JUST A THOUGHT: If you never did, you should. These things are fun, and fun is good. – Dr. Seuss

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NOONTIME SHOWS: The scheduled exit of channel 2’s noontime show “Happy Yipee Yehey” on Feb. 4 sends one and the same message to ABS-CBN. That the over 30-year-old noontime TV institution, “Eat Bulaga,” is, indeed, one very tough nut to crack.

Channel 2 has mounted a parade of noontime shows in recent years to match “Bulaga” but can’t seem to level up or topple competition. The closest the network got to facing up to GMA’s durable noontime bet was when Willie Revillame gave away tons of money on “Wowowee.” But then, Willie got away and the network was left with vague ideas on how to fill in the gap.

At this point, and after several attempts, it is best that ABS-CBN tries a different track. As I have said in an earlier column, channel 2 could go on a counter programming offensive that may even create a dent on viewers.

For many years, the noontime slot has been identified with variety shows featuring well-known stars. It doesn’t always have to be so.

In the past, networks which didn’t have the right stars to field on the timeslot filled it with movie re-runs. Another alternative would be to treat it like an MTV hour. That could be something that may connect well with young audiences.

It is said that in the interim after Feb. 4, ABS-CBN is temporarily moving up the timeslot of “Showtime” to noontime. This, while production hasn’t quite come up with a solid, new noontime show.

Despite the lackluster performance, channel 2 isn’t giving up. And why should it? I hear that a new show is being brewed but whose stars are not to be announced just yet. Meanwhile, there’s talk of assigning the outgoing “Yehey” hosts new programs.

How about using the noontime slot as a comedy showcase? Network can flood the new show with a cast of comedians, either known or unknown, and serve nothing but laughter through comedy skits during lunch? Think “Bubble Gang” or “Banana Split” or farther down memory lane, “Super Laff-In.”

The show can then be a fitting platform to discover new talent.

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PINOY STAR ABOARD: After his successful series of shows on board Star Cruises Superstar Libra, comedian-ventriloquist and “Talentadong Pinoy” Hall of Famer Wanlu has been offered another round of shows for Star Cruises, this time on board Superstar Virgo, the biggest ship in their fleet.

Superstar Virgo recently underwent a major makeover to the tune of $32 million (Singapore dollars).

In a post, Wanlu notes that everything on the cruise ship is new, from the Lido Theater to the restaurants and attractions and the crew’s stylish new uniforms.

Wanlu has the distinction of being the first entertainer to open the renovated Lido Theater. It was also a momentous occasion to welcome the Chinese New Year. Wanlu’s gig started on Jan. 23 and will wind up on Feb. 4.

The ship’s crew members, a good number of whom are Filipinos, expressed elation upon knowing that Wanlu had been chosen to re-open the theater.

Wanlu says it was another high moment among his kababayans. He is the first Filipino entertainer assigned a solo show on board Superstar Virgo.

Wanlu performed with his son Martin who handled the marionettes. Also joining him are his wife Debbie, youngest son Elijah and assistant Ping.

Wanlu’s life story was recently featured in “Real Confessions,” hosted by Cristy Fermin, on TV5. The docu-drama starred Lito Legaspi as Col. Ike Lunaria (PAF), Evangeline Pascual as Nena Lunaria and Bayani Agbayani as Juancho Lunaria a.k.a. Wanlu.

Those who missed the telecast can visit the video links posted at www.wanlu.net.    

(nescuar@yahoo.com)