Kuya Kim marked his 59th birthday on Thursday with a quiet but deeply emotional celebration on “TiktoClock.” What began as a cheerful surprise soon turned into a moment of reflection, love, and remembrance.
During the show, his co-hosts — Faith Da Silva, Herlene Budol, Allen Ansay, Jayson Gainza, and the rest of the “TiktoClock” family — broke into a birthday song and presented Kuya Kim with a cake. Laughter filled the studio. Smiles followed. Then came the wish.
Prodded by his co-hosts, Kuya Kim shared that he had many things to be grateful for. One of them was the continued success of the show he has grown with over the years.
“Pang-apat na taon na natin and may we go on strong,” he said, his voice steady but heartfelt.
But as the moment lingered, the tone gently shifted.
Kuya Kim admitted that this birthday was unlike any other — the hardest one he has ever faced. It was his first birthday without his daughter, Emman.
“This is the toughest birthday in my life because it’s the first birthday na wala ’yung anak ko,” he shared.
Emman may no longer be physically present, he said, but her spirit remains alive.
“Wala si Emman, but I’d like for the memory of Emman to continue with kindness, good vibes. May people celebrate her life, and may my birthday be the start of this.”
The studio fell quiet — not from sadness alone, but from the weight of love in his words.
Adding warmth to the moment were heartfelt video messages from close friends, including Dingdong Dantes, Geneva Cruz, Jerald Napoles, and more.
“Kuya Kim, brother, kumpadre — happy, happy birthday,” Dingdong said.
“We’re blessed to have you as a friend, mentor, and kuya. We wish you continued good health.”
He ended with a prayer and a wish for joy, happiness, and blessings for Kuya Kim and his family.
Kuya Kim continues to honor Emman’s memory in quiet, meaningful ways. Recently, he shared a touching throwback video of Emman with her older brother, Jose — a simple moment filled with music, laughter, and movement. A reminder of life, love, and youth.
Emman’s passing was announced by the family in October 2025. She was just 19 years old.
In what would become her final message to the public, posted on Instagram on September 1, Emman spoke candidly about the pressures of social media and her decision to take a break from TikTok — a message that now carries even deeper meaning.
In earlier interviews with Jessica Soho on “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” and Vicky Morales on “24 Oras,” Kuya Kim shared that he remains grateful for the “19 beautiful years” he spent with his daughter. He also took the opportunity to remind parents and viewers about the importance of taking mental health seriously.
On his birthday, Kuya Kim didn’t ask for grand gifts or celebrations.
He asked for something far more powerful — that love, kindness, and the memory of Emman continue to live on.
