A sad and unexpected announcement has shocked the It’s Showtime family this week, as one of the beloved friends and long-time collaborators of the hosts made an emotional exit from the show. This surprising goodbye has left not only the hosts but also their fans in disbelief. So, what exactly happened and why did this friend decide to leave?

The Farewell of a Close Friend

According to reports, Kuya Kim Atienza, a long-time friend and one of the original hosts of It’s Showtime, decided to bid farewell to the show. His decision to leave has caught everyone by surprise, as he has been a fixture in the show for years. Despite the sadness surrounding his departure, Kuya Kim clarified that this is not a permanent goodbye. Instead, he explained that it’s time for him to focus on personal and professional ventures that require his attention at this point in his life.

While the farewell was emotional, Kuya Kim assured everyone that he would continue to support It’s Showtime and his friends in the industry. He emphasized that the decision was deeply personal, driven by his need to prioritize certain aspects of his life and career.

Emotional Farewells from the Hosts

The It’s Showtime hosts were visibly emotional during the segment where they bid farewell to Kuya Kim. Vice Ganda, who has been a close friend of Kuya Kim for years, couldn’t hold back tears as he spoke about the departure. “Kuya Kim, you’ve been a big part of our lives. I don’t know how I’ll continue on the show without you by my side,” Vice said, clearly struggling to maintain composure.

Anne Curtis, another co-host and close friend, also took to social media to express her gratitude and sadness over Kuya Kim’s decision. “Thank you for all the laughter, wisdom, and guidance. We will miss you so much, Kuya Kim. You’ve been a mentor to all of us,” Anne wrote, adding that the It’s Showtime family will always cherish the moments they shared with him.

Why Did Kuya Kim Say Goodbye?

Though Kuya Kim didn’t go into full detail about his reasons for leaving, insiders close to him shed light on the matter. Sources revealed that Kuya Kim felt it was time to step away from the daily grind of television hosting and focus on other projects that align with his personal interests and passions. One of these is expanding his business ventures, especially those related to health and environmental advocacy.

In addition, reports suggest that Kuya Kim is exploring new directions in his career. Although he’s not entirely closing the door on television, he feels it’s time to pursue opportunities that offer personal satisfaction and fulfillment, both on a professional and personal level.

The Hosts’ Emotional Messages

During his farewell, Kuya Kim received heartfelt messages from the It’s Showtime team, who all acknowledged how big a part of their lives he has been. Vhong Navarro expressed his admiration for Kuya Kim, saying, “You’ve been like a brother to me, and we’ll miss your energy and positivity. You’ve been an inspiration to all of us.”

Kuya Kim responded with gratitude, saying, “Thank you for everything. I will always treasure our moments together. I’m not leaving for good, but it’s time for me to explore new things.”

Fans’ Reactions

Fans of It’s Showtime and Kuya Kim were quick to share their thoughts on social media. Many expressed their sadness but also supported his decision. “Kuya Kim, thank you for all the years of joy and laughter. We’ll miss you on It’s Showtime, but we’re excited to see what’s next for you!” one fan wrote.

Others took to the comments section, recalling their favorite moments with Kuya Kim, saying that his humor and wisdom would always be remembered. “It won’t be the same without you, but we know you’re going to do amazing things. We’ll support you wherever you go!” another fan said.

What’s Next for Kuya Kim?

Although Kuya Kim didn’t reveal specific details about what he plans to do next, it’s clear that his fans and colleagues are hopeful for his future. Some speculated that he may explore new projects related to his health advocacy or dive deeper into his personal business endeavors. Whatever direction he chooses, his supporters are confident that he will continue to succeed and inspire.

Kuya Kim’s departure from It’s Showtime marks the end of an era for the show. However, his positive impact on the program, his colleagues, and his fans will remain. His departure is a reminder that even in the entertainment industry, people need to step away and prioritize personal growth and well-being.

Conclusion

Kuya Kim Atienza’s emotional goodbye from It’s Showtime came as a surprise to many, leaving a void in the show and in the hearts of its hosts and fans. While his decision to leave was a personal one, there’s no doubt that his contributions to the show and to the lives of those around him will be fondly remembered.

The It’s Showtime family and Kuya Kim’s fans will continue to support him as he embarks on this new chapter of his life. As the saying goes, it’s not goodbye—it’s just a “see you later.” Whatever comes next for Kuya Kim, he will always have the love and admiration of his friends, colleagues, and millions of viewers.