The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma, also known as simply Pepsi Paloma for the domestic release, is an upcoming Philippine biographicaldrama film written and directed by Darryl Yap. It stars Rhed Bustamante, Mon Confiado, Gina Alajar, Andres Balano Jr. and Shamaine Buencamino. This is the first film by Darryl Yap not to be produced and distributed by Viva Films because of sensitive matter involving TVJ.[1]
Due to controversies surrounding the director and his film that some cinemas in the Philippines rejected the word "Rapist" in the title of the film, Darry Yap changed the title from The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma to Pepsi Paloma for Philippine release and the original title retains for international release.[2][3]
Cast
Rhed Bustamante as Delia Dueñas Smith also known as Pepsi Paloma.[4]
Beverly Salviejo as Monica, a talent scout who introduced Paloma to Rey dela Cruz
Juliana Parizcova Segovia as Ebony, a make-up artist and friend of Pepsi[7]
Production
Director Darryl Yap gained interest to make a film about the life story of the deceased Pepsi Paloma because they have the same hometown and he announced it on October 28, 2024.[8][9][10]
The film was revealed when director Darryl Yap posted in his social media account a teaser poster of the film together with the cast and a teaser trailer on January 1, 2025.[11][12]
Yap declared the film finished on January 22, 2025 despite the last minute disruption to the process such as the revocation of rights to use certain songs for the film following the legal challenges arising from the teaser.[13]
Release
The film, now titled Pepsi Paloma for its Philippine release, the film is originally scheduled to premiere on February 5, 2025, but in February 3, 2025, director Darryl Yap said that the film will not be released in the cinema on the said date due to incomplete requirements that MTRCB required to release the film.[14]
Its international release will retain the original title The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma.[15] PinoyFlix Films and Entertainment Production, Inc was picked up for PH distribution.[16] Previously Yap has claimed that prior distributors of the film withdrew following the lawsuit on the teaser.[13]
Yap released to his social media account the teaser trailer of the film together with a cast and teaser poster on January 1, 2025.
After the release of the teaser trailer of the film which mentioned the name and confirming that Paloma was raped by Vic Sotto, the teaser ignited online discussions and mixed reactions from netizens, some praising Yap's bold storytelling and others criticizing the film's possible impact on Paloma's family and its sensitive nature. Some critics called Yap disrespectful and insulting and questioned director Yap about his intentions. In a social media post, Yap defended his upcoming film and said that the film is not about "TVJ" (Tito Sotto, Vic Sotto and Joey de Leon), but about Pepsi Paloma.[17][18][19]
According to a news update from TV5, Eat Bulaga! host and veteran actor Vic Sotto with his legal counsel filed on January 9, 2025, complaints against filmmaker Darryl Yap with the Muntinlupa CityRegional Trial Court after the teaser trailer mentioned his name which then trended on social media.[22] Yap is facing 19 counts of violation for cyberlibel and damages amounting ₱35 million under Section 4 of Republic Act No. 10175, also known as the Cybercrime Prevention Act of 2012.[23]
Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court ordered to take down the teaser trailer that Darry Yap released on January 1, Although the teaser trailer was taken down, Judge Liezel Aquiatan allowed the continuation of the film's production and release.[24] In January 28, 2025, Darryl Yap posted on his social media account claiming that his film was being reviewed by MTRCB but in January 29, MTRCB denies the claims that Yap's film is under review due to incomplete requirements.[25]
In March 18, Government prosecutors filed two informations for cyberlibel against Darryl Yap before the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court after finding prima facie evidence against the filmmaker in connection with the controversial teaser of his film, “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma” (TROPP).[26][27]
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