On January 8, celebrities commemorated the death anniversary of German “Kuya Germs” Moreno, a showbiz icon who made a mark in the Philippine entertainment industry in many ways.
Younger generations may know him as the pioneer of the popular Walk of Fame in Eastwood, Quezon City. But more than that, Kuya Germs paved the way for a lot of celebrities to stardom.
In his over 50 years in showbiz, he has built the names of some of the local stars that many Filipinos idolize today. He was the one who discovered, trained, and assisted them to reach their popularity.
Known as the Master Showman, Kuya Germs used his programs such as the youth-oriented show 'That's Entertainment,' weekly variety show 'GMA Supershow, and late-night variety show 'Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman' to show introduce fresh faces in showbiz and showcase their talents.
Unfortunately in 2016, the Master Showman succumbed to cardiac arrest. In memory of his legacy, GMA Network in 2018 unveiled the German Moreno Studio, one of its rebuilt studios.
Some of the personalities who were under his mentorship attended the unveiling and paid tribute to the late mentor.
He has indeed devoted the best years of his life building the careers of the biggest stars we now have. In celebration of Kuya Germs' life, we've rounded up the celebrities he helped rise to stardom:
Before she became an international singer-actress, Lea Salonga was part of Kuya Germs's variety show, 'That's Entertainment.'
The former child star also became part of 'That's Entertainment' in the '80s.
'Heneral Luna' actor first honed his talents in Kuya Germs's daily show 'That's Entertainment.'
Actor and host Kimpee de Leon was one of the young stars in the '80s who started their career in 'That's Entertainment.'
Vina Morales did not only was not only known for her singing talent but her hosting skill as well when she became part of the variety show 'That's Entertainment.' Even when she became popular, Vina would still join Kuya Germs in his late-night show 'Walang Tulugan.'
The late King of Pinoy Rap owed his successful career to German Moreno, too.
Lotlot de Leon was part of the Monday group of 'That's Entertainment' along with her love team partner and ex-husband Ramon Christopher.
Before they had their individual showbiz careers, Manilyn Reynes, Sheryl Cruz, and Tina Paner would regularly perform in 'That's Entertainment' and 'GMA Supershow' as a group called The Triplets.
From being a child star, award-winning actress Judy Ann Santos transitioned to a teen idol via 'That's Entertainment.'
Before she became known a kontrabida actress, Glady Reyes part of one of the groups in 'That's Entertainment.'
Sunshine Dizon became a household name, too, because of Kuya Germs.
Jackie Lou was 14 years old when Kuya Germs discovered her. From 'That's Entertainment,' Jackie Lou became a constant co-host of Kuya Germs in 'GMA Supershow' and 'Walang Tulugan.'
That's Entertainment also gave rise to popular dance groups in the '80s and early '90s. These included The Manoeuvres, Streetboys, and Universal Motion Dancers or UMD.
Renz Valerio always looks up to his Tatay Germs for the latter's great contribution in his career.
Aside from being a mentor, Jake Vargas also treats Kuya Germs as his father figure in showbiz.
Sanya Lopez and Jak Roberto are forever grateful to Kuya Germ for the opportunity given to them.The celebrity siblings were part of the late-night show 'Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman' before they become one of the exclusive talents of GMA Network.
Sought-after actor Piolo Pascual, who then bears the screen name PJ Pascual, was once a member of Kuya Germs's 'That's Entertainment.'
Like Sanya and Jak, 'Ang Dalawang Ikaw' actor Ken Chan was also discovered in Kuya Germs's late night show 'Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman.'
Before he became an international singer, Billy Crawford was known as the child side kick of Kuya Germs in the youth-oriented show 'That's Entertainment.'
Accomplished TV-movie actress Dawn Zulueta will be forever grateful to the late showbiz icon German Moreno, whom she considers her “second father.” In a heartfelt tribute toward the great star maker, she said on Instagram, “The man I consider my second father, the man to whom I owe much of my success, Kuya German Moreno has passed away... I'm still stunned, finding it hard to believe that he's gone now... Thank you for all the love and support you've showered on me... Rest in peace, Kuya Germs, I will miss you terribly.” Dawn previously hosted the 'GMA Supershow' of German Moreno.
Actor-singer Marlo Mortel, a former host of 'Walang Tulugan' credits Kuya Germs's show as a good training ground that helped him develop his other skills as an artista.