It was an extraordinary occasion for the Kapuso viewers as the much-anticipated celebration of the 50th anniversary of German "Kuya Germs" Moreno, entertainment icon and master showman, unfolded on April 27. 

The anniversary shindig, with Butch Francisco and Jean Garcia as red carpet anchors, was a most unusual evening of song, dance, film clips and drama. The night honored Moreno's five decades as television host, actor, comedian, director and talent manager.
Aside from the red carpet arrivals, the audience applauded the beginning of the event as personalities in the entertainment industry, from different networks, joined together in one stage.
Movie queens Gloria Romero and Susan Roces, Titanic Action Star and senator Bong Revilla, Megastar Sharon Cuneta, dramatic actresses Dawn Zulueta and Gina Alajar and Kapuso royals Dingdong Dantes and Marian Rivera gave heartfelt messages.
Adding stellar wattage to the celebration were Dennis Trillo, Gabby Eigenmann, Geoff Eigenmann, Carla Abellana, Benjamin Alves, Michael de Mesa, Leo Martinez, Lani Mercado, Phillip Salvador, Romnick Sarmienta, Harlene Bautista, Sunshine Dizon, Iza Calzado, Jolina Magdangal, Karylle, Andrea Torres, Jeric Gonzales, Thea Tolentino, Ara Mina, Max Collins, Mark Anthony Fernandez, Glydel Mercado, Jestoni Alarcon, Rochelle Pangilinan, Tim Yap, Ryzza Mae Dizon, Boots Anson Roa, Luz Valdez and many other Philippine showbiz celebrities of the past and present.
Kuya Germs applauded the various song and dance numbers.
Performers were Raymond Lauchengco, John Nite, Jackielou Blanco, Sheryl Cruz, Rachel Alejandro, Tina Paner, Glaiza De Castro, Janno Gibbs, Manilyn Reynes, Martin Nievera, Pops Fernandez, Ogie Alcasid, Vina Morales, Jessa Zaragoza, Jaya, Rachelle Ann Go, Julie Anne San Jose, Dulce, Regine Velasquez-Alcasid, Gary Valenciano, David Pomeranz, La Diva, Mark Bautista, Kempee de Leon, Frencheska Farr, Gian Magdangal, The Company, Carmen Soriano, Elizabeth Ramsey, Jolina Magdangal and Pilita Corrales.
Adding more groove to the program was the spectacular dance number headed by Mark Herras and Billy Crawford together with Alden Richards, Aljur Abrenica, Barbie Forteza, Bea Binene, Billy Crawford, Derrick Monasterio, Diva Montelaba, Down to Mars, Enzo Pineda, Jake Vargas, Janine Gutierrez, Joyce Ching, Julian Trono, Kim Rodriguez, Kris Bernal, Kristoffer Martin, Lexi Fernandez, Louise de los Reyes, Mark Herras, Mayton Eugenio, Sef Cayadona, Steven Silva, Winwyn Marquez, Yssa Muhlach and Yassi Pressman.
The Master Showman shed copious tears throughout the show that brought back his glory days and his triumphs, and his forever relationship with GMA Network.

Colorful life
German Moreno is often ribbed for mispronouncing "girls" as "gels." People smile and wonder how he got away with it all these years, murdering the English word's pronunciation with such nonchalance.
Also, the flamboyant suits he wore with great confidence during the reign of GMA Supershow were, without a doubt, a mark of more decadent times and the guilty pleasure of many.
Despite his reputed stature in the local showbiz industry, however, kibitzers would sometimes dismiss his comedic talent and hosting skills. To them, he continues to be the biggest alalay of the one and only Superstar, Nora Aunor, period.
Yet all these ruminations do not diminish the legend of Moreno. In fact, it lifts it to greater heights. Frankly speaking, if we look closely at how this survivor and veteran handled his career in Tinseltown, we unearth life lessons of great value.

