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German Moreno: Most Outstanding QC citizen

Author: Ronald Constantino
Column: HighSpeed

OUTSTANDING Quezon City citizens - Congratulations to Kuya Germs for being named one of the most outstanding citizens of QC in 2009. A most apt gift to German Moreno, who marked his birthday on Oct. 4.

The Master Showman is in distinguished company. Also named most outstanding citizens were National Artist Virgilio Almario, business tycoon Jorge Araneta, Antonio Meloto of Bahay Kalinga, banker George Ty, educators Carolina Hernandez and Florangel Rosario-Braid, Vicente Mendoza, Serafin Quiazon, Nelia Gonzales, Consuelo Sison.

His home studio, GMA, also featured Kuya Germs last Monday in the docu program "I-Witness," the whole hour devoted to him. With host Sandra Aguinaldo, Kuya Germs looked back at his humble roots, Clover theater janitor and telonero and Sampaguita bit player. They even visited the site of Clover in Sta. Cruz, Manila, now a commercial building.

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OLD FRIENDS, FAMILY - Kuya Germs recognized an old sidewalk vendor, a woman, during his Clover days. He discreetly handed her money. Which he does all the time, when meeting old friends in need.

People close to the heart of the Master Showman spoke fondly of him. The likes of Dolphy, Manay Ichu Maceda, Gloria Romero, Pilita Corrales, President Erap Estrada, Manila Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, sidekick Shalala, Jackie Lou Blanco, Judy Ann Santos, nephew John Nite, Jhake Vargas and his sick mother.

His son Federico and several apos and other family members expressed their eternal gratitude to Kuya Germs.

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INGRATITUDE - At times, Kuya Germs couldn't help being teary-eyed, especially when he recalled sad times, the ingratitude of people he's helped, stars he built.

In the words of Dolphy, "Si German napakaraming natulungan, napakabait na tao." But the King of Comedy wondered if some or many of them still remember.

No matter, thank you, Kuya Germs, for entertaining audiences from the '50s to this very day. Walang tulugan, walang iwanan.

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GOODBYE SHOWBIZ - But only for several months. Alfred Vargas is taking a "leave of absence" from acting to prepare for his political aspirations, running for councilor in the second district of QC.

At the birthday dinner tendered by Mike Villa-Real and his wife Pearl for colleague Remy Umerez, Alfred disclosed joining politics is "so far the biggest challenge outside acting that I'm going to face. My parents advised me to think hard about it. Which I did. I think of public service as my calling."

Alfred wrapped up work in "Darna," where he is an investigative reporter. He took part in the relief operation for victims of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. Alfred is an Ateneo graduate.

After the May 2010 polls, Alfred intends to return to showbiz.

Mike Villa-Real is the vice president of Veterans Bank, sponsor of the much-admired World War II travelling exhibit.

Source: Tempo