Stars and Politicians Pay Respects, Transforming a Time of Grief into a Call for Change
The passing of Eman Atienza, the beloved child of celebrity host Kuya Kim Atienza, has sent shockwaves across the Philippines, transcending the boundaries of the entertainment industry. The wake, held at The Heritage Memorial Park, became a profound gathering point, not just for family and close friends, but for a remarkable constellation of media personalities, political figures, and industry heavyweights who came to offer their deepest sympathies and stand in solidarity with the grieving Atienza family.
The overwhelming attendance underscores the deep respect commanded by Kuya Kim Atienza and his family, reflecting a decades-long presence in both show business and public service. Yet, the tragedy surrounding Eman’s passing has amplified a crucial national discussion, turning the memorial service into an unofficial, poignant platform against online toxicity and hate speech.
The Pillar of the “It’s Showtime” Family
Among the first and most visible groups to arrive were members of the “It’s Showtime” family, a testament to Kuya Kim’s tenure as an original and foundational host of the noontime variety program. The collective presence of his former colleagues showcased the tight-knit bonds forged over years on set.
Attending the wake were prominent stars including Anne Curtis, Vhong Navarro, Teddy Corpuz, and Amy Perez. Their presence, along with that of high-ranking ABS-CBN executives Cory Vidanes and Carlo Katigbak, signaled not just personal sympathy but institutional support for one of their own during an unimaginable time of sorrow. Their quiet attendance spoke volumes about the shared grief of the network family.
Actors, Hosts, and Political Figures: A Diverse Gathering
The memorial services continued to draw a stream of notable figures from various sectors:
Barbie Imperial and Richard Gutierrez: The showbiz couple visited on the first night, with Barbie posting a heartfelt photo of Eman’s urn arrangement, captioned simply: “Rest easy, Eman.” Their public message echoed the widespread sentiment of loss.
Via Antonio (TV and Stage Actress): Via attended the first night to offer her condolences. Her social media post was a beautiful tribute: “We love you Eman. May you rest where pain no longer exists and where peace and grace surround you forever.”
Guji Lorenzana (Singer): Guji was also seen offering his respects. His message on social media was a gentle reminder to the public: “A little extra kindness. Rest in peace Eman.”
Matteo Guidicelli: A former colleague of Kuya Kim’s from his time at GMA Network, Matteo was present, highlighting that their friendship, cultivated through brand endorsements and collaborations, endured despite Matteo’s move to another network (Billionary News Channel).
James Reid and Issa Pressman: The couple made sure to pay their respects to the Atienza family during their time of grief, showing their support across the generational lines of the entertainment world.
The Call to Action: Breaking the Cycle of Hate
Perhaps the most powerful message to emerge from the gathering came from the younger generation of stars, who pointed directly to the devastating impact of online negativity.
Gabby Garcia and Khalil Ramos: The actress-TV host (a co-star with Kuya Kim during his GMA tenure) and her actor-singer boyfriend were present. Gabby, in particular, used the tragedy to address the widespread issue of cyberbullying, hate, and trolling. Her poignant statement resonated deeply:
“Throwing hate, bullying, trolling and bashing online can cause a deep and lasting toll on a person. This will never be okay. Anxiety, depression, self-harm, and sometimes even irreversible decisions. It’s time to break the cycle of hate. Words are powerful. Use them to uplift, not to destroy.”
Kris Bernal: The actress shared a black-and-white photo of the solemn floral arrangement, emphasizing the universal nature of hidden struggles: “You never really know what someone is going through. So always choose to be kind. May your sweet soul rest in peace.”
These messages transformed the wake from a purely private affair into a crucial public advocacy moment.
Legislative Response: The “Eman Atienza Bill”
The tragedy also spurred immediate legislative action, highlighting the seriousness of the issue in the political sphere. Senator JV Ejercito visited the wake and personally conveyed his sympathies. Furthermore, he announced his intention to file a Senate Bill, tentatively named the “Eman Atienza Bill” or the Anti-Online Hate and Harassment Bill.
This proposed legislation seeks to significantly expand the protection afforded to Filipinos under existing laws, such as the Cyber Crime Prevention Act and the Anti-Bullying Act. Senator Ejercito specifically proposed that various malicious online activities, including cyber libel, online hate speech, and harassment, be made explicitly punishable under the law, creating a legacy of protection out of a heartbreaking loss.
Media Colleagues and Political Fraternity
The gathering was also a demonstration of loyalty from Kuya Kim’s professional circles across different networks:
Vicky Morales (Broadcaster): Kuya Kim’s colleague from GMA’s 24 Oras attended, providing a moment for a bereaved Kuya Kim to share his initial anguish—how he “fell to his knees” upon hearing the news and prayed that the reports were untrue.
Gretchen Fulido (TV Patrol): The journalist, a former colleague from TV Patrol, also offered her condolences. She interviewed Kuya Kim, who spoke movingly about the pain of losing a child, compounded by the “what ifs” surrounding Eman’s ordeal. He concluded with a statement of spiritual strength: “I am in pain, but I also have peace, and the peace is coming from the Lord.”
Karen Davila (Broadcaster): Another former TV Patrol colleague, Karen shared a photo and a powerful message of faith, quoting John 11:25-26 about the promise of eternal life, a source of comfort for the family.
Hosts of “Unang Hirit”: The morning show hosts from GMA, including Suzy and Paolo Abrera and Susan Enriquez, were present on the first night. Suzy Abrera’s caption expressed collective heartbreak: “Our hearts and prayers for beautiful Eman and her family who loves her so much.”
The Atienza Political Legacy
The political weight of the Atienza family name ensured a notable attendance from Manila’s political figures:
Former Mayor Lito Atienza: Eman’s grandfather, despite being frail and utilizing a wheelchair, was present. His recollection of his grandson was deeply emotional. He stated he constantly tries to push the thought of Eman away because the memory brings profound heartache. He touchingly recalled that Eman was not materialistic, often refusing money offered by his grandfather.
Mayor Isko Moreno: The current Mayor of Manila paid his respects, noting his long association with the Atienza family, particularly through his political partnership with Kuya Kim’s brother, Councilor Chi Atienza.
Beyond the Camera: Kindness and Legacy
The final attendees reflected the personal and professional ties that bound Eman and his family to the wider community:
Anthony Rosaldo (Singer, The Clash Finalist): As a fellow Sparkle artist, Anthony performed at the wake, sharing his sorrow over Eman’s passing.
Kim Molina, Isabel Daza, Mikey Quintos, Shaira Diaz & Anthony Constantino, and Regine Tolentino: These actors and hosts, many of whom worked with Kuya Kim at GMA, offered their personal and profound sympathies, emphasizing the beauty of Eman’s soul and the importance of faith during times of the unknown.
Joey Mead King and Angie Mead King: The couple, known for their animal advocacy, were present, reflecting their close friendship and shared passion with Kuya Kim (also a dedicated animal advocate).
The gathering for Eman Atienza ultimately became an intensely emotional testament to the profound reach of Kuya Kim’s family. It was a space where immense personal grief intersected with a powerful, collective public resolve: to confront the destructive nature of online hate and to heed the simple, yet vital, call to always choose kindness—a necessary legacy born from a tragic loss.
