Emman Atienza may have passed too soon, but her life continues to inspire through the values she lived by.
In an emotional interview with Jessica Soho, TV broadcaster and host Kim Atienza shared how his 19-year-old daughter’s courage, authenticity, and kindness left a lasting mark on everyone she met.
READ: Atienza family pays tribute to Emman
Recalling a quote from Friedrich Nietzsche that Emman lived by: “And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who couldn’t hear the music,” Kim expressed his proud moment as a father.
“Emman heard this music that only she could hear. And she found it beautiful and she was dancing to it and she was inspiring people on social media. Ang dami niyang na-touch talaga.”
“She was so kind,“ he continued.
READ: Remembering Emman Atienza: her search for authenticity and making a connection
The broadcaster described Emman as both generous and down-to-earth. She never hesitated to share what she had, even gifts given to her by her grandfather. “Three years ago, binida sa’kin ni Emman. ‘Papa, Lolo gave me a Christmas gift. It was quite big. You know I gave Yaya Alicia this much. I gave the driver this much.’”
“Pinamigay [niya] lahat. I'd like to say that I'm proud of you. Ganon kabait ang anak ko,” he proudly shared.
Despite her family’s comforts, Emman preferred simplicity, adventure, and the thrill of discovering things on her own. Kim recalled, “Alam mo ang tambayan ng anak ko, dun siya nakatambay sa likod, kasama ng mga kasambahay ko. Di ba may mga kotse naman kami, [pero] mahilig yan mag Angkas. Pumupunta sa Paco yan mag-isa e, nag-uukay ukay. Di nga alam ng mga tao na anak ko yun e. Akala nila maluho yan e, hindi.”
READ: Kim Atienza shares video of late daughter Emman's prayer
“Ang mga damit na magaganda ni Emman, hand-me-down ng nanay niya. Tapos ang daming alahas niyan di ba? Puro fake lahat yan, sa Paco lang binili yan e. That's how she is e. Ukay queen yan e. Ibang klase,” he added.
For Kim, Emman faced challenges without showing her struggles, spoke her truth with courage, and treated everyone around her with compassion.
“She was brave. Despite the fact na may iniinda siya, hindi niya pinakita ‘yan. Nilaban niya. She was very authentic. Kung anong tunay, sinasabi [niya]. But despite those two traits, Emman was also kind. She did everything with kindness.”
Closing his story, Kim spoke directly to Emman with a loving message:
“Mahal na mahal ka ni Papa. Mama loves you so much. You surprised us with this last thing that you did. I will see you again when our time comes. Thank you for the 19 years that you’ve given Papa, Mama, Jose, and Eliana. We love you so much.”
Though Emman is no longer physically with them, Kim emphasized that her spirit continues to live on. Through her bravery, authenticity, and kindness, she remains an enduring inspiration to her family and everyone whose lives she touched.
READ: Kim Atienza shares memory of daughter Emman amid grief
Emman's wake will be held on November 3 and 4, from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Chapel 5 of The Heritage Memorial Park in Taguig City.
—By Alyana Cabuhat De Guzman