Master Showman German 'Kuya Germs' Moreno passes away

German Moreno, who is known in the showbiz industry as "Master Showman," has passed away from cardiac arrest at 3:20 a.m. on Friday. He was 82 years old.

Moreno's death came a year after he had a stroke.

John Nite, Moreno's nephew and co-host in GMA 7's "Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman," announced the news through a statement he sent to GMA News Online.

"He passed on in the company of his family and friends. He lived a full life, touched so many hearts through the years, and helped make dreams come true for most of the biggest stars in the Philippine entertainment industry," he said.

"We are deeply saddened by his passing but we are comforted by the thought that his legacy will live on," he added.

Moreno or Kuya Germs, as he is called by friends and fans, was known for his loyalty and professionalism.

It was in January 2015 that Kuya Germs was hospitalized after suffering from a stroke and he had to rest for several months.

He returned to host "Walang Tulugan" last June 2015.

Moreno was known as a star builder in his youth oriented show in the 1980s called "That's Entertainment" for aspiring actors, dancers and singers. Many of the show's "graduates" became popular artists including Lea Salonga, Manilyn Reynes, Gladys Reyes, Judy Ann Santos, Janno Gibbs, Billy Crawford, Donna Cruz, Ramon Christopher, and Lotlot de Leon.

He also initiated the "Walk of Fame" in Eastwood, Quezon City, which is the local counterpart of the "Walk of Fame" in Hollywood, USA to recognize artists, broadcasters, singers and others who made significant contributions to the showbiz industry.

Kuya Germs had humble beginnings. He started as a utility worker at the once popular Clover Theater in Manila in the 1950s. He became a stage actor and later a film star.

In 2013, Kuya Germs celebrated his 50th year in the showbiz industry. — BAP/FRJ/KG, GMA News