Kuya Germs home for the last time

MANILA, Philippines - A parade of the brightest and biggest stars, TV personalities and media executives gathered together last Jan. 13 at his second home, GMA Network, to pay their last respects to the Master Showman German “Kuya Germs” Moreno and honor his life of love, loyalty and passion.

Hosted by Dingdong Dantes and Jean Garcia, the necrological service for Kuya Germs was overwhelming with memories and fondness for the beloved showbiz icon.

It was graced by GMA Network chairman and CEO Felipe Gozon and his wife Teresa, former Rep. Gilberto Duavit Sr., GMA president and COO Gilberto Duavit Jr., GMA board directors Joel Jimenez and Laura Westfall, GMA Films president Annette Gozon-Abrogar and EVP and CFO Felipe Yalong with Kuya Germs’ family, friends, former colleagues in the media and the Kapuso community and other network officers.

Expressing his admiration and testifying to Kuya Germs’ loyalty, Gozon said, “Speaking for myself, I cannot imagine a broadcast network without Kuya Germs… but I think Kuya Germs will appreciate more if we keep his legacy alive by loving and nurturing show business with all our hearts and all our minds and with utmost sincerity.”

Proving as well how Kuya Germs was man of humility and generosity were eulogies from his close friends, including GMA SVP for Entertainment TV Lilybeth Rasonable, FVP for Program Management Jose Mari Abacan, Marichu “Manay Ichu” Maceda of Sampaguita Pictures, Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno and Cecilio Pedro of Lamoiyan Corporation.

Though in deep sadness, Kuya Germs’ family led by his son Federico, grandchildren Jorell, Francheska, Raffy and Gabby, niece and family matriarch Dr. Vivian Nite dela Cruz, and nephew John Nite also expressed their gratitude to the people who paid tribute to Kuya Germs and shared their fondest memories of their Papa.

For his valuable contributions and loyalty to the network, GMA management presented a posthumous plaque of appreciation and recognition to Kuya Germs.

Among the notable names in the industry who came to pay their respects to the Master Showman were Jessica Soho, Marian Rivera, Dennis Trillo, Manilyn Reynes, Alessandra de Rossi, Keempee de Leon, Derrick Monasterio, Thea Tolentino, Jake Vargas, Mikoy Morales, Carmi Martin, Alessandra de Rossi, Eddie Ilarde, Diva Montelaba, Bibeth Orteza, Rafa Siguion-Reyna, Louise delos Reyes, Celia Rodriguez, Vina Morales, Sen.  Bongbong Marcos, KC Concepcion, Erik Santos, Bela Padilla, Betong Sumaya, Denice Barbacena, Angeli Pangilinan, Joey Generoso, Ramon Christopher, Maricel Morales, Michael Angelo, Shaina Magdayao, Prince Villanueva, Rochelle Barrameda, Maritoni Fernandez, Lance Raymundo, Shirley Fuentes, among others.

To celebrate the colorful life of Kuya Germs were the performances of Gary Valenciano, Christian Bautista, The CompanY, Gerphil Flores and Dulce.

A funeral Mass was held morning of Jan. 14 before he was laid to rest at the Loyola Memorial Park in Marikina. Regine Velasquez-Alcasid rendered a heartfelt song for the Master Showman during the Mass. Federico once again thanked all the people who paid tribute and supported his papa throughout his career.

All the words that were said and the tears that were shed would not seem enough to gratify the love that they have for Kuya Germs.