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Real Talk

Eliana Atienza Shares a Hard Truth About Losing a Sister

Eliana Atienza shares a truth that many siblings may face after the loss of her sister, Emman Atienza

Siblings fight. If we have siblings of our own, we will fight over everything and anything—from stretched-out clothes to missing charger cables. Yet if someone tries to hurt them, we are the first responders. It’s even a running joke among siblings sometimes. Whenever we want a problem solved peacefully, call the parent. If we’re ready to wake up and choose violence, call the sibling.

So it is absolutely heartbreaking to lose a partner-in-crime who shares the same blood as we do. It’s as Eliana Atienza writes in her Instagram post as a tribute to her sister, Emman, “We were supposed to co-create a better world where our children could play together, and we could laugh knowing we fought and struggled to build this for them.”

Eliana Atienza shares a truth that many siblings may face after the loss of her sister, Emman Atienza
Photo from elianahatienza

Siblings Become Lifelong Companions

No matter how bad a fight gets, siblings do understand each other. Sometimes, as parents, we don’t even mind playing “the villain” so long as it teaches siblings to work together.

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Personality clashes are common in sibling relationships. One can be more adventurous; the other can be more cautious. Either way, it’s a complementary relationship—their character traits adjust themselves for the sake of the other.

We’re no strangers to the stories of sibling rivalries. But Emman and Eliana don’t seem to have it. Based on their Instagram posts of one another, they were more like happy lifelong journey companions who are navigating the ever-changing world.

“I miss you, Emman, with everything that I am and will ever be,” writes Eliana. “I see you in the sunlight between the tree canopy and in the endless stars I know must be there, hidden by city lights.”

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The loss feels more devastating, especially when siblings are extremely close. Parents know that siblings will only have each other when it’s time for them to go.

Eliana Atienza shares a truth that many siblings may face after the loss of her sister, Emman Atienza
Photo from elianahatienza

Sibling Loss Hurts Differently

No words can accurately describe grief and loss. Losing a parent can feel like the most isolating thing in the world. But losing a sibling can feel like losing one’s person. They are the ones who will hate someone alongside us just because we want to, or the ones who will make us overcome our shortcomings and become a better person. Sibling loss can leave a person with an aching and dark thought, “I’m all alone now.”

That thought can slowly turn into a dark, endless void. There’s no one correct way to fight against being drowned in it. But one way’s for sure: wherever they are, they do love—even after all the fights and, now, being in different worlds.

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So we’d like to believe that Eliana’s message reached Emman. And Emman will find a way to call back.

Just like the many loved ones we’ve lost.

Emman Atienza passed away last October 24, 2025. She was 19 years old.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Emman Atienza was the youngest daughter of TV Host Kim Atienza and social entrepreneur Felicia Hung. She was a rising TikTok influencer and many more. She passed away at 19 years old.

Siblings often complement each other’s personalities. One may be adventurous while the other cautious, creating a balance that helps them navigate life together. Through shared experiences, disagreements, and teamwork, siblings become not just family but anchors of understanding, trust, and unconditional support.

Losing a sibling can feel unlike any other grief. Unlike parents or friends, siblings are often our first allies, confidants, and co-conspirators. Their absence can leave an emotional void, because they were someone who truly knew us, challenged us, and shared the same bloodline and history.

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Open conversations, shared memories, and creating rituals to honor the sibling can help children process grief. Parents can guide siblings to express emotions safely while reinforcing that love persists, even after someone passes. It’s also essential to validate feelings and encourage ongoing connection, whether through stories, photos, or personal reflections.

Eliana’s words remind us that love, laughter, and shared experiences with siblings transcend life itself. Even in loss, siblings continue to influence us, guide us, and remain part of our inner world. Her tribute encourages families to cherish these bonds, honor their memories, and find comfort in knowing that love endures across generations.

More about siblings?

A Premature Baby: A Tale of Two Sisters
How to Deal With Sibling Rivalry: What To Do When The Kids Keep Fighting
The Great Divide: What It’s Like for Siblings to Grow Together With Big Age Gaps

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