I. A Love Story Forged in Admiration and Shared Values

Television host and former politician Kim Atienza, affectionately known as “Kuya Kim,” has built a life and family that resonate with integrity and quiet dignity. Although hailing from a prominent political dynasty—his father is the former Mayor of Manila, Lito Atienza—Kuya Kim chose a path outside traditional politics, establishing himself as a respected TV personality and advocate for nature and science. Despite his fame, the Atienza family maintains a reputation for humility and grounded living.

The foundation of this family is the beautiful and enduring marriage between Kuya Kim and his wife, Felicia Hong-Atienza. Their love story, now spanning over two decades, is often cited as one of mutual admiration and shared purpose. They first met at a social event, introduced by mutual friend Anna Periquet, and for Kuya Kim, it was reportedly “love at first sight.” His courtship was persistent and passionate, famously involving him following Felicia from Manila to London until he won her heart.

The couple formalized their union twice in 2002: first at the historic San Agustin Church in Intramuros, Manila, and again at the Holy Family Parish in San Andres District. Their commitment to shared interests and values—a deep respect for education, an active lifestyle, and a love for conservation—has been the bedrock of their enduring relationship. Kuya Kim is notably vocal about his affection for Felicia, frequently posting heartfelt tributes on social media that offer a glimpse into their devoted partnership.

The couple was blessed with three children: Jose I, Eliana, and Eman.

II. Felicia Atienza: A Visionary Educator and Conservationist

Felicia Hong-Atienza is far more than a loving mother; she is a highly successful entrepreneur, educator, and civic leader. A graduate with honors in business management from the prestigious Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, she also holds a Master’s degree in Nutrition from the University of Santo Tomas and has pursued further studies, including a second Master’s degree at Harvard University.

Her venture into education was born out of a parental need. When her eldest son, Jose, was two years old, she struggled to find a school that met her specific criteria:

“I wanted him to go to an international school that would help prepare him to apply to any university whether it be local or abroad, but also one that would have Mandarin as a foreign language requirement in its curriculum early on. At the time, no such school existed, so I decided to start my own.”

This determination led her to found the Chinese International School Manila (CISM), where she also serves as President. Her commitment to quality education did not stop there; she later established the Domo Schola International School, where she holds the title of President and CEO.

In addition to her academic pursuits, Felicia is a known fitness enthusiast and a committed conservationist, currently serving as the President of the Philippine Eagle Foundation. Her professional background also includes a stint as a stockbroker at the American investment management and wealth management company Merrill Lynch. Kuya Kim has always acknowledged and expressed pride in Felicia’s intelligence, drive, and the prominence of her family, who own Philippine Equity Partners, the local partner of Merrill Lynch.

III. The Children: A Trio of Achievers and Advocates

The Atienza children inherited their parents’ intellectual curiosity and drive:

A. Jose I: The Pilot and Marathoner

Jose I Atienza, the eldest, is often remarked upon as the spitting image of his father. Maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle, Jose has participated in various marathons, notably successfully completing the prestigious Boston Marathon in 2025. Beyond fitness, Jose is a certified pilot, having completed his training at the Leading Edge Aviation Academy. His family proudly shared his first solo flight accomplishment in 2019. Furthering his academic pursuits, Jose graduated from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts, USA, with a degree in Economics in 2024.

B. Eliana: The Climate and Human Rights Activist

Eliana Atienza, the middle child, is a fiercely dedicated climate activist and human rights advocate. Her commitment made headlines in December 2021 when she was accepted into the esteemed University of Pennsylvania. Her activism gained national attention when she was evicted from her university dorm after participating in a 17-day encampment protesting against Israel.

Eliana, who identifies as a long-time activist, clarified that she was deeply involved in the Palestine organization and felt harassed online, particularly by American news outlets. She bravely spoke out after being displaced, detailing the racist, sexist, and derogatory comments she received online. Kuya Kim staunchly defended his daughter, clarifying that Eliana was not expelled from the university, but was a vocal part of the anti-genocide and anti-war movement, and the family fully supported her fight for human rights.

C. Eman: The Creative Soul and Mental Health Warrior

Eman Atienza, the youngest, emerged as a vibrant social media personality and model, celebrated for his “Final Boss Vibe”—a blend of fluent English, comedic style, and engaging persona. He was an advocate for mental health, using his creative expression to foster openness about his struggles. Eman attended the Chinese International School Manila and completed his secondary education at the International School Manila. He further honed his artistic talents at the Parsons School of Design Summer Academy in New York, specializing in intensive art and design in 2024. Active in modeling, he participated in workshops and made his runway debut at Bench Fashion Week in 2022. Eman was also a versatile student-athlete, excelling in gymnastics, ballet, rock climbing, free diving, and swimming, and won multiple medals at the British School Manila’s Spring Invitational Gymnastics Meet in 2018.

IV. The Unseen Battle and Tragic End

Beneath Eman’s achievements lay a heartbreaking, silent struggle. In 2019, he was diagnosed with clinical depression, leading to his first documented suicide attempt that same year. In early 2022, a more rigorous psychiatric evaluation revealed a complex landscape of mental health challenges: Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), Bipolar Disorder, and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) with borderline and paranoid features.

Eman bravely attributed part of his mental health issues to the trauma of childhood abuse, specifically detailing verbal and physical abuse, threats, and attempts at forced intimacy by his former nanny.

Kuya Kim publicly addressed his son’s diagnosis the following year, expressing his efforts to understand Bipolar Disorder and seek professional help. He admitted that, as a member of Generation X, he initially struggled to grasp the gravity of mental health issues until he realized it was a matter of “life and death” for his son, a realization tragically reinforced by the suicide of his 18-year-old niece.

Despite ongoing treatment, Eman suffered a relapse and engaged in self-harm on his birthday in 2024, after admitting to deceiving his therapist. He later underwent intensive therapy sessions in Los Angeles to process his past traumas, which included being “roofied and assaulted.” Upon returning to the Philippines, he resolved to abandon “unhealthy habits, environments, and relationships.”

In August 2025, Eman made the difficult decision to move to Los Angeles to start a new chapter. However, the intensity of his mental health battle proved too great. Tragically, the promising life of 19-year-old Eman was cut short. He succumbed to his struggles, taking his own life on October 22, 2025, at his condo in Los Angeles.

The loss of Eman Atienza serves as a poignant reminder that even families of great privilege and achievement are not immune to the silent suffering of mental illness, underscoring the urgent need for widespread mental health awareness, empathy, and support.