Tenacity
From his modest beginnings as a telonero and janitor, sidekick and eventually the enviable master showman, Kuya Germs is the perfect example of a man who employed hard work (sipag) and perseverance (tiyaga) to realize all his dreams.
This potent combination, plus prayers and certainly luck, makes him literally a "man of steel."
"I want to share na itong showbiz, hindi lahat nakatawa,"quips the showbiz veteran. "May mararanasan din na pagsubok so you should be prepared. During my time in Sampaguita (Pictures), that is what Dr. Perez told me: 'Ihanda mo ang sarili mo at darating ang time na medyo masasaktan ka.' I told him then, 'Alam ko po yun, kaya nakahanda po ang sarili ko."

Loyalty
Recollect that in one GMA Supershow episode, he courageously dedicated a tribute to the Iron Butterfly, Imelda Romualdez Marcos. By showing that he is an honorary "blue lady," Moreno got his biggest showbiz flak. It was so politically insensitive of him to honor a Marcos, and Imelda at that, post-Edsa. The anchor of the hourly news that time could not contain her disgust; a rancid remark was said on air.
Further proof of his loyalty, staying with GMA 7 after the axing of his five shows in a year's time: "I asked the management if they still need me. They said 'yes' and asked me to stay. Tinanong nila sa ‘kin kung ano ang idea ko, so naisip ko ‘yung Master Showman. Doon siya pinanganak. Now, the late night Saturday show is 17 years old."
"Ten-thirty p.m. ang time slot ko; lahat nagsasabi na nobody is going to watch you anymore kasi tulog na ‘yung mga tao," the entertainment survivor shares. "The whole thing challenged me, na ‘yung oras na patay ay bubuhayin mo. Ngayon, every one says Master Showman is a success kahit gabing-gabi na siya."

Honesty
In any relationship based on trust and respect, brutal honesty is often called tough love.
Kuya Germs' tough love is most apparent in the enduring friendships he has nurtured through the years — he is a compadre and confidante of movie queens Gloria Romero and Susan Roces, and he is Megastar Sharon Cuneta's tatay of sorts as he guided, mentored and loved her since her bubblegum days to the present. The best example of this kind of love is, without a doubt, his on-again, off-again relationship with the tempestuous superstar Nora Aunor.

Generosity
Moreno always knew who to help, support and who to push for them to realize not only their potentials but their dreams. In his long career, Kuya Germs is known for having inspired and guided many stars today.
This was evident from the days of the immortal love team of Nora and Tirso Cruz III (he directed Blue Hawaii, Guy and Pip's first phenomenal movie team-up), to the heyday of the teen stars of That's Entertainment, to the lovely hosts of Germs Side, Germspesyal and GMA Supershow, and to this very day, his wards in Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman.
"Isang tingin pa lang alam ko na if someone has a future or not," the star builder declares. "There is no sure formula in making a star. I believe it is 50 percent luck, then pantay na ‘yung talent at looks. Of course, importante ang professionalism, pakikisama at prayers.
"Ang sa akin lang, gusto ko talagang makatulong. Showbiz has been so kind to me, so helping the young, in a way, eh challenge at opportunity. Challenge kasi alam mong may future itong bata so tutulungan mo. Opportunity rin kasi, every talent na tinutulungan mo, may natutuhan ka. What worked before may not work this time, so patuloy ang pag-aaral, patuloy ang paghuhulma, ‘yun ang gusto ko."

Humility
"Whatever success I have, I owe it sa nasa itaas, sa Diyos and sa lahat ng mga taong nakilala, naging kaibigan, kakampi, maging sa kaaway, nagpapasalamat ako sa kanila. Kuya Germs is not perfect," says the industry veteran.
"Hindi mo naman maiiwasan ‘yun, ang away, intriga, even failures," he says. "One must not forget to eat humble pie from time to time, and by means of prayers and with the people who love me, lalo na ang pamilya ko at mga tunay kong kaibigan, lumalakas ‘yung loob ko."
With a sincere smile, Kuya Germs declares: "You cannot please everybody. Isa yan sa mga natutuhan ko sa showbiz. Ako, gusto ko pa ring tumulong, gusto po ring maituro sa mga kabataan ngayon ang value ng pagsisipag, tiyaga at pagdarasal. Kuya Germs became Kuya Germs because I worked hard, I prayed even harder and pinanindigan ko ang pagpasok ko sa showbiz at minahal ko ito talaga."
And all these, we think Kuya Germs deserves his place in Tinseltown.

Walang Tulugan with the Master Showman airs every late Saturday nights on GMA 7.

Two Eulas are better than one! The casting of co-stars with the same first names make up an interesting pairing. Dramatic actress Eula Valdes and TV5’s ingénue Eula Caballero portray mommy dearest and beloved daughter in the highly anticipated fantasy drama series, Cassandra: Warrior Angel.

This historical first for popular TV with two Eulas working with each other is the sequel to the popular fantasy series billed Third Eye, in which the younger Eula plays lead.

Drama queen
“It surprised me a bit to know that there is another Eula,” admits the seasoned Valdes. “It felt weird at first because for the longest time, I was the only Eula. Ngayon dalawa na, magkasama pa kami in one project. Noong una, when our first names are called, sabay kaming lumilingon. It’s a good thing that as the tapings progress, we are getting the hang of it.”
She shares the reason behind her screen name. “My real name is Julia, but my nickname for real is Eula. When I first started with Viva Films, they asked me if I wanted to use my real name. I said yes to the idea, but back then, they thought it was too sophisticated for a 14-year-old miss. They decided to use my nickname, and I have been using it for the longest time.”
In the fantasy drama, she plays the role of Larissa, a mother in search of her identity and a babaylan that has succumbed to the dark side. This is a role Valdes has admittedly been wanting to do for a long time now. “Sobrang excited ako dito because this is what I want to do. Ang tagal kong naghahanap ng ibang role. As an actress, uncharted waters do not scare me. When you give life to a different role, you learn so much. Ayokong mamatay or mag-retire na hindi ko nagawa ‘yung mga gusto kong gawin.”
The physical rigor of the role fuels the actress’ excitement. “As for the physical demands of our roles, both of us attended an intensive Muay Thai training. When I accepted to be Larissa, sabi ko I will do my own stunts so nung nagkaroon ng eksena na sinabi nilang may double na magpapatuloy nung action scene ko, sabi ko bakit pa, nandito naman ako, ako na lang.”
Adding the giddy factor is her paring with Gabby Concepcion. “I keep on teasing him, telling him that he is one of the reasons why I entered show business. Kasi noong time nila ni William Martinez, they were the biggest heartthrobs when I was high school. I told him that he was my crush and I watched all his movies.
“And this time, I get to kiss him. May kissing scene na kami!” Eula exclaims and guffaws.
As for working with a younger namesake, this has never been an issue for her. “I just feel fortunate that at my age, I still get opportunities to work. As for working with Eula, I trust what my director told me, Eric (Quizon), magaling siyang artista. Madaling matuto at hindi mahirap katrabaho. I’m taking his word for it. All that I will ask from her is to be sincere lang. Kasi doon nararamdaman ng tao if you are faking it. She must feel her character, namnamin niya ang mga lines niya. She just needs to be honest with her feelings.”
Primetime princess
Eula Caballero, one of the princesses of the Kapatid Network, is ecstatic and pressured at the same time playing the title role in Cassandra: Warrior Angel.
“This soap will basically trace my origins; the audiences will know who my parents are and where my powers come from,” describes the TV princess. “As Cassandra, the Eula that audiences will see here is tougher, very much ready to fight and be in action sequences. My inspiration for the role is the character of Lara Croft, the one portrayed by Angelina Jolie; she’s one of my Hollywood idols.”
While she has worked with Gabby Concepcion in a movie and TV series, Caballero is a bit nervous about facing her elder namesake. “I really have to prepare for this, acting-wise,” she declares. “Ayoko namang mapahiya sa kanila, hindi lang kay Ms. Eula, but every one who is part of the cast. They are very well-established, so dapat galingan ko rin. I will really work hard to give my best. ”
Caballero will also have four leading men: JC de Vera, Daniel Matsunaga, Victor Silayan and the newest Kapatid, Albie Casino. To the quartet of leading men, all Eula can say is “Exciting!”
Completing the cast are an equally talented bunch of seasoned character actors, including William Martinez, Pen Medina, Mercedes Cabral, Art Acuña and Vangie Labalan.

