Through the eyes of German Moreno’s grandchildren, the public got a glimpse of what the Master Showman was like behind the cameras.
“I always asked him for money, so I could play at the arcade,” Jaime Rafael said, drawing laughter from the audience who attended the necrological service for Moreno at Studio 7 of GMA Network in Quezon City on Jan. 13.
“Afterward, we would hear Mass and have dinner, which he insisted to pay for,” he added.
Luis Gabriel likewise had everyone chuckling when he related that Moreno taught him how to play card games when he was 7 years old.
“He was a good gambler,” he joked, before eventually breaking down in tears, as he recalled the other lessons his grandfather had instilled in him.
“Thank you for teaching me how to love with all my heart and think of others before myself,” Luis Gabriel, a decorated young archer, said in between sobs.
Jaime Rafael and Luis Gabriel—sons of Moreno’s only child, Federico—were among the people who took the stage to reminisce about their fondest memories of the entertainment stalwart (known as Kuya Germs).
In his affecting eulogy, GMA 7 chair Felipe L. Gozon related that in the more than 45 years he had worked with Moreno, most of their dealings were bound by mere gentlemen’s agreements.
His loyalty, of course, didn’t come unreciprocated: Federico candidly admitted that, for the longest time, his father’s show, “Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman,” lagged in the ratings game and failed to draw advertisers.
“Just the same, you let him continue doing what he loved to do,” he said, thanking the GMA 7 executives.
Throughout the service, hosted by Dingdong Dantes and Jean Garcia, stirring song numbers were rendered by artists, including Gary Valenciano, Gerphil Flores, The CompanY, Christian Bautista and Dulce.
Moreno was buried the following day at Loyola Memorial Park. Many believe that Moreno’s spirit is now in heaven, making the angels laugh, sing and dance—and keeping them awake!
E-mail apolicarpio@inquirer.com.ph