walk hand in hand with it,” he continued, acknowledging that each day has brought its own emotional weight. He also shared how faith has become a source of strength.
“I’ve never been as broken as I am now. I’ve never been as heartbroken as I am now. Yet, despite the pain and despite the grief, I have peace that God – Jesus Christ, is walking with me. I know nothing is an accident. This is all for a good purpose. It may be painful now, it may hurt me now, but I know this is for good.”
“That Emman didn’t die in vain. Her death was not beautiful yet this will turn out beautiful, I know, and that gives me hope,” he said.
Kuya Kim revealed that he and his wife Felicia are preparing meaningful ways to honor Emman’s memory. “Even me and Feli, marami kaming gagawin. Magluluksa lamang kami ng ilang buwan o ilang linggo. Marami kaming gagawin. Marami akong nais gawin for Emman so her death is not in vain. Para may dahilan yung pagkamatay niya,” he said, assuring that they will make sure her life continues to inspire others.
READ: Kim Atienza on remembering late daughter Emman: ‘She did everything with kindness’
Recently, Kuya Kim paid tribute to his daughter in another deeply personal way by getting a tattoo identical to one Emman once had. On TikTok, he showed the new ink, a musical note with a butterfly, placed beside the tattoos dedicated to his family. He also had a ring with the same elements. The design matched Emman’s own tattoo, inspired by a line from Friedrich Nietzsche: “Those who were dancing were thought insane by those who could not hear the music.”
“Be a little kind,” Kuya Kim added in the caption.
After Emman’s passing, Kuya Kim and his family had been continuously calling for a “little kindness” from everyone. A value Emman lived in her beautiful and purposeful 19 years.