MANILA, Philippines – Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno (Francisco Domagoso) said on Friday, January 8, that the death of German "Kuya Germs" Moreno is a huge loss to him, to the industry, and to the others whom the show business bigwig took under his wing.
In a statement sent to the media, Isko said, "Isang malaking kawalan hindi lamang sa industriya ngunit para sa buhay ko ang mawalang isang tao na halos nagsilbing pangalawang ama ko loob at labas ng showbiz."
(It's a big loss, not only to the industry, but to my life, to lose a person who served as my second father in- and outside of showbiz.)
Isko recounted that Kuya Germs was the one who dicovered him and gave him a chance in the showbiz industry.
"He opened the doors for me and to be honest, wala ho sigurong Isko Moreno ngayon kung walang Kuya Germs. Wala akong ka talent-talent noon sa pagkanta o pagsayaw, but he took risk on me, at 'yun ang naging susi ko upang maiahon ko ang sarili at pamilya ko sa kahirapan."
(He opened doors for me and, to be honest, there probably wouldn't be an Isko Moreno now if there wasn't a Kuya Germs. I didn't have any talent in singing or dancing before, but he took the risk on me, and that became my key to raise myself and my family out of hardship.)
As he was growing up, Isko lived in the slums. He helped his family earn a living by collecting bottles and trash, and selling them to junk shops.
He was discovered by his talent manager, Wowie Roxas, at someone's wake, who pushed him to audition for That's Entertainment, German Moreno's variety show co-hosted by young stars.
Later, he starred in Muntik na Kitang Minahal, opposite Claudine Barretto – his first leading role.
After acting, Isko transitioned to politics, becoming Manila councilor before finishing college and eventually studying law. Today, he is running for senator in the 2016 elections.
Even after he left showbiz, Isko said, Kuya Germs was still concerned about him. "Lagi hong tatawag yan everytime may nababasa siya tungkol sa akin sa mga balita." (He always called me everytime he read something about me in the news.)
"He is a huge loss lalong-lalo na sa napakaraming artista na, at one point or another, ay natulungan niya sa showbiz," Isko said. (He is a huge loss, especially to the many artists that at one point or another, he helped in showbiz.)
Many other celebrities expressed their sadness over Kuya Germs' death. (READ: Stars mourn death of German 'Kuya Germs' Moreno)
Before his death, Kuya Germs hosted Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman, a late-night variety show.
He was known for hosting GMA Supershow and That's Entertainment, and appeared in many TV shows and films. – Rappler.com