Kuya Germs under close watch after stroke

MANILA, Philippines - The next 48 hours are critical.

That was the prognosis of doctors at St. Luke’s Medical Center (Quezon City) for Kapuso TV host German “Kuya Germs” Moreno, who suffered a stroke early yesterday morning, Jan, 3, at home.

“Doctors are keeping a close watch over Germs,” said Marichu “Manay Ichu” Maceda, who considers Kuya Germs a member of the Vera-Perez family. “100 percent of his right arm is affected and his right leg, 50/50. He suffers from a slight slur and facial distortion, that’s why doctors said that the next 48 hours are critical.”

 Kuya Germs’ son Federico, an archery champion, informed Manay Ichu that when his father woke up yesterday morning, he couldn’t move his hands which were feeling numb. After an hour, Kuya Germs called Federico who rushed him to St. Luke’s a few minutes way from where father and son live near the former Sampaguita Studio.

“Germs is hypertensive and he’s taking some medication,” added Manay Ichu who, with sister Lilibeth Nakpil, checked on Kuya Germs’ condition yesterday at the ICU. “But we didn’t let him see us because he might cry and his condition might worsen.”

Cause of the stroke could be stress and over fatigue. On Wednesday night, Kuya Germs even joined his fellow Kapuso stars in the network’s countdown to 2015 show at Mall Of Asia (MOA).

“That morning,” said Manay Ichu, “we reminded him of the family mass at the studio (now converted into an events place) but he begged off because he was preparing for the countdown. It’s his yearly devotion because he believes that the countdown is what gives him good luck and continued blessings.”

According to sources close to Kuya Germs, he underwent an angiogram 20 years ago. A workaholic, he hosts a daily program on dzBB and the late-Saturday night GMA show Walang Tulugan (Master Showman).

“Doctors are closely monitoring Germs’ condition because it might lead to another stroke in the next 48 hours,” said Manay Ichu.

The Moreno family and friends are requesting people to pray for Kuya Germs’ speedy recovery.