The nation mourns the passing of German ”Kuya Germs” Moreno, one of the last remaining veteran comedians of Philippines movies, who died of cardiac arrest on Jan. 8 at the age of 82.
Kuya Germs, a TV host, talent manager and star builder, had been responsible for discovering talents for the movies, television and recording industry, usually developed and trained in the intricacies of the acting profession, first in Moreno’s long-running Germs’ Special, GMA Supershow and the youth-oriented That’s Entertainment in the 80s, 90s and later in GMA-7 Master Showman late night, early morning (Walang Tulugan) show.
Moreno, the son a Spanish Filipino Jose Moreno y Calvo and Aurora Molina, entered the entertainment world when he worked as a janitor and telonero (curtain raiser) in 1957 at Clover Theater, one of the most famous stage theaters in Manila during the good old days. He landed the role of Jesus Christ when the life and times of the Crucified Christ was staged at the Manila Grand Opera House. That was his first big break, which led to a career as a comedian of the bodabil (vaudeville) stage and later in post-war movies.
Moreno landed roles in Sampaguita Pictures such as Dance-O-Rama, Mga Batang Iskwater, Class Reunion and Mga Batang Bakasyunista, which starred 60s big stars Susan Roces, Gloria Romero, Dolphy and Panchito. He also worked on radio with Eddie Ilarde, Helen Vela, Ben David, Ike Lozada and Inday Badiday in the early 70s.
In the late 1970s, Moreno hosted GMA Supershow, a high rating Sunday noontime variety show, and was taken in as co-host of Nora Aunor’s unforgettable Superstar, a Sunday musical-variety show on RPN-9. That began his long, long friendship, partnership and mutual admiration with the greatest actress of local cinema.
While Aunor received her first best actress acting award in the 1976 Famas Awards, Moreno would achieved his in 2009 as Famas best supporting actor for the film Paupahan (Crossroads).
Moreno marked his 50th anniversary in Philippine entertainment industry with a tribute special entitled 50 Years with The Master Showman held at Resorts World Manila in April 2013, which was attended by most of his colleagues and discoveries in the business.
In Master Showman’s (Walang Tulugan) episode covered direct from the Mount Carmel Shrine Quezon City where his remains are laid, tears and laughter accompanied the memories and remembrances shared by everyone who had crossed paths with the well-loved Master Showman.
Dulce opened the late night show with a heart-rending rendition of the “Prayer” in a duet with her son tenor David Ezra while Asia’s Queen of Songs, Pilita Corrales sang the classic “Saan Ka Man Naroon” which she said was difficult to sing in such very sad occasion. Others who sang were Moreno’s young favorites Mark Mabasa, Michael Pangilinan and Jake Vargas.
Asunta de Rossi, Tina Paner, Sheryl Cruz, Ara Mina, Robert Ortega, Bimbo Bautista, JP de Guzman, Monching Gutierrez, Jojo Abellana and Nathaniel Rivera, all part of Moreno’s iconic That’s Entertainment, perhaps for the last time, have gathered together in one show to pay their last respect to a great mentor, friend and father.
Other personalities who Moreno had plucked from obscurity and thrust into the national spotlight include Judy Ann Santos, Billy Crawford, Isko Moreno, Herbert Bautista, Glydel Mercado, Ken Chan and Lea Salonga.
Moreno was known to be a friend and supporter of Imelda Marcos and would likely accord visit during his wake until today.
He is survived by adopted son Federico, grand children including archer Luis Moreno, and nephew John Nite, a co-host on Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman