Charo Santos Recalls Early Days as Co-Host with Kuya Germs

Charo Santos Reflects on Early Hosting Days

Veteran actress and former ABS-CBN president Charo Santos recently shared memories of her early television career, highlighting her time as a co-host on Kuya Germs’ Sunday morning show. The 1979 program marked a significant chapter in her journey, where she first entered the GMA Network building for “Germspesyal.”

This experience stands out as a foundational moment in her career, particularly as she discusses the modesty of her compensation during that period. “I was the first co-host of the late German Moreno. Before it became GMA Supershow, it was called Germspesyal,” she recalled, emphasizing how the show shaped her early career path.

“Chicharon” Talent Fee and Early Challenges

Charo candidly described how she initially did not receive a formal talent fee. Instead, the production team rewarded her with a basket of “chicharon” after each show. This unique form of compensation underlined the humble beginnings of many artists in the industry.

“Tapos nung araw, wala pang talent fee. You have to do everything on your own. That’s why it also trained me to be self-reliant and to be independent,” she shared. Her lighthearted recounting included how after about three months, she finally received a small monetary payment, which she interpreted as a sign that advertising revenue was starting to support the show.

Balancing Acting and Hosting

Before her time as a co-host, Charo Santos had already earned recognition, winning Best Actress at the 1977 Asian Film Festival for her role in “Itim.” At that crossroads, she considered whether to focus on acting or hosting.

“I think I already won one best actress for Itim, and I was in the crossroads, choosing between pursuing acting or going into hosting,” she explained. Her experience with Germspesyal helped her develop a strong foundation in television, which later influenced her multifaceted career.

Guest Appearance and Continuing Legacy

Decades later, Charo returned to the GMA Network for a guest appearance on a popular talk show, joining prominent personalities for a film promotion. This visit rekindled fond memories of her early days in the industry and highlighted how the “chicharon” talent fee was just the starting point of a remarkable career.

Her story underscores the dedication and perseverance required to succeed in entertainment, reminding audiences that even the most celebrated figures often begin with humble steps.

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