The cast of ‘Migrante’ with director Joel Lamangan and scriptwriter Bonifacio Ilagan

MANILA, Philippines -- Director Joel Lamangan once again joins forces with award-winning scriptwriter Bonifacio Ilagan for a relevant advocacy movie – “Migrante (The Filipino Diaspora).”

“Migrante” aims to become an eye-opener on the real situation of the numerous immigrants and Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) – their lives, loves and families.

Award-winning actors Jodi Sta. Maria and Allen Dizon head the talented cast which also includes Joem Bascon, Robert Arevalo, Raquel Villavicencio, Jaime Pebanco, Chynna Ortaleza, Rich Asuncion, Alex Castro, Regine Angeles, Vanessa del Moral, Angelie Nicholle Sanoy, May-I Fabros, Krisanto Ilagan, Sam Nasser and Joshua Bramaje.

Migrante International, an NGO which assists beleaguered OFWs in various parts of the world, will help the production team as consultant and coordinate international screenings of “Migrante” in countries with Migrante chapters.

“Several stories about the sad plight of OFWs have remained unsolved cases and they need to be told,” Joel says.

Ms. Gracia A. Lara and Butch delos Reyes of XITI Productions promise to continue producing significant movies. “Migrante” is their third project; the first two were “Deadline: The Reign of Impunity” (about media killings) and “Patikul” (about literacy in Mindanao).

Principal photography for “Migrante” commences this October. Many crucial scenes will be shot in Israel

Paeng’s Celebrity Bowling set Thursday

Mowelfund and Puyat Sports collaborate in “Paeng’s Celebrity Bowling for Mowelfund,” a fund raising sports event on Oct. 13, from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Paeng’s Eastwood Bowl located at Eastwood City Walk II in Libis, Quezon City.

The event brings bowling legend Paeng Nepomuceno and aficionados in the local film industry, including former Pres. Joseph “Erap” Estrada and Sen. Tito Sotto (a two-time world bowling champion), who is the event’s special advisor.

In 1919, the country’s movie industry was born when the late Jose Nepomuceno, the Father of Filipino Filmmaking and Paeng Nepomuceno’s beloved grandfather, established the first film production company in the Philippines. It is therefore interesting to note that this special bowling event will benefit the industry workers, whose artistic effort and masterpieces have upheld the elder Nepomuceno’s vision of excellence in the art and craft of cinema.

The Movie Workers Welfare Foundation, Inc. (Mowelfund) was founded by Estrada in 1974. It has continuously served some 4,500 members through medical reimbursement, hospitalization, surgery and death benefits, livelihood and alternative income opportunities and housing. This special fund raising event will benefit Mowelfund’s Welfare and Education Programs.

For further inquiries, e-mail at mowelfund1974@yahoo.com.

Aliw Awards open for nominations

The 24th Aliw Awards is now open for nominations. This was announced during the recent contract-signing between Aliw Awards Foundation and Resorts World Manila where the ceremonies will be held on Nov. 8.

Present at the event were Aliw Awards Past Pres. Leo Baluyut, Aliw Secretary Connie Resurreccion, RWM VP for Marketing Jeffrey Evora, Aliw Awards Pres. Jeatte Palabrica, Aliw Asst. Treasurer Rheena Baluyut and RWM Marketing Melvin Bermudez.

Aside from the usual categories, special awards will be given, including the Hall of Fame.

Hotly contested is the “Entertainer of the Year” award previously won by Martin Nievera and Gary V.

Qualified performances were those held from Sept. 2010 to Oct. 15, 2011. Nominations may be sent to the Screening Committee Chair, No. 39 Kirishima St., BF Thai, BF International, Las Piñas City.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings for Wednesday, Oct. 12, go to Ms. Pilar Pilapil, Ms. Marissa del Mar, Willie Rebano, Serafin Pua, Pilar Ongking, Pilar Tanjangco, Antonio Santos, Dr. Morena Canizares, Jane Go, Pilar Mateo, Noel Y. Regala, Wales-based Tessie Lozano Dunn, Baby O. Garcia, Saicy Abucejo Aguila, and Carl John Barrameda of Star Magic…