Kuya Kim’s love of retro style

MANILA, Philippines – Kim Atienza takes pride in being known as “Kuya Kim,” but what gives him greater satisfaction is being called “Papa.” The ambassador of Original Penguin shares the lessons from his own life and dad, which have shaped him to become not only a better father, but a better person.

After suffering a mild stroke a few years ago, Kim is back on track; he even completed a 42K race exactly a year after the stroke. Everything about him has changed, from his priorities to his perspective. “The only thing that hasn’t changed is my love for retro clothes!” he says, laughing. His everyday “uniform” still consists of his signature “Kuya Kim” hat and Original Penguin separates. 

“I’m very retro. My cars are all retro, my style is retro, I collect watches, scooters and motorcycles that are retro. I like old stuff with a twist,” he admits. But while he may be into vintage, he is in every way a modern man. 

Growing up in the ‘70s, Original Penguin was an undeniable part of his “big dreams.” 

“I was born in 1967, so nagbibinata ako noong ‘70s. Original Penguin was not called Original Penguin then – it was Munsingwear. I knew of the brand, and always wanted to wear it, but I couldn’t afford it!” he laughs. “So I had to wait for hand-me-downs” from titos and cousins. “It was a very aspirational brand. So when I first started to build my career, I made a promise to buy all the shirts I wanted once I earned enough.”

When Kuya Kim entered showbiz, Original Penguin became his go-to brand. It gave him comfort and the confidence to enter the competitive showbiz industry.

“Of course, in showbiz, you had to look the best. I remember when I wanted to be in TV in the ‘80s, we were up against the Aga Muhlachs and Richard Gomezes of the industry. They were so handsome. I felt then, how could there be a place for someone like me? I’m not handsome, but I’m not ugly either. Tamang tama lang,” he laughs.

He decided to be himself, and has since carved out a following as an endorser and TV host of Kapamilya, Showtime, TV Patrol’s “Weather-weather lang” segment and others.

Being a father has also been educational. “Having kids really makes you grow. With them, you gain such perspective,” he shares. And when he needs advice, he turns to his dad, former Manila mayor Lito Atienza, for a little wisdom. Lito has always been a person that Kim could rely on. “My father was always a mentor, in my life and career, especially during my time when I was in politics,” he shares. As a father himself, Kim knows the challenges that come with being a dad. And there’s one other thing he’s learned: in life, as in parenthood, you can do better and be better by simply trying your best.

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Original Penguin by Munsingwear is sold in premier retail shopping destinations around the country.