Kuya Germs’ loyalty, legacy
TRULY ‘KAPUSO’ – How wonderful of GMA to name a studio after German Moreno, the beloved Kuya Germs whose loyalty to the “Kapuso” channel had been tested through the years. He stuck it out with GMA through good and bad times. There were times when he felt he was badly treated by some GMA executives. When competing network dangled very lucratrive offers.
Kuya Germs always asked the big bosses, Atty. Felipe L. Gozon and Mr. Menardo Jimenez, if they still needed him and the invariable answer was yes. And so the Master Showman stayed true as “Kapuso.”
STAR BUILDER – Kuya Germs’ legacy is the many stars he built up… many of whom still shine. “That’s Entertainment” and GMA Supershow,” among others, are the “alma mater” of the likes of Sharon Cuneta and Lea Salonga. They had this “sosyal” image but Kuya Germs endeared them to the masses.
To date, Lea speaks fondly of Kuya Germs, calling him “the kindest of man,” expressing her everlasting gratitude.
“Walang Tulugan,” his last show, produced the likes of Jake Vargas, Ken Chan, Jak Roberto and sister Sanya Lopez. OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS – Kuya Germs worked long and hard to make Quezon City officially known as the City of Stars. He established the Walk of Fame in Eastwood QC. His son Federico took over in running the foundation. He directed a few films for Sampaguita Pictures, notably “Guy & Pip,” which broke boxoffice records.
Kuya Germs was like family to the Vera-Perezes, notably Manay Ichu VP Maceda, who attended the GMA event. His life-long friends included Gloria Romero, Susan Roces, and Pilita Corrales. Not to forget Isko Moreno, the poor boy from Tondo who became Manila councilor and vice mayor and now DSWD undersecretary.