Kim Atienza honors daughter Emman on first death anniversary
TV host Kim Atienza is keeping his daughter Emman’s legacy alive by continuing to champion mental health awareness, while also marking the first anniversary of her passing through a gathering dedicated to helping Filipino youth.
Emman passed away on October 22, 2025, at the age of 19.
In a letter shared on the Instagram page of Better Days, Kuya Kim reflected on the impact of “Better Days: A Youth Mental Health Caravan,” a community-based initiative that promotes mental health awareness, education, and support among young Filipinos.
Addressing his late daughter, Kuya Kim shared how the caravan held at the SM Mall of Asia Music Hall reminded him of her and the lives her story continues to touch.
“To my Emmansky,
We miss you. So much.
I wish you could have seen what happened at the Mall of Asia. Thousands of young people gathered for BETTER DAYS, and as I looked around, all I could think of was you,” he began.
The caravan took place on October 21, in honor of the World Mental Health Month. The event brought together young people, celebrities, and advocates for conversations about mental health and the importance of supporting one another.
Among those who attended were Dani Barretto, Pepe Herrera, and Maxene Magalona. Performers included couple Jerald Napoles, Kim Molina, Jeffrey Hidalgo, and Geneva Cruz, among others. Kim’s wife, Felicia, was also present.
For Kuya Kim, the gathering was more than an opportunity to raise awareness. It was also a celebration of Emman’s life and the advocacy she championed.
“Yesterday, we celebrated your life, your advocacy, and the little kindness you inspired us to share. And you know what touched my heart most? There were young people who looked up to you, who found courage in your story, and who were reminded that their lives matter. I wish you could have met them. I wish you could have seen how your light continues to reach people you’ve never even met.”
He continued: “But love doesn’t end when someone leaves us. Sometimes, grief becomes a mission, and little kindnesses become the reason someone finds the courage to keep going.”
Kuya Kim said that Better Days was dedicated to Emman, expressing hope that its message would help young people feel less alone and encourage them to seek support when they need it.
If it does, then “Emman’s legacy is doing something beautiful,” he said.
“Emman, yesterday, surrounded by thousands of young hearts, I could almost hear your music again. It was in every story shared, every hand held, and every young person reminded that they matter,” he added.
While expressing how much he misses seeing his daughter, Kuya Kim emphasized that her “music lives on in every life” she continues to touch even after her passing.
“Your life is so much more than the way we lost you. Your story is bigger than our grief, and your legacy is more powerful than we could ever imagine. “
“On your first death anniversary, I want the world to remember not only that we lost you, but that we were blessed to have you,” he continued.
Kuya Kim ended his letter with a promise to continue carrying her message forward.
“Until we see you again. Keep dancing in heaven. We will keep the music playing here,” he maintained.
In another video taken at the SM Mall of Asia globe, he reiterated a message associated with his daughter’s advocacy: “a little kindness can save lives.”
“Emman, this is for you. Here’s to better days!” he said before being joined by young people supporting the initiative.
Kuya Kim also shared a photo on his Instagram Story of Emman’s memorial site, where bags of chips, sampaguita flowers, and a bouquet of white lilies had been placed.
Felicia also paid tribute to their daughter on Instagram, sharing photos of Emman and their family as she marked a year without her.
“One year without you, my beautiful mini-me Emman 🤍🤍🤍💔💔💔
I hear the music
In heaven, you dance freely
Your laughter echoes,” she wrote.
Emman had openly shared aspects of her mental health journey on social media before her passing and became known for advocating kindness and mental health awareness.
Since losing his daughter, Kuya Kim has continued to speak about mental health and the importance of kindness, helping carry forward the advocacy that remains deeply connected to Emman’s memory.