Cassandra: Warrior Angel premieres on May 6, 7 p.m., Primetime Block of TV5.

The Entertainment Press Society (Enpress) starts its first decade celebration with the announcement of official nominees for the 10th Golden Screen Awards (GSA).

The awards ceremony is on April 27, Saturday, at the Teatrino, in Greenhills, San Juan, Metro Manila.
Lito Mañago, chairman of the Golden Screen Awards Screening Committee, said, "This is a milestone year for the Entertainment Press Society. We are in our 10th year. We believe that through our modest efforts, we have championed and celebrated a decade of excellent Philippine cinema.  These new sets of nominees are affirmations that we continue with our legacy of bestowing the best of best in the motion picture industry."
With 15 nominations, Chris Martinez's I Do Bidoo Bido leads the pack of world-class nominees. The film got the nods for Best Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy, Best Direction, Best Original Screenplay and Best Story for Chris Martinez, as well as Best Performance for Eugene Domingo, Zsa Zsa Padilla, Sam Concepcion, Gary Valenciano, Ogie Alcasid, Sweet Plantado, Tippy Dos Santos, Frenchie Dy and Neil Coleta.
The motion picture tribute to the music of the APO Hiking Society also garnered a lion's share in the technical categories.
Jun Lana's Bwakaw comes second with 12 nominations that includes Best Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy; Best Direction, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Story for Jun Lana; Best performance by an Actor in a Leading Role drama for Eddie Garcia, and Best Supporting Actor nominations for Joey Paras and Soxie Topacio.
Figuring strongly, with 11 nominations, is Richard Somes' Supremo,  which includes Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role-Drama for Alfred Vargas, Best Motion Picture-Drama and Best Direction for Somes.
Judy Ann Santos and Iza Calzado made it as acting finalists for Mga Mumunting Lihim, as well as Eugene Domingo and Zsa Zsa Padilla for I Do Bidoo Bidoo.
De Belen is doubly lucky with two nominations, Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role-Drama for Mga Mumunting Lihim and Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role-Drama, Musical or Comedy for Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles.
First timers dominate the acting categories: Superstar Nora Aunor for Thy Womb, along with Agot Isidro for Mumunting Lihim, LJ Reyes for Kalye Marino: Intoy Siyokoy,  for best actress drama; Regine Velasquez for Of All The Things for best actress, musical or comedy, Dina Bonnevie for Flames of Love and Hilda Koronel for best supporting actress, Joross Gamboa for Kalye Marino: Intoy Siyokoy  and Ronaldo Valdez for The Mistress, Kristoffer King, best actor, and Kristoffer Martin, best supporting actor for Oros, and Archie Alemania, best supporting actor for Slumber Party.
Mañago adds, "The recipient of the Gawad Lino Brocka Lifetime Achievement Award is Regal matriarch and producer Ms. Lily Monteverde."
Dekada Awardees, past Golden Screen Awards winners who have won two or more recognitions during the past decade will also be honored.

