When Emmanuel ‘Emman’ Atienza, the youngest son of popular TV host Kuya Kim Atienza, climbed a pole in Burnside, New York City, not only did a life end. At the same time, a Pandora’s box was opened containing dark wounds from the past—wounds that tore at his innocent childhood and caused a lifetime of suffering that led to his untimely death at the age of 19. Emman’s tragedy is not just a simple story of grief; it is a powerful and terrifying reminder to all about the seemingly silent but devastating effects of childhood trauma and the critical role of mental health in our society.
The Atienza family—which includes respected former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza and popular television personality Kuya Kim—is a pillar in the world of politics and showbiz . But despite their high-profile status and honor, Emman was the victim of a nightmare that unfolded right inside their own home.
The Shadow of an Abusive Nanny: Wounds at Age Three
Emman’s battle with mental health began, not in his teenage years, but at a stage of life that should have been filled with play and smiles—at the age of three. In an interview with Toni Gonzaga, he laid bare the dark roots of his suffering: abuse from his own nanny. Someone Kuya Kim and Felicia Atienza paid and trusted to be their young son’s caretaker and protector .
The abuse Emman suffered was not just an isolated incident. It was an ongoing ordeal, shaping her self-worth and worldview. The details are shocking and heartbreaking:
Physical and Emotional Torture:
Emman was locked in a cabinet and intimidated. He was slapped and verbally abused. These remarks, according to the report, caused “lifelong suffering” from which he never fully recovered.
Verbal Destruction:
Every day, the nanny poisoned the child’s mind with insults and slander. She called him “disappointment,” “stupid,” and other insults that gradually destroyed his self-confidence and instilled a sense of
self-hatred
-
- .
Exposure to Obscenity:
The most brutal form of abuse is forcing a child to watch
pornography
and teaching him details that were not appropriate for his tender age. Such trampling on a child’s innocence left a trauma that is very difficult to erase.
While his parents are busy working and building a future, the child at home is gradually being destroyed by the person who is supposed to be his caretaker.
Emman’s Battle: Finding External Pain
The wounds of childhood may seem invisible at first glance, but as Emman grew older, he carried the weight of every cry that went unheard and every hug that was denied. When he reached the age of 12 or 13, he began to feel a surge of emotions—waves of sadness, fear, and confusion—that he couldn’t explain.
At the age of 13, she finally realized that she could no longer bear the weight of her suffering, which led her to seek professional help. What she was experiencing was not just simple sadness, but a type of suffering that hindered her ability to function normally on a daily basis.
Among her confessions, Emman admitted to one of the most difficult parts of her struggle: self-harm . She explained that self-harming wasn’t about wanting it all to end, but rather it was the only way she knew how to release the overwhelming weight of her feelings.
“When negative emotions are so intense, it feels like the world is collapsing, like there is no air,” he says. Self-harm is the only way he can feel “still alive.” A bitter confession that shows how deep the internal pain he carries is.
This insight is confirmed by Tony Gonzaga, who said that sometimes, when internal pain is too much , people seek external pain — a visible pain just to relieve the invisible pain. In Emman’s case, her unhealthy way of dealing with emotional wounds was a desperate cry for relief.
Hope and the Irony of the Name
Emman’s life was not only filled with sorrow. Despite his struggles, he had moments of hope and love. His name, Emmanuel, has a lot of meaning. It was learned that his grandfather, Lito Atienza, is related to boxing legend Manny Pacquiao. Pacquiao considered Lito Atienza to be a second father and thanked him for his help in his career. Given the similarity of their names (both Emmanuel), Emman may have been named after the boxing legend .
But the tragedy is made all the more poignant by the family’s connections to politics and advocacy. Emman’s grandfather, Lito Atienza, was a former representative of the Buhay party list , a party that values human life. Lito Atienza’s appreciation for life became a bitter irony when he witnessed the intense suffering and early death of his own grandson due to invisible wounds.
Emman’s story provided a great social commentary about trust and responsibility. Who is this nanny and does she still have a conscience after all the torture she inflicted on an innocent child? The Atienza family asked for sympathy and love, and not blame and negative comments, as they mourn the loss of their beloved youngest child.
Reminder and Call: Time is More Valuable Than Wealth
The passing of Emman Atienza serves as a powerful wake-up call for every parent and caregiver in the Philippines. Her story reminds everyone, especially those busy with work, that time, presence, and care are more valuable than any wealth earned at work. Sometimes, while we are busy building the future, we unknowingly see a child slowly being destroyed in the present.
This Content Editor once again calls on the government to take stricter action to protect the rights of innocent children, and so that no other child like Emman has to suffer in silence.
For nannies and caregivers, the message is direct and powerful . Every child in your care is a life, an innocent soul that expects care and not harm. Don’t break that trust, because with every wrongdoing, a heart is broken and a future is ruined.
Don’t be the cause of trauma or destruction to an innocent child. Instead, be the cause of love, care, and light in their growing world. Emman’s story is not just about a tragedy, but about resilience and a cry for understanding and empathy. Her wounds are a reminder that mental health is no joke and should not be ignored. Ultimately, recognizing and accepting the illness is the first step towards healing, and our compassion will serve as a light in the dark phase of the Atienza family. Let us continue to watch, ask questions, and above all, listen to the silent cries of our children.
