Kim Atienza and Nathaniel “Mang Tani” Cruz. Image: screengrab from YouTube/GMA Network, Instagram/@mangtanicruz
Kim Atienza is now officially a GMA talent as several Kapuso stars welcomed him, including the network’s resident meteorologist Nathaniel “Mang Tani” Cruz.
The longtime Kapamilya weatherman, known by his nickname “Kuya Kim,” announced his transfer to GMA through a video on the network’s YouTube channel yesterday, Oct. 4. Atienza wore his signature safari hat while giving trivia about the word “Kapuso,” which was apparently first used in 2002.
“Dapat alam mo rin na hindi lang trivia kundi makabuluhang impormasyon din ang ating pagsasaluhan. Ako po si Kuya Kim Atienza, ang ‘Kuya ng Bayan,’ ang inyong bagong Kapuso,” he said.
(You should also know that we will not only be sharing trivia but important information as well. I am Kuya Kim Atienza, “Kuya ng Bayan,” your new Kapuso.)
Atienza was greeted by several GMA executives, his “kumpadre” actor Dingdong Dantes, Marian Rivera and weatherman Cruz through the “24 Oras” news program, also yesterday.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome you into a place I have considered home for the past decades. Kaya sa aking kuya, sa aking kumpadre (So to my brother, my friend), welcome,” Dantes told Atienza.
“Magkakasama na tayong dalawa at siyempre, definitely, you will enjoy itong Kapuso network (We will be together now and definitely, you will enjoy the Kapuso network). So Kapusong Kuya Kim, welcome,” Cruz meanwhile said.
Atienza’s transfer to GMA was first teased by the network last Wednesday, Sept. 29. He is set to appear in three projects: the talk show “Mars Pa More,” the magazine program “Dapat Alam Mo” and “24 Oras.”
Atienza served as host in various ABS-CBN shows throughout his 17 years with the network. He appeared in the morning show “Umagang Kay Ganda,” the noontime variety program “It’s Showtime” and the educational show “Matanglawin,” among others.
He was also the resident weather anchor for the “TV Patrol” segment “Weather-Weather Lang.” Dana Cruz/JB
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