Family, friends, fans, celebrities and supporters are paying tribute to the inimitable “Master Showman” in the Philippine showbiz industry, German Moreno.
Kuya Germs passed away Friday, January 8, from cardiac arrest after he had a stroke a year ago. He was 82 years old.
German Moreno, also known as Kuya Germs, is a popular Filipino television host, actor, producer, entertainment writer, talent manager and comedian. He started his humble beginnings in the entertainment business as a janitor and curtain raiser at Clover Theatre. Dedication, hard work and perseverance paved his way to stardom.
Starting his stage career in the 70’s as a comedian to the biggest host and producer of the popular variety tv show “That’s Entertainment” which showcased successful movie personalities. He also hosted popular tv shows GMA Supershow, Saturday Entertainment, to name a few.
Known as the biggest Filipino star maker, Moreno has won various awards as Best Variety Show Host – PMPC Star Awards for television (1986, 1988, 1990, 1993, 1994), Best Supporting Actor – PMPC Star Awards for Movies 2009, Best Supporting Actor – 2009 FAMAS Awards.
His undying passion started big projects like the Paradise of Stars and Philippine’s Walk of Fame to pay tribute to well-known celebrities and entertainers who made significant contributions to the industry.
For many years he hosted a late-night TV show “Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman.” I had the great pleasure to meet Kuya Germs and I was thrilled to be on his show during a trip to Manila with Simply the Best TV show’s Luisa in Manila in 2010. He was humble and cool and I couldn’t believe how professional he was. When I was meeting him somewhere in San Juan to meet the Asian Queen of Songs Pilita Corales. He waited at the parking lot to make sure we’d find the right venue. He kept calling and texting to guide us.
My interview with Kuya Germs five years ago was special, fun and heartwarming. “So many people know how I started. I was only a plain sidewalk vendor, and then I became a janitor, a curtain raiser. I experienced so many things. And now here I am as Kuya Germs for everybody!” said Kuya Germs. “My show, I’m proud to say its entertainment. I don’t put anything na makakasakit ng kanilang damdamin. I know we have so many problems nowadays especially in our country, here in the Philippines, so Kuya Germs is well known in entertaining people with my guests, everybody was regular in my show. That’s my ‘ano’ talaga, to give entertainment and not to give problems.”
Generous and kind, he also made sure that all his guests that evening in his longtime TV show Walang Tulugan would also had the opportunity to be interviewed in my show. It was pretty wild! Dulce, John Nite, to name a few.
Kuya Germs with Luisa Marshall as Tina Turner on Walang Tulugan. Photo Credit: Simply the Best TV show
The best part was my unforgettable performance as Tina Turner in Walang Tulugan, Kuya Germs showed marvelous showmanship when he sang and danced with me during the high energy Proud Mary. Many years ago, the one and only legendary Queen of Rock N Roll Tina Turner guested in his show.
A star builder for many years, he begged me to stay in Manila for a longer period of time so he could arrange a tour in the Philippines for me to headline a show with two legendary performers Pilita Corales and Elizabeth Ramsey. Although flattered by the offer, I had to gracefully decline due to my upcoming tour & commitment in Canada.
Deeply saddened by his passing, I will forever treasure the short time we spent together and a sweet offer of what could might have been a once in a lifetime experience. Kuya Germs will be missed dearly but his legacy will live on forever.
“Being in showbiz, the people who supported you from the start, I’ll never forget them. I’m so thankful to them.” – German Moreno, The Master Showman
