Kuya Kim Atienza Shares Insights on Managing Stress and Building Resilience

(Chiang Kai Shek College News) – On the afternoon of July 31, 2026, the school invited renowned Filipino television host and mental health advocate Alejandro “Kim” Atienza (Kuya Kim) to conduct an inspiring seminar for junior high school students focused on stress management and mental health.

Alejandro “Kim” Ilagan Atienza, fondly known as “Kuya Kim,” is a veteran television host, former politician, and certified mental health first aider. He is best known for his long-time role as a weather anchor on TV Patrol. He currently works with GMA 7, where he serves as an anchor for the flagship news program 24 Oras and co-hosts popular programs such as Dapat Alam Mo! and TiktoClock. For decades, he has remained one of the Philippines’ most beloved television personalities.

Before beginning his television career, Kuya Kim served three consecutive terms as councilor of Manila’s 5th District. He is the son of former Manila Mayor Jose “Lito” Atienza.

Kuya Kim’s advocacy for mental health is closely connected to his personal experiences. He recently completed an eight-hour Mental Health First Aid training course and obtained the corresponding certification. His commitment to mental health was deeply inspired by his late daughter, Emman Atienza. During her lifetime, Emman actively promoted mental health education and founded Mentality Manila, a youth-led organization dedicated to promoting mental health awareness and reducing stigma in the Philippines. Following his daughter’s passing, Kuya Kim has continued to champion her advocacy, becoming a credible and compassionate voice in addressing mental health concerns among Filipino youth.

During the seminar, Kuya Kim drew from his personal experiences and real-life situations to share practical ways of dealing with stress, setbacks, and emotional struggles. He encouraged students to prioritize their mental health, develop resilience, and have the courage to seek help when needed. He also reminded the students that facing challenges is normal—and no one has to face them alone.

Key Takeaways from the Seminar

1. Listen Without Judgment Sometimes, simply being there and listening can help someone feel heard, understood, and better.

2. Find a New Safe Space When You Need One If your current safe space no longer feels safe, seek support in other places. Even having just one trusted friend who listens without judgment can make a difference.

3. Find Ways to Communicate with Your Parents Your parents may not always fully understand what you are going through, but they deeply care about you. If talking feels difficult, try writing down your thoughts and feelings as a way to express yourself.

4. Take Care of Your Mind and Body When your thoughts feel overwhelming, take a break, move your body, spend time outdoors, and be with people you trust.

5. Balance Work and Rest Working hard is important, but making time for recreation and recharging is equally important. Finding balance can help prevent burnout.

6. Take Signs of Distress Seriously If a friend shares thoughts of suicide or self-harm, believe them, listen without judgment, and encourage them to seek help from a trusted adult or mental health professional.

7. Seek Help from the School Counselor If you find it difficult to communicate with your parents, reach out to your school counselor for support.

8. Strengthen Your Connection with God Remember that whenever you need guidance, comfort, or strength, you can always turn to God through prayer.

9. Allow Yourself to Grieve When you lose someone you love, it is okay to cry and express your emotions. Grieving is part of the healing process.

10. Choose Kindness on Social Media Be mindful of the words you share online and offer support to those who may be struggling.

Following the seminar, students actively participated in the open forum, resulting in a lively and meaningful exchange. The school also presented Kuya Kim with a Certificate of Appreciation in gratitude for sharing his valuable experiences and providing students with an informative and inspiring mental health education seminar.

His sincere stories and warm words of encouragement deeply inspired the students in attendance and helped them gain a greater understanding of the importance of mental health.

Chiang Kai Shek College has always placed strong emphasis on the holistic well-being of its students. In addition to providing comprehensive counseling and support systems, the school continues to organize seminars and educational activities that help students develop positive mindsets and healthy personalities while fostering a caring, inclusive, and supportive learning environment.