“There’s no people like show people
They smile when they are low
Even with a turkey that you know will fold
You may be stranded out in the cold
Still you wouldn’t change it for a sack of gold
Let’s go on with the show”
Song by Irving Berlin – There’s No Business Like Show Business
What better way to pay tribute to a great man than to honor him with one of his most favorite song. German Moreno just passed away this early morning at the age of 82.
The life story of German Moreno or Kuya Germs can transcend various eras or genres. He has lived a full life that epitomized perseverance in the truest sense of the word and from his humble beginnings in Philippine showbiz everyone could agree that he is one of the pillars in the entertainment industry.
German Moreno started as a janitor and a “telonero” or curtain raiser (telon means curtain in English) at the famous Clover Theater back in early 1950’s where he saw glimpses of life in the showbiz industry. Through his perseverance he was able to slowly enter in the entertainment industry and landed on stage as a performer, comedian and dancer on ‘bodabil’ (vaudeville).
For many years, Kuya Germs considered the Clover Theater his home and had worked with famous ‘bodabil’ stars such as the ‘queen of bodabil’ Katy de la Cruz, Cely Bautista, Diomedes Maturan, The Wing Duo, Eddie San Jose, and Rebecca Gonzales.
From live acts on ‘bodabil’, German Monero has built ties among people in showbiz industry such as Pablo Gomez- a known Komiks writer which paved the way for him to enter the fences of the most popular production outfit at that time, the Sampaguita Studios.
Kuya Germs first movie project was Susan Roces movie titled “Susan, Susay, Susie” where he was a mere bit player. The first movie of Kuya Germs was a success and it was followed by another Susan Roces movie “Dance-O-Rama” where his dancing talent was featured during a dance number sequence with the leading lady.
German Moreno got a big break in 1963 when he was chosen to join the Sampaguita-Vera Perez All Stars teen group which was composed of young actresses such as Rosemarie Sonora (Susan Roces’ sister), Blanca Gomez (Daisy Romualdez’s sister), Gina Pareńo, Sarah Calvin, Shirley Moreno, Nora Dalisay and Loretta Marquez. Good looking actors on this group were Dindo Fernando, Pepito Rodriguez, Lito Legaspi, Bert Leroy Jr., Jose Morelos, Romeo Rivera, and Edgar Salcedo with the comic duo of Boy Alano and German Moreno.
For several years the Sampaguita-Vera Perez All Stars teen star group enjoyed popularity with successful movies such as “Mga Bata ng Lagim”, Mga Batang Artista”, “Mga Batang Iskwater” and “Mga Batang Turista”.
As the years went by, a new batch of teen stars were introduced and included in the launching of “Stars ‘66” with stars from the previously Sampaguita-Vera Perez All Stars. The newest additions to the Sampaguita group were Vic Vargas, Vilma Santos, Connie Angeles, Ricky Belmonte, Jeanne Young, Jean Lopez, Josephine Estrada, Cynthia Ugalde and Ace York (now known as Ace Vergel) including German Moreno. For awhile some of the members of Stars of 66 ventured on their own and went on with their solo careers.
German Moreno pursued his showbiz career and his big break on television came in the late 70’s when he became the main host of a popular Sunday noontime variety show called GMA Supershow. This Sunday program was once the longest running Sunday noontime variety show on Philippine TV that was aired from 1978 to 1997 until ASAP came along.
From being a performer German Moreno did not just stop there, he went out of his way just to help aspiring artist through his innovative TV project “That’s Entertainment”. Born on January 6, 1986, “That’s Entertainment” was a popular daily late afternoon TV show on GMA Network that produced many talented actors and actresses of today. The teen idol variety show cum workshop on air lasted for ten years and finally aired its last episode on March 23, 1986.
Known as the Master Showman, German Moreno has an existing Saturday late night talk show/variety program called “Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman” which was previous titled Master Showman Presents Walang Tulugan (or No Sleeping) first aired on February 8, 1997. Regardless of the late night time slot on the Kapuso network, the show still remains strong with many followers.
German Moreno career in films included notable roles that showcased his acting prowess. In 1986 film entitled “Payaso” (clown), Kuya Germs played the title role where he was able to pull through a remarkable drama acting performance. In one of his latest movies in 2008, German Moreno won the 2009 Famas Best Supporting Actor award in “Paupahan (Crossroads)” film which was directed by Joven Tan.
Kuya Germs also hosted long running TV programs like Superstar with Nora Aunor for 22 years and Negosyete for 8 years. He was also a respected radio commentator and showbiz columnist and still has a current write-up dated January 8, 2016 (today) under “THAT’S ENTERTAINMENT By Master Showman Kuya Germs” column.
His last but current article on Pilipino Star Ngayon is about Sharon Cuneta. He is always speaking as a loving father when he writes for his column.
On this particular article he wrote- “Fifty years old ka na, Mega (Sharon Cuneta)! Ngayon mo mas mari-realize ang halaga ng isang buong pamilya. Mag-ayos na kayo ng mabuti ng inaanak ko, miss ka na niya.” (Translation- You are already 50 years old “mega” Sharon Cuneta, this is the time you’ll realized the importance of having a complete family. Make some efforts to reconcile with my goddaughter (referring to KC), she misses you a lot.”
And the rest of German Moreno birthday message to Sharon Cuneta went on as personal like this- “Minsan tayong mga magulang ang dapat mag-reach out sa ating mga anak. ‘Yang pagkakawatak-watak ng pamilya, madalas ay likha lamang ng pride.” (Translation- “Sometimes parents like us should reach out to our children. Gap within a family is usually a result of having too much pride.”) Kuya Germs loving advice to Megastar is his last post on his entertainment column before the curtain finally falls in front of him.
For sure majority of Filipinos would mourn, pray and express sadness over his demise but for all we know his inspiring story will live on and his legacy in Philippine entertainment industry will never be forgotten.
