MANILA, Philippines – The nation, particularly those who follow the prominent Atienza family, joined in a collective moment of profound grief and heartfelt remembrance as the cremated remains of Eman Atienza, the youngest daughter of well-known host Kuya Kim Atienza, finally arrived in the Philippines from Los Angeles. The repatriation came one week after her passing, just before the close of October.
Kuya Kim Atienza had previously shared the official details for the viewing, which were scheduled for November 3 and 4, running from 12 noon to 10 p.m. at Chapel 5 of The Heritage Memorial Park. However, the venue was prepared as early as November 2, and the initial, deeply private visits from close friends and the extended Hong and Atienza families commenced, marking the unofficial beginning of the final farewell to their beloved Eman. This early gathering, although held ahead of the official start date, underscored the deep yearning of those closest to her to pay their respects immediately.
An Enchanting and Poignant Setting for a Farewell
The physical setup for Eman’s wake was a deliberate and beautiful tribute to her vibrant spirit. Eschewing the traditional solemnity often associated with memorials, the arrangement was kept simple yet enchanting.
Eman’s urn was the central focus, artfully surrounded by an abundance of pink-hued flowers, primarily roses and orchids, symbolizing grace, admiration, and innocence. The most striking element was the backdrop: a meticulously crafted arrangement designed to evoke the feeling of being in an “enchanted forest.” This ethereal scene utilized delicate hanging flowers, or ‘old man’s beard’ lichen, creating a stunning and gentle curtain behind the urn. The design aimed not to mourn a lost life, but to celebrate a beautiful soul embarking on a magical journey.
Flanking the display were numerous photographs, capturing Eman in moments of genuine happiness, laughter, and joy, providing a tangible narrative of her life. A large television screen positioned prominently to the side continuously looped a collection of videos, allowing visitors to experience her presence through moving images. A cherished photo of a young Eman, displayed alongside her urn and a crucifix, anchored the spiritual context of the gathering.
The Quote That Resonates: ‘Those Who Could Not Hear the Music’
Beyond the flowers and photos, Eman’s urn bore a deeply resonant quote that had become significant during one of her public interviews with host Tony Gonzaga. Engraved below her name, birth date, and date of passing was a line attributed to the German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche:
“And those who were seen dancing were thought to be insane by those who could not hear the music.”
This particular quote served as a powerful testament to Eman’s unique perspective, her inner struggles, and her ultimate journey. For those who knew her story, the quote offered a profound layer of understanding, hinting at the internal battle and the distinct reality she navigated, which was often misunderstood by the outside world.
Messages of Eternal Love and Family Strength
The first night was punctuated by intensely personal and moving tributes from her immediate family.
Felicia Hong Atienza, Eman’s mother, shared her sorrow and eternal devotion in a poignant social media post. She described the heavens gaining a “beautiful angel,” stating that her “precious Emmanon is wrapped in his eternal love where there is no more sorrow.” Her message was a promise: “Emon, your laughter and spirit will echo loudly in heaven. One day we will be together again my love, my mini me.” She also extended her heartfelt gratitude to a close friend who designed the elegant service and setting for Eman’s urn, a small detail that provided immense comfort.
The elder statesman of the family, former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza, offered a touching, inspirational, and universally applicable message to all who attended and listened: “Love your children, your grandchildren, your spouse, and your friends. We accept that we all have an end. We have a beginning and we have an end.” His acceptance of mortality, coupled with the outpouring of public support, helped ease the burden on the grieving family. Kuya Kim echoed this sentiment, stating that the public’s “prayers and inspirational messages for me somewhat made the whole load easier to carry on my shoulders, and to all of you, I’m very, very grateful.”
A Host of Friends and Colleagues Offer Condolences
The initial night of the wake saw a steady stream of close family friends, colleagues, and public figures arriving to offer their condolences. Among the notable attendees was long-time family friend and manager, Noel Ferrer, who shared his admiration for the simplicity and beauty of the venue setup, commenting: “What a setup, Eman must be loving all these.”
Other prominent figures included Kuya Kim’s co-host from TV Patrol, Gretchen Fulido, who also documented the tasteful and simple display on social media. Fashion designer Rajo Laurel, a close family friend, and wildlife veterinarian Doc Nilsen Donato, a work colleague of Kuya Kim, were also present. Adding to the emotional support were Kakay Almeda, Kuya Kim’s co-host on TikTok Lock and a Stars on the Floor contestant. Their presence was a vital source of strength for the family, emphasizing the deep ties the Atienzas have forged over the years.
The Complex Dynamics of Grief and Healing
In a prior interview with Jessica Soho, Kuya Kim Atienza revealed the different and complex ways his family was coping with the immense loss. He shared that he was the most openly emotional member, while his wife and other children remained beacons of strength for the collective unit.
“Felly is a very strong woman,” Kuya Kim noted. He explained that his wife, Felicia, channeled her grief into action, coping by being “very busy taking care of the details of the wake.” This constant engagement “keeps her sane and keeps her from grieving too much.” His son, Jose, who was already residing in America, took on the logistical burden in Los Angeles, handling the paperwork and arrangements. The eldest daughter, Eliana, was also a pillar of strength.
Kuya Kim reflected on his parenting, stating: “I raised very strong kids. Even Emman I thought was very strong.” This led to a heart-wrenching realization: “But I didn’t know that deep inside she was also suffering because she put up a very strong front.”
The Hidden Pain and The Quest for Healing
Kuya Kim confirmed that the family was aware of Eman’s mental health struggles. However, they had initially thought she was improving, especially after she started opening up about her situation and the trauma she suffered due to abuse from a trusted former nanny. This history of abuse was kept a “family secret” for a long time to protect Eman.
The silence was unexpectedly broken when Eman herself openly discussed the trauma in an interview. Kuya Kim recounted her journey: “She had therapists. She had PTSD, and the reason was that. And we were keeping it secret because we wanted to protect her.” He admitted they were surprised when she spoke about it publicly, but her openness was misinterpreted as a sign of progress. “She kept on talking openly with passion. Open siya (she is open), that’s why we thought that she’s okay. Because despite her pain, she was reaching out. And despite her pain, she was telling stories. And that’s a sign that you are okay,” he reasoned.
However, their growing fear was confirmed two days before her passing when Eman stopped answering their calls. Their worry peaked after receiving a message from her stating she was having an emergency: “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.” This message immediately signaled to Kuya Kim that something was severely wrong.
He expressed profound gratitude that his wife, Felicia, was already in America for a pickleball championship, making it possible for her to reach Los Angeles quickly—a distance far shorter than traveling from the Philippines. The tragic event, the very outcome Kuya Kim had prayed daily to avoid, happened in an instant.
Finding Peace in Purpose
Despite the unimaginable pain, Kuya Kim finds solace in his faith and the belief that Eman’s passing was not in vain.
“We know that Emman’s 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 Emon to be safe, to be happy, to heal,” he shared. He concluded with a statement of enduring faith: “And I know that nothing happens as an accident. And I know all things work out well. Everything’s planned by the Lord. I know this is not in vain. Emman did not die in vain. There is a reason, and the reason is good. That gives me peace.”
The family is deeply touched by the overwhelming response on social media—the thousands of messages from people Eman had inspired and helped. Kuya Kim will forever cherish the messages of inspiration from netizens who understood his daughter’s struggles and offered compassion instead of judgment.
The wake is a moment not just for grief, but for remembering a life lived bravely, and for raising crucial awareness about the silent battles of mental health that so many face.