Kuya Kim Atienza admits cutting classes before to spend hours inside library
- Kuya Kim Atienza recalled cutting classes in high school just to visit a library
- The veteran broadcaster said his love for trivia and books started at a young age
- He shared that reading helped shape him into the storyteller viewers know today
- Kuya Kim also reflected on eventually taking over the “walking encyclopedia” image after Ernie Baron
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Long before becoming one of Philippine television’s most recognizable infotainment personalities, Kim “Kuya Kim” Atienza was already deeply immersed in books, trivia, and learning — even if it meant skipping classes during his younger years.
Source: Instagram
During his guest appearance on “Unshaken With Gary V,” hosted by Gary Valenciano, the veteran broadcaster opened up about his early fascination with knowledge and how it eventually shaped his career in media.
Kuya Kim revealed that as a student, he would sometimes cut classes not to hang out in malls or spend time elsewhere, but simply to visit a library he had grown fond of.
“I would cut class not to go to the mall... but to go to a library called Thomas Jefferson Library,” he recalled.
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According to the broadcaster, the place became special to him not only because of the books available there, but also because of the atmosphere that made him feel inspired to learn more.
“I would cut class to be able to go to that library because the librarian was [a] beautiful American, it smelled like the [United] States, and the books were new, and I would read books that I wanted,” Kuya Kim shared.
He said he spent countless hours reading titles such as "The Book of Lists," "Guinness Book of World Records," and works by author Erich von Däniken, including "God from Outer Space" and "Chariot of the Gods."
“The knowledge came from; I've always been a trivia fanatic,” he said.
Kuya Kim explained that his passion for collecting facts and sharing stories eventually became the foundation of his television career.
“I filled my head with trivia. And then, I guess it's that love for trivia and the love for expression [that made me who I am],” he stated.
The broadcaster also reflected on the pressure of stepping into the infotainment role once held by veteran broadcaster Ernie Baron.
“I was put in a position of being the walking encyclopedia. That's so hard to fill ah,” Kuya Kim admitted.
Despite the challenge, he realized that his lifelong love for learning and storytelling prepared him for the role that would later define his career.
Kim Atienza, more popularly known as “Kuya Kim,” is a well-known Filipino television personality, weather anchor, and broadcaster. He rose to fame as one of the hosts of the educational program Matanglawin on ABS-CBN, a show recognized for its focus on science, wildlife, and environmental topics. He later became one of the most recognizable faces on TV Patrol as its resident weather presenter, earning viewers’ trust through his approachable and informative style. In 2021, Kuya Kim transferred to GMA Network, where he continues to appear in informative and lifestyle-oriented programs such as Dapat Alam Mo! and also serves as a segment host on 24 Oras.
Previously, Kuya Kim visited the memorial site of his late daughter, Emman Atienza, where he found handwritten messages left behind by strangers who had been touched by her story. One note expressed how Emman continues to inspire people to keep fighting despite life’s struggles, even after her passing. Another visitor from Las Piñas City shared that they would stop by the memorial after school simply to spend time there. Deeply moved by the messages, Kuya Kim later posted on Threads, writing, “You are seen and you are heard.”
In another emotional post, Kim Atienza also shared an AI-generated video featuring a recreated version of Emman speaking about mental health awareness. In the clip, the simulated version of Emman talked about hope, self-worth, and the importance of asking for help during difficult moments. The video resonated with many online users, as it carried a message of healing, encouragement, and emotional support for those silently battling personal struggles.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
