Just a thought: If you don’t think every day is a good day, just try missing one. – Cavett Robert

MANILA, Philippines — Asia-wide Wanlu: Spreading his wings across Asia is “Talentadong Pinoy” Hall of Famer comedian-ventriloquist Wanlu (Juancho Lunaria in real life), who follows up his recent participation at the ASEAN Puppetry Festival in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (Nov. 1-4) with a 10-day gig on board Star Cruises Superstar Libra from Nov. 20 to 30.

Wanlu is the first Pinoy ventriloquist to perform aboard the popular cruise liner.

Wanlu performs with his cast of puppets in a cruise from Penang, Malaysia to Krabi and Phuket in Thailand.

“I practice everyday for this series of shows because I am hoping my country will be proud of me,” he says.

“I want my family to be proud of me, but more importantly, I want my kababayans to feel the same way about me,” he continued.

Star Cruises is a favored liner among Filipino and other Asian tourists. It also enlists a number of Filipinos as crew members.

“I hope to bring pride and joy to them when they see a Pinoy performer in a venue dominated by foreign acts.”

Not Just Talentado: Wanlu recalls that when he was presented the Hall of Fame award on “Talentadong Pinoy” TV show, director Joey Reyes told him, “Hindi ka lang talentadong Pinoy, you’re world class.”

Wanlu said the director’s words left an imprint on his mind.

“Tumatak talaga sa isip ko yung words na yon ni Direk Joey kaya sabi ko sarili ko, magsisikap ako and will try my best to inspire my kababayans and make them realize that indeed Pinoy talent is world class.”

Wanlu is bringing his puppets Nicolo, Baby Bryan, Andhoks, Santiago and Enchong Go with him on the cruise.

His son, Martin, is also performing with his marionettes Elvis, MJ, Burik the Juggler, Mummy and Bellie the Belly Dancer.

Wanlu recently released his first album, “Wanlu and His Puppets.” The initial album production of “The Party Zoo,” the CD carries six novelty songs: “Wanlu The Ventriloquist,” “Wanlu And Nicolo,” “Baby Bryan,” “Nicolo,” “Kung May Pangarap,” “Wanly And His Puppets.” A bonus track features a quick lesson in ventriloquism.

Interested parties may e-mail Wanlu at puppets@wanlu.net.

Star News: Jake Cuenca, who’s not a stranger to sexy scenes, was in awe of Shaina Magdayao, who gamely engaged him in a series of love scenes for their new teleserye, “Kung Ako’y Iiwan Mo.” The series tackles problems of Filipino OFWs and will expose the lives of Pinoy workers in Doha, Qatar. Jake and Shaina had earlier worked together in “Rubi” and “Villa Estrella.”

KC Concepcion has borrowed a line from Nicholas Sparks’ “The Notebook” in her recent tweet. KC wrote, “I still love you, that’s a fact. But a million apologies can’t bring me back.” The public is caught between KC’s cryptic tweets and Piolo Pascual’s sheer silence.

Fade in Raia: From the same talent management house that built up Wonder Gays comes fresh, up and coming singer Raia Quiroz. The young singer says she doesn’t mind being in the company of gay performers within her management company. “They keep me entertained a lot,” she says.

Raia’s sweet 16, a graduating high school senior at OB Montessori in Angeles City who recently released her debut album, “Tara Na.” Her maiden album carries songs that suit her age and image, all of them composed by Blanktape. Consider such titles as “Baby Sorry Na,” “Hay Naku,” “Para Kang Cellphone,” among others.

(nescuar@yahoo.com)