Kim Atienza
Kim Atienza, “It’s Showtime” and “Matanglawin” host and “TV Patrol” weatherman, has had a few health scares. He had a mild stroke in 2010. In October 2013, he landed in the intensive care unit—for several days after being diagnosed with Gullian-Barre Syndrome, a rare disorder triggered by an infection and affecting the nervous system. This last ailment was most terrifying, admitted ABS-CBN’s Kuya Kim.
“This illness paralyzes your muscles, starting with your feet and hands,” Atienza, 47, explained to the Inquirer. “It was a close call. My whole body went numb; I was resigned to a complete systems failure.”
Now, three months later, “Everything is back to normal,” he said. “I was lucky it was detected in its early stage.” Best of all, he said, that trial strengthened his faith. “We fully realize God’s power when we are powerless,” Atienza said during his launch as endorser of Novuhair Topical Scalp Lotion.
How did your mild stroke change your life and your relationships?
It turned me into a day-to-day person, a “now” person. It taught me that I could lose everything at the snap of a finger. I also became closer to God.
I’ve always had a good relationship with my family. But now I spend more time with them than with friends.
What is the real Kim Atienza like?
Very OC (obsessive-compulsive). When I get interested in something, I read everything I can find about it—dogs, wild animals, crystals … now I’m into plants.
How do you manage your time?
There’s a science to time management. Put everything down on paper.
What’s it like to be in a controversial show like “It’s Showtime”?
I’m stlll in awe. I used to be just Kuya Kim, the weather man. Now, I’m cracking jokes with my cohosts.
It’s been four years since the show was first launched. All these controversies are bound to come out at some point. I’m sure we’ll have a lot more of these in the future. However, we’re like a family. We have a strong support system. We show support by defending each other … when needed.
Speaking of which, how are you supporting your “Showtime” cohost Vhong Navarro (who has filed several charges against Cedric Lee and company)?
I’m always on the phone with Vhong. I visited him in the hospital the day after the incident, when only a few people knew what happened. I was able to pray with him. He was very emotional. He needed all his friends with him for emotional strength. It was the lowest point in his life.
What steps do you take to improve your hosting skills?
This work is continuously evolving. I have to evolve with it, too, integrate social media in everything I do.
Also, there’s a technique in explaining a subject in the shortest possible time: Good and concise writing. I have to be able to fully explain a piece trivia in 20 seconds. That’s very challenging.
Do you find your work in “TV Patrol” demanding?
I’ve become used to it. I do some singing and dancing on “It’s Showtime” and then report the weather at night.
Do you have a say on the topics tackled in “Matanglawin?”
I am always consulted. I don’t do anything I’m not passionate about.
Email mcruz@inquirer.com.ph.