Former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza shared a deeply emotional reflection on the loss of his granddaughter, Emman Atienza, offering a rare glimpse into his private pain and faith amid tragedy.

In a heartfelt Facebook Live broadcast, the veteran public servant and family patriarch spoke candidly about the difficulty of moving forward while finding peace through faith and gratitude.

He described Emman as a deeply grounded young woman who was never drawn to wealth or luxury. “She has never been materialistic. I’ve always tried to give her money, but she doesn’t like money,” he said softly, recalling her humility and simple heart.

Finding strength in faith

Atienza acknowledged that their family’s grief remains profound, yet he has chosen acceptance over despair. “Masakit po at tunay na nagbibigay-dalamhati kung sino man ang makaranas nito. Subalit tinatanggap po natin na tayong lahat ay may katapusan. Meron tayong simula at meron tayong hangganan,” he said, reflecting on the inevitability of life and death.

(“It is painful and truly sorrowful for anyone who experiences this. But we accept that we all have an end. We have a beginning and we have an end.”)

He also expressed deep gratitude to the countless individuals who extended prayers, messages and sympathy to the Atienza family. “Their prayers and inspirational messages somewhat made the whole load easier to carry on my shoulders. And to all of you, I’m very, very grateful. Maraming, maraming salamat po,” (“Thank you very, very much.”) he said, acknowledging how the nation’s compassion has helped lighten their burden.

A reminder of love and presence

In his message, Atienza reminded everyone to cherish their loved ones while there is still time. “Mahalin ninyo ang inyong mga anak, ang inyong apo, ang inyong asawa, mga kaibigan,” he urged. His words resonated as both a grandfather’s plea and a public figure’s heartfelt reminder that family and relationships are life’s most enduring treasures.

(“Love your children, your grandchildren, your spouse, your friends.”)

Kim Atienza on family resilience

Meanwhile, Kim Atienza, Emman’s father, shared in an upcoming interview for Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho how each member of the family is coping differently with the loss. He praised his wife, Felicia, for her strength amid the heartbreak.

“Malakas si Feli, Feli is a very strong woman. Ang way of coping ni Feli is being very busy taking care of the details of the wake, sa pag-aasikaso ng bahay. That’s what keeps her sane and keeps her not grieving too much,” Kim shared.

(“Feli is strong. Her way of coping is staying very busy taking care of the wake’s details, looking after the house. That’s what keeps her sane and keeps her from mourning too much.”)
He also mentioned their children’s courage: “Jose, siya yung tumulong sa LA sa mga papeles. Eliana is strong as well. I raised very strong kids.”

(“Jose, he was the one who helped with the paperwork in LA. Eliana is strong too. I raised very strong kids.”)

A family united in faith and memory

The Atienza family continues to draw strength from one another and from the community that surrounds them with prayers and love. Though grief remains, their faith provides a guiding light — a reminder that while life is fleeting, love remains eternal.

As Lito Atienza’s words echo through the nation, his message stands as a gentle call to all: to hold our families close, to live with gratitude, and to find peace even in the most painful of goodbyes.