German Moreno (MNS photo)
Federico Moreno believes his father, actor and star builder German Moreno who passed Friday, lived life as entertainer to the hilt and throughout.
“He is so perfect for this industry because he wants to make people happy. He wants to make people laugh. He is the epitome, I would say, of a showbiz personality, so perfect,” Federico said.
While in mourning, Federico nevertheless feels overwhelmed with the outpouring of love and admiration being showered by people from all walks of life on his father, a showbiz icon. The former janitor-turned-actor and TV host mentored and helped build the career of many stars including Lea Salonga, Judy Ann Santos, Vina Morales, Sunshine Cruz, Janno Gibbs, Billy Crawford, and Manilyn Reynes, among others, through the variety show “That’s Entertainment” which German hosted several decades back.
Federico recalled reading many of the messages on German a few hours after the latter succumbed to cardiac arrest which got the former emotional.
“Umiyak ako, then my daughter said, ‘Stop crying, dad. He’s okay.’ Sabi ko, ‘Don’t worry I’m not sad.’ I’m very happy because I’m reading this hashtag where people are giving praises, saying how kind my dad was. That helped me personally to make it easier for us to carry,” he said.
The son is requesting people to give donations to the Kapuso Foundation in lieu of sending flowers to the wake being held at Mount Carmel Church in Quezon City.
“Sa mga susunod na araw, ipagpatuloy lang po ’yung pagdarasal for my father,” he said.
image: http://www.mb.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Kuya-Germs21-240×300.jpg
MICHAEL V’S sketch of German Moreno (Instagram)
MICHAEL V’S sketch of German Moreno
(Instagram)
John Nite, Kuya Germs’ nephew, seconded Federico’s sentiment that the Master Showman truly enjoyed being a disciple of show business. John noted that immediately after getting clearance from doctors last year when German suffered a stroke, the latter went back to work and attended to his showbiz commitments.
“Up to his last breath na ito talaga ’yung kaligayahan niya, to entertain and make people happy at matulungan ’yung gustong magkapuwang sa showbiz. It will never be the same without a Kuya Germs, a master showman. I dont know what tomorrow will bring sa buhay ko, more so with the family and the industry,” John said.
Ken Chan, one of German’s protégé on “Walang Tulugan With The Master Showman” is greatly saddened by it all. He recalled the time he visited Kuya Germs in his room at St. Luke’s Hospital on Thursday.
“Lahat po kami nandoon sa kuwarto ni tatay. Parang ang sakit na ang hirap tanggapin. Pero at the same time, sabi namin… okay na iyon para hindi na mas mahirapan pa si tatay,” Ken tearfully said also on the same news program.
Ken, who has been gaining much attention for his transgender role on “Destiny Rose,” is grateful to Kuya Germs for all he has achieved.
“Noong pagdating ko po ng ospital, lumapit po sa akin si Tito Freddie (Santos). Sabi ni Tito Freddie sa akin, ‘He’s very proud of you.’ Sobrang proud daw po ni tatay sa akin,” he said.
The young Kapuso star also learned Kuya Germs was planning to give him a surprise birthday party. Ken’s birthday is on Jan. 17.
“Nalaman ko po na may surprise pala para sa akin si tatay,” he said.
Helping others, especially those aspiring to become celebrities, was Kuya Germs’ greatest legacy. While it had been many years since “That’s Entertainment” ended, Kuya Germs never stopped discovering talents. (MNS)