Kuya Germs: Even in heaven, ‘Walang tulugan?’

German "Kuya Germs" Moreno, the favorite Kapuso of GMA Network employees, would still "stay awake" even in heaven, said the officiating priest of the Requiem Mass held at the studio compound on Wednesday evening.

Father Arnold Abelardo, CMF, said he expects Kuya Germs to continue the "walang tulugan" maxim as he will unceasingly pray in heaven for other people. "Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman" is the late-night variety and talk show of Kuya Germs.

Abelardo said people mostly know Kuya Germs as a colorful host who is always laughing and cracking jokes. However, the priest said Kuya Germs has a serious side to him, noting that the late actor and host prays not only for his family but also for his colleagues in show business.

"Kuya Germs is a man of faith," Abelardo said of the 82-year-old actor who passed away on January 8 due to cardiac arrest.

Abelardo said Kuya Germs is not a perfect person but he believes that the actor will be welcomed in heaven because of his faith and good works.

With his many shows on TV, Kuya Germs could have had many mansions and several expensive cars by now, the priest said. However, he has none of these because he is constantly helping other people.

Kuya Germs hardly even carries a wallet and only carries bills bundled together with a rubber band. Then, when he sees someone in need, he readily gives that person some money.

"He really has a heart for the poor," the priest said.

Abelardo added that Kuya Germs also has a soft spot for actors in need, especially those without jobs, and invites them to his TV shows as a way of promoting them.
"Halika mag-guest ka muna sa show ko," Abelardo said, quoting Kuya Germs.

Now that Kuya Germs has passed away, the priest jokingly said the late TV host will probably be telling people, "Halika mag-guest ka muna dito sa heaven."

Humility, simplicity

Abelardo said his wish is for other people to learn from the late actor's humility and simplicity.

He recalled how Kuya Germs would often remind actors to remain humble despite their success.

"Kuya Germs is the only kind of good germs that you want to be contaminated with," Abelardo said, adding the late actor "infected" people with his joy and kindness.

"There is only one Kuya Germs. We will never ever have another Kuya Germs," the priest said.

Loyal Kapuso

A longtime Kapuso, Kuya Germs is considered by GMA Network as "the epitome of a loyal Kapuso."

"His dedication to the industry will serve as an inspiration to all," the network said in a statement on the day of his death.

Kuya Germs was hospitalized after suffering from a stroke in January last year. After resting for several months, he returned to host "Walang Tulugan" in June last year.
Known as a star builder, he is credited for the helping establish the careers of actors such as Lea Salonga, Manilyn Reynes, Gladys Reyes, Judy Ann Santos, Janno Gibbs, Billy Crawford, Donna Cruz, Ramon Christopher, and Lotlot de Leon.

Kuya Germs had humble beginnings, starting as a utility worker at Clover Theater, a popular cinema in Manila in the 1950s.

He later became a stage actor and a movie star. He marked his 50th year in the showbiz industry in 2013. — BAP, GMA News