MANILA - Back when "It's Showtime" celebrated its second anniversary, industry icon German "Kuya Germs" Moreno, who passed away early Friday, made a surprise appearance on the noontime program.

Moreno helped mainstay Billy Crawford, whom he considered as his son, clinch a runner-up finish in a week-long competition between the hosts, winning P50,000 for charity.

He delivered his trademark "walang tulugan" line, and even had Crawford's co-hosts and the "madlang people" in fits when he quipped: "Teka muna, bakit ako napunta dito?"

A photo posted by Billy Crawford (@billyjoecrawford) on Jan 7, 2016 at 11:37am PST

Early Friday, Moreno passed away due to cardiac arrest. He was 82. Upon learning of the news, Crawford immediately took to his Instagram account to post a touching message.

"Pa, I don't know where to begin. You've always been there when I needed you the most. You are the most generous, selfless, genuine, caring father/mentor anyone could ever ask for. You're one of the reasons why I'm still in this industry you love oh so much," he said.

(READ: Billy to 'Pa' German Moreno: I love you)