And the nominees are:

Best Motion Picture-Drama
Alagwa (Breakaway Films)
Bwakaw (Cinemalaya, APT Entertainment and Octobertrain Films)
Kalye Marino: Intoy Syokoy (Cinemalaya, Boy So, Rober Bernardo and Boy Abunda)
Mater Dolorosa (Cinema One Originals and Creative Programs. Inc.)
Mga Mumunting Lihim (Cinemalaya and LargaVista Entertainment)
Sta. Niña (Cinemalaya, CCM Creative and Bonfire Productions)
The Mistress (Star Cinema Productions)
Thy Womb (Centerstage Productions)

Best Motion Picture-Musical
or Comedy
I Do Bidoo Bidoo (Unitel and Studio 5)
Of All the Things (Viva Films and GMA Films)
REquieme (Cinemalaya and Cine Handurawan)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Lead Role-Drama
Agot Isidro (Mga Mumunting Lihim)
Angelica Panganiban (One More Try)
Bea Alonzo (The Mistress)
Gina Alajar (Mater Dolorosa)
Iza Calzado (Mga Mumunting Lihim)
Janice de Belen (Mga Mumunting Lihim)
Jodi Sta. Maria (Migrante)
Judy Ann Santos (Mga Mumunting Lihim)
LJ Reyes (Kalye Marino: Intoy Syokoy)
Nora Aunor (Thy Womb)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Lead Role-Drama
Alfred Vargas (Supremo)
Allen Dizon (Migrante)
Coco Martin (Sta. Niña)
Dingdong Dantes (Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles)
Eddie Garcia (Bwakaw)
Kristoffer King (Oros)
Jericho Rosales (Alagwa)
JM de Guzman (Kalye Marino: Intoy Syokoy)
John Lloyd Cruz (The Mistress)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Lead Role-Musical
or Comedy
Eugene Domingo (I Do Bidoo Bidoo)
Regine Velasquez (Of All The Things)
Shamaine Buencamino (REquieme)
Zsa Zsa Padilla (I Do Bidoo Bidoo)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Lead Role-Musical
or Comedy
Aga Muhlach (Of All The Things)
Archie Alemania (Slumber Party)
Gary Valenciano (I Do Bidoo Bidoo)
John Lapus (Moron 5 and the Crying Lady)
Ogie Alcasid (I Do Bidoo Bidoo)
Sam Concepcion (I Do Bidoo Bidoo)

Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting
Role-Drama, Musical
or Comedy
Anita Linda (Sta. Niña)
Dina Bonnevie (Flames of Love)
Frenchie Dy (I Do Bidoo Bidoo)
Hilda Koronel (The Mistress)
Janice de Belen (Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles)
Mylene Dizon (Sosy Problems)

Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role-Drama, Musical or comedy
Cesar Montano (El Presidente)
Kristoffer Martin (Oros)
Joey Paras (Bwakaw)
Joross Gamboa (Kalye Marino: Intoy Syokoy)
Neil Coleta (I Do Bidoo Bidoo)
Ronaldo Valdez (The Mistress)
Soxie Topacio (Bwakaw)

Best Breakthrough Performance by an Actress
Dawn Jimenez (The Animals)
Kim Komatsu (Oros)
Sweet Plantado (I Do Bidoo Bidoo)
Tippy dos Santos (I Do Bidoo Bidoo)
Yam Concepcion (Rigodon)
Best Breakthrough Performance by an Actor
Anthony Falcon (REquieme)
Kenneth Salva (Kalye Marino: Intoy Syokoy)
John James Uy (Rigodon)
Markki Stroem (Slumber Party)
Marti Sandino San Juan (Grave Bandit)
RK Bagatsing (Slumber Party)
Ronald Pacifico (Grave Bandit)
Sef Cadayona (Gayak)

Best Director
Adolfo Alix Jr. (Mater Dolorosa)
Brillane Mendoza (Thy Womb)
Chris Martinez (I Do Bidoo Bidoo)
Jose Javier Reyes (Mga Mumunting Lihim)
Joyce Bernal (Of All The Things)
Jun Lana (Bwakaw)
Olivia Lamasan (The Mistress)
Richard Somes (Supremo)

