Lito Atienza after granddaughter Emman's passing: 'Mahalin ninyo ang inyong mga anak, apo'

Former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza on Thursday went live on Facebook to thank those who extended their condolences after the passing of his granddaughter, Emman.

In the three-minute livestream, the elder Atienza reflected on the pain of loss and the acceptance that comes with it.

“Masakit po at tunay na nagbibigay dalamhati kung sino man ang makaranas nito. Subalit tinatanggap po natin na tayong lahat ay mayroong katapusan. Meron tayong simula at meron tayong hangganan,” he said.

Atienza reminded viewers that what truly matters is how one lives in between and choosing to use that time to do what is good and right.

He also extended special thanks to members of the clergy who offered prayers and comforting messages.

“Their prayers and inspirational messages for me, 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,” he said and reminded, “Mahalin ninyo ang inyong mga anak, ang inyong apo, ang inyong asawa, mga kaibigan.”

Atienza concluded by saying he would resume his commentaries on national and social issues next week.

“Sa susunod na linggo na po tayo magsisimula ulit ng mga pagpuna sa ating lipunan, sa ating bansa, at sa mga nangyayari sa ating kapaligiran na pinaghihirap pa ang mahirap na buhay. Sa halip na tayo’y matulungan, tayo’y pinaghihirap,” he said.

Emman’s passing was announced by Atienza’s son, Kuya Kim, his wife Felicia, and their family on October 24. She was 19 years old. 

Following Emman’s death, her mom, Felicia, shared a heartfelt reminder about the importance of choosing kindness.

Previously, Kuya Kim shared a clip from Emman's interview on Toni Gonzaga's vlog, where she talked about the inspiration behind her ear tattoo, and reiterated their family's call for "just a little kindness." He also posted a video of Emman singing and wrote, "The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away."

Emman's sister, Eliana, had also written about how much she missed Emman and reflected on the dreams they once shared. 

In what would be Emman's last broadcast message on Instagram, posted on September 1, she opened up about the pressures of social media and taking a break from TikTok. —Carby Rose Basina/JCB, GMA Integrated News