Kuya Kim Atienza and his family marked a bittersweet holiday this year, celebrating their first Christmas without daughter Emman, who died in October at age 19.
In an Instagram post, the Kapuso host shared a throwback photo from Christmas Eve last year, when the family was complete.
Taken in New York, the image showed Emman smiling beside her parents, Kim and Felicia, and siblings Eliana and Jose.
“How we miss you,” Atienza wrote, reflecting on the absence felt throughout the celebration. He also shared a message anchored in faith, thanking those who stood by the family during the most difficult time.
“Thank You Jesus for being born to us amidst suffering and the grief. Thank You for the 19 years of Emman. We always trust Your plan. Thank you to all our friends for being with us at our darkest moment,” he said.
Friends and followers flooded the comments with messages of comfort. “Emman you are missed,” Isabelle Daza wrote, while Apo Hiking Society’s official account sent hugs and well wishes.
In a separate post, Atienza shared glimpses of their quieter Christmas in New York. Emman passed away on Oct. 22, a loss that deeply moved her family and followers.