Best Original Screenplay
Chris Martinez (I Do Bidoo Bidoo)
Henry Burgos (Thy Womb)
Jerry Gracio (Mater Dolorosa)
Jimmy Flores (Supremo)
Jose Javier Reyes (Mga Mumunting Lihim)
Jun Lana (Bwakaw)
Mel Mendoza-del Rosario (Of All The Things)

Best Screenplay Adaptation
Erros Atalia (Kalye Marino: Intoy Syokoy)
Layeta Bucoy (Melodrama Negra)

Best Story
Allan Lopez (Melodrama Negra)
Chris Martinez (I Do Bidoo Bidoo)
Emmanuel Palo (Sta. Niña)
Ian Lorenos (Alagwa)
Jerry Gracio (Mater Dolorosa)
Jimmy Flores (Supremo)
Jose Javier Reyes (Mga Mumunting Lihim)
Jun Lana (Bwakaw)
Mel Mendoza-del Rosario (Of All The Things)

Best Cinematography
Albert Banzon (Mater Dolorosa)
Alex Esparto (Supremo)
Carlos Mendoza (Bwakaw)
Charlie Peralta (Of All The Things)
Francis Ricardo Buhay III (Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles)
Larry Manda (I Do Bidoo Bidoo)
Nor Domingo (Sta. Niña)
Odyssey Flores (Thy Womb)
Rodolfo Aves Jr. (Mga Mumunting Lihim)

Best Editing    
Benjamin Tolentino (Mater Dolorosa)
Carlos Francisco Manatad and Joris Fernandez (Supremo)
Jay Halili (Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles)
Lawrence Ang (Bwakaw)
Randy Gabriel (I Do Bidoo Bidoo)
Vaness de Leon (Mga Mumunting
Lihim)

Best Production Design
Adolfo Alix Jr. (Mater Dolorosa)
Brillante Mendoza (Thy Womb)
Danny Red and Joel Bilbao (El Presidente)
Digo Recio (I Do Bidoo Bidoo)
Erin John Martir and Adrian Torres (Supremo)
Joey Luna (Bwakaw)
Peter Collias and Benjamin Padero (Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles)

Best Sound Design
Albert Michael Idioma (I Do Bidoo Bidoo)
Antonieto Carlos (Supremo)
Brillane Mendoza (Thy Womb)
Ditoy Aguila and Corinne de San Jose (Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles)
Mark Locsin and Alex Tomboc (Bwakaw)

Best Musical Score
Egien Ignacio (Mater Dolorosa)
Jema Pamintuan (Bwakaw)
Joseph Lansang and Jobin Ballesteros (The Strangers)
Jesse Lucas (Mga Mumunting Lihim)
Jessie Lasaten (El Presidente)
Vincent de Jesus (I Do Bidoo Bidoo)
Von de Guzman (Supremo)
Von de Guzman (Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles)

Best Original Song
"Aking Inang Bayan" from the movie El Presidente, composed by Marizen Soriano, arranged by Jessie Lasaten and interpreted by by Maita Ejercito
"Di Maipaliwanag" from the movie Slumber Party, composed by Shielbert Manuel and Braduz Zon and interpreted by Og Sacred
"Paalam Muna" from the movie Mga Mumunting Lihim, words, music and interpreted by Davey Langit
"Saan Ako Tutungo" from the movie Migrante, composed by Lucien Letaba, Rody Vera and Boni Ilagan, arranged by Melvin Corpin and interpreted by Honey Araneta

Best Visual/Special Effects
Carlo Manatad (Supremo)
Dave Yu of Mothership (Tiktik: The Aswang Chronicles)
Imaginary Friends (Bwakaw)
Gaspar Manarin of Blackburst (The
Strangers)
Keep Me Posted Production Outfit (Thy Womb)
Unitel Productions and Optima Digital (I Do Bidoo Bidoo)