Isko Moreno: 'I'm nobody, Kuya Germs gave me opportunity

MANILA Vice Mayor Isko Moreno turned emotional as he recalled the contributions of the late German "Kuya Germs" Moreno in the entertainment business.

During his eulogy on Wednesday at the necrological service for the veteran TV host held at GMA compound in Quezon City, the actor-turned-politician recalled his early days in showbiz.

Moreno shared that in 1993, the former variety program "That's Entertainment" was looking for new breed of talents.

He first met Kuya Germs during the show's audition.

"Tinanong niya ako, 'Marunong ka bang kumanta?' Sabi ko 'Hindi ho.' 'Marunong ka ba umarte?' E, kapag hindi pa rin ang sagot ko, hindi na ako matatanggap. So, sabi ko, 'Marunong po.' There was a skit na gagawa ka ng character. Nagawa ko naman."

Moreno said that from the 300 who auditioned, he was among those who passed.

"May dala silang shortlist. 'Ikaw, ikaw'. Nung malalampasan ako, sabi niya 'Sige na nga, ikaw na nga".

He said that aside from having an eye in spotting talent, the veteran host gives his support no matter what.

"Si Kuya Germs lang naman talaga ang nagbibigay ng pagkakataon sa mga bata from nowhere. Ito yung window of opportunity."

"Hindi ko matutumbasan kasi if not for that opportunity, wala ako sa harap ninyo ngayon. Malamang basurero pa rin ako. I was a nobody but he gave me an opportunity."

Moreno said that years after, even when he's already in politics and public service, Kuya Germs would still push for his showbiz career.

He added that Kuya Germs would often remind him the value of hard work and professionalism.

"Sabi niya, 'Alam mo Isko, ang mga artista ayos lamang yan pagka banat pa ang mukha mo. Pag nagka wrinkles ka na, may ipapanganak na bata, mas gwapo sa iyo, mas magaling sa iyo. Darating ang oras na sila naman ang sisikat. Dapat maghanda ka dahil hindi lahat ng araw andito ka".

"Sabi niya na pakakatandaan mo na mas mabuti ng ikaw ang nag-aantay kesa ikaw ang inaantay. Professionalism should always be there. Lagi niyang sinasabi na 'wag kang pasakit sa set."

He also said that the Master Showman had unyielding loyalty to people he loved.

"There was an incident about 20 years ago. He was in "GMA Supershow" and "That's Entertainment". He was offered a (big) sum of money and a good spot somewhere else."

"Sabi niya, 'Kinausap na ako e.' Tanong ko in-offer-an ka ba? Bakit hindi mo tinanggap? He said, 'Nakakahiya kay Mr. Jimenez. Okay na ako dito, masaya na ako dito'. Because if he will go, everybody will go."

Isko said that when Kuya Germs sees something in a person or the person gained his respect, you can expect his support and love until his last breath.

"When he's a friend, he's a friend. 'Pag may nakita siya sa iyo, all the way. If others will not believe in you, he will continue."

The politician also shared that when Kuya Germs suffered a stroke in 2015, instead of worrying about his health, he was still thinking of his talents.

According to Moreno, he was in the US when Kuya Germs had a stroke and upon his arrival in Manila, he went straight to the hospital and was greeted by the veteran host's son, Frederico.

"Naulinigan niya yung boses ko. E di nagising. Lumapit kaming dalawa (with Frederico), ang una niyang sinabi, 'Anong nangyari sa iyo? Bakit iba na ang laban mo?' Sabi ko, 'ikaw naman, matulog ka muna'.

"That's a near death experience then when he saw you, pag-aalala parin. Ni hindi niya unawain yung sarili niya but yung sarili mo."

He said no one can replace the Master Showman.

"Bagay sa kanya ang the Master Showman because he's a master of his own show. Hindi niya titigilan ang showbiz kahit physically challenged na siya. Gusto niyang tumulong lagi sa iba," he ended. (Sunnex)