Shalala and Kuya Germs: An emotional recap of an iconic, enduring friendship

Shalala passed away Wednesday after battling pulmonary tuberculosis.

If you remember, the TV host and radio personality brought loads of laughter and joy to viewers alongside the late German "Kuya Germs" Moreno for many years.

They even became the first pair to ever play Pinoy Henyo on "Eat Bulaga" back in the day.

When Kuya Germs passed away in 2016, Shalala said the Master Showman was like his friend, brother and father.

In an emotional TV interview with CelebriTV back in 2016, Shalala recalled how the two of them even had a brief falling-out that stemmed from the comedian's decision to change networks.

Kuya Germs, however, eventually welcomed him back with open arms.

"Alam ko nagtampo siya sa 'kin nung isang taon, pero nung kinausap ko siya, sabi niya, 'hindi naman ako galit sa yo. Nagtampo lang ako kasi nasira 'yung team up natin,'" Shalala said in a 2016.

(I know he was unhappy with me for some time, but when I spoke to him, he said he was not mad at me, he was just sad because I broke up our team)

"Tapos sabi ko, pasensya na kasi kailangan ko ring kumita. So ayun, tinanggap niya ako. Sabi ko, 'Pwede pa ba ako rito?' Sabi niya, bukas naman tong programa, lalong lalo na sa'yo," he added.

(I apologized and explained that I needed to make a living. In the end, he welcomed me. I asked him: 'Can I still come' and he said 'This program is open, especially for you')

Grateful for Kuya Germs's friendship until the very end, Shalala shared the final words he told the TV legend on his deathbed.

"Bumulong ako sabi ko, Kuya Germs, sorry sa mga nagawa ko sa 'yo. Sorry talaga," he said.

(I whispered to him, 'Kuya Germs, I'm sorry for everything I've done to you. I'm really sorry)

In an earlier interview with "Tunay na Buhay" in 2014, Kuya Germs said he was way past the issue.

"Pag merong pangyayaring gano'n, kung minsan, andun 'yung tampo mo, pero later on, nako!" Kuya Germs said.

"Sabi nga, may pusong mamon, na kahit na anong gawa sakin nagagawa ko paring kalimutan."

Kuya Germs died in January 2016 at the age of 82.

Shalala, Carmelito Reyes in real life, passed away Wednesday morning after battling pulmonary tuberculosis.

Apart from "Tweetbiz," he is also known to bring laughter through his TV programs such as GMA-7's "Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman" and films such as “Ang Darling Kong Aswang” (2009), “Agimat at Enteng Kabisote” (2010), “My House Husband: Ikaw Na” (2011), and “Echoserang Frog” (2014).

His brother, Anthony Reyes, called on our generosity to help with Shalala's medical expenses. People can send donations to:

Anthony M. Reyes
Metrobank Savings Account Number: 091-3-091-33785-2

— Margaret Claire Layug/LA, GMA News