German Moreno: Master Showman, diplomate in star building

The dedication of German "Kuya Germs" Moreno to show business was incomparable, according to colleagues and even family members.

Marichu Maceda, Moreno's long-time friend, said Kuya Germs' outstanding qualities including loyalty, generosity and professionalism.

On loyalty, she revealed, "hindi na kailangan ng kontrata, ang salita niya ang kanyang kontrata."

Maceda also pointed out that he enjoyed his work.

"Enjoy na enjoy na enjoy sya. Gustong gusto niya ang kanyang ginagawa. He loved everything about showbiz," she said.

She related that Moreno, after suffering a stroke last year, became depressed because he had to stop working as he spent the time to recuperate.

"Nais ko kayong pasalamatan, dahil yung pagkakataon na binigay ninyop sa kanya, malaking bagay. Sa news department, kahit slurred ang speech niya pinayagan nio sya maghatid ng balita. Lalo ankong na-touch, kinuha sya sa Pinasaya, ang saya saya niya," she said.

"Nais kong pasalamatan ang pamunuan ng GMA 7, ang lahat ng mga artista, mga director, writers, cameramen, technician sa pagpapahalaga na ipinakita ninyo kay German. Hinding hindi ko makakalimutan yon. Maraming, maraming salamat po," she added.

For Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, Kuya Germs created opportunities for everyone through the shows that he hosted and produced.

"If not for that opportunity," said Moreno, "Wala ako sa harapan ninyo ngayon. Malamang basurero pa rin ako."

The niece of Kuya Germs and family matriarch Dr. Vivian Nite-dela Cruz, disclosed that Moreno was enrolled in Letran College.

"But I don't think he pursued a degree. Kasi nung magsimula ang kanyang passion. He thought he was ready (to enter showbusiness). His first role was Jesus hanged on the cross. Inumpisahan niya ng maganda, kaya siya naging successful," she said.

"I'm one of the 19 nieces and nephews of the Master Showman and to us, he is incomparable," she added.

Dela Cruz related that Moreno belongs to a happy family that shares simple feast during Christmas of Filipino spaghetti, ham and cheese sandwiches.

Moreno was the family's Santa Claus, always the one giving gifts even if he was their guest in their homes during the time he would spend his vacation in the States.

"We are deeply saddened and I'm sure, all of us are. But we will never forget him. It's sad to say goodbye. On the other hand we are happy 'cause he is a better place where he will find true happiness," said Dela Cruz.

"My Tito German might not have gotten a degree in Letran, but I think we will always label him, German Moreno MSSB, Master Showman, Diplomate in Star building," she added. — BAP, GMA News