Emman comes from the Atienza political clan in Manila

Emman Atienza shuts down claims her lavish lifestyle is funded by politicians and corruption: “Yes, my one grandfather and my aunts and uncles on my dad’s side are in politics. But I wanna make it so clear that my immediate family — my sister, my brother, me, my mom, my dad — do not get financial support of any means from that side of the family.”
PHOTO/S: Emman Atienza on Instagram

Amidst the heated debate about some social media influencers flaunting their lavish lifestyles on social media, influencer Emman Atienza recalled the controversy she was embroiled in last year.

It was September 2024 when Emman received criticism left and right after her “Guess the bill” challenge went viral on TikTok.

In the viral video, Emman and his friends had fun guessing how much the bill for their meal at a high-end restaurant was.

It turns out that the total bill for their dinner was over PHP130,000.

Because of this, Emman’s group has drawn fierce criticism for allegedly being “insensitive,” especially since many Filipinos in the country are suffering.

Emman immediately released a video in reaction to the controversy.

He said the video was just a “joke” or just for fun and they didn’t pay a big bill because a friend treated them to a birthday treat.

ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

Another point he made was that even if they had to pay that much, there would be no problem because they would be paying with their own money.

Many agreed with the young woman’s point. In their defense, it’s not Emman’s fault if he has the money to pay for the expensive dinner.

But some raised eyebrows and questioned where Emman’s wealth for his luxuries came from.

Emman’s Family Ties IN Politics

Emman can be called a “nepo baby” and was born with a lot of potential in life.

His father, Kim Atienza, is a popular Kapuso anchor and host.

His mother, Felicia Hung-Atienza, is a stockbroker, educator, and owner of the Chinese International School Manila.

Many know that politics is in the Atienza family’s blood.

Emman’s grandfather is former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.

CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

Judy Ann & Ryan’s secret to MANAGING MONEY in Marriage | PEP Exclusives

Her aunt is the current vice-mayor of Manila, Chi Atienza, and third district Manila councilor, Maile Atienza.

His uncle is former councilor of Manila’s fifth district and Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) undersecretary Ali Atienza.

Before entering the world of showbiz, Emman’s father, Kim, also served as a councilor of Manila City’s fifth district for three terms—from 1995 to 2004.

Emman denies receiving financial support from his father’s political relatives

Through a TikTok video on Thursday, August 28, 2025, Emman once again defended himself against those who say his spending comes from corruption.

This comes amid the criticism that some lifestyle vloggers are currently receiving for flaunting their luxurious lifestyles, even though their relatives are involved in the government’s anomalous flood control projects.

ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

Emman clarified that although his father’s family is known to be in politics, he never used it for the privilege of affording his luxuries.

Pahayag niya: “One of the most frustrating pieces of misinformation that was spread about me during the ‘Guess the bill’ controversy when everyone was hating on me in the Philippines— because trust me, there was so much misinformation that I was genuinely considering getting lawyers involved—was that my lifestyle, my schooling, my house, my travels, my clothes, etc., are funded by politicians, are funded by the government, are funded by corruption.

“Yes, my one grandfather and my aunts and uncles on my dad’s side are in politics.

“But I wanna make it so clear that my immediate family — my sister, my brother, me, my mom, my dad — do not get financial support of any means from that side of the family.”

ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

Emman is proud that the money he spends comes from the blood and sweat of his parents.

He also insisted that his parents do not rely on the former mayor of Manila and his father’s siblings who are in office.

Ani Emman: “My mom is the breadwinner, meaning she brings home the money and her family is not in any way, shape, or form related to politicians.

“She came from a Taiwanese family. She studied so hard in school she went to an Ivy League University, majored in finance.

“She became a stockbroker, invested in a bunch of different things, started two schools, and now she’s getting her second master’s degree in Harvard.

“My dad has been in entertainment on TV, I’m sure you know, for decades, for years.”

Diin pa niya sa huli, “We do not get financial support from any of my extended family.”

ADVERTISEMENT – CONTINUE READING BELOW ↓

Meanwhile, in the comments section of Emman’s said TikTok post, his father, Kim Atienza, commented.

Kim seemed pleased with her son’s clarification.

He commented, “thank you emman.”