SOCIAL media personality Emmanuelle “Emman” Atienza, daughter of television host Kim “Kuya Kim” Atienza and Felicia Hung-Atienza passed away. She was 19.
Emman’s passing was confirmed by her family through a joint statement on Instagram on Friday, October 24.
“She brought so much joy, laughter, and love into our lives and into the lives of everyone who knew her,” the statement read.
The Gen Z content creator was known for being vocal about mental health and sociopolitical issues. She openly talked about her personal struggles in an effort to break the stigma around mental health and empower others.
“Emman had a way of making people feel seen and heard, and she wasn’t afraid to share her own journey with mental health,” the Atienza family said.
“Her authenticity helped so many feel less alone,” they added.
To honor Emman’s memory, her family asked the public to “carry forward the qualities she lived by: compassion, courage, and a little extra kindness in your everyday life.”
Emman’s family did not disclose the cause of her death. She is survived by her parents and siblings, Jose and Eliana.
The half-Filipino, half-Taiwanese social media personality was not only a mental health advocate but also passionate about fashion, the arts, and an active lifestyle.
Emman would often post about her outfits and her hobbies, which include sport climbing.
She was also a Sparkle artist. According to her profile, Emman enrolled at Parsons Summer Academy, an intensive design course for young artists, in New York.
The content creator was also a model, making her runway debut at the 2022 Bench Fashion Week. Emman attended workshops with Farrah Models in the Philippines and Coco Rocha Model Camp in New York.
Condolences pour in
Meanwhile, several celebrities poured in their condolence messages on social media, following the news about Emman’s sudden death.
“Kuya Kim, I’m so sorry for your loss… sending my deepest condolences to you and your family. May Emman rest in peace,” Kapuso actress Ashley Ortega wrote.
“I’m so sorry, Kuya Kim. Hugging you tight. God bless you and your family,” actor Jericho Rosales wrote.
Kuya Kim’s former “It’s Showtime” co-hosts Billy Crawford and Anne Curtis also offered their sympathies.
“So heartbreaking, Ninong [Kuya Kim]. I pray for clarity and peace upon you and your family! I am so, so sorry. Condolence man,” Billy said.
“My heart breaks with yours. I’m so so sorry for your loss,” Anne wrote.
Other celebrities such as Marian Rivera, Heart Evangelista, Aga Muhlach, Kris Bernal, Donny Pangilinan, Chie Filomeno, Kylie Versoza, Gabbi Garcia, Alex Gonzaga, David Guison, Michael Sager, Rita Daniela, Sarah Lahbati, David Licauco, John Prats, and Julie Ann San Jose also extended their condolences to the Atienza family.
