Filmmaker Darryl Yap has issued a statement addressing the controversy surrounding his decision to create a movie about the life and tragic story of Pepsi Paloma. The project, which has already stirred public discourse, aims to shed light on a case that has lingered in the nation’s collective memory for decades.
In his statement, Yap expressed the personal and professional reasons behind his choice to tackle this subject. “Pepsi and I—we are Olongapeños. But more than that, this story has haunted the public consciousness for decades. As a filmmaker who started out in social media, I don’t choose these stories; they choose me,” he stated.
Yap explained that the recurring presence of Pepsi Paloma’s story on social media compelled him to explore it further. “Social media keeps resurrecting it, raw and unresolved, like an open wound. And when something keeps coming back like that, you realize—it’s not just a story, it’s a reckoning,” he added. “I felt a responsibility to confront it, to dig into the truth, no matter how uncomfortable, and present it in a way that demands to be seen and felt.”
The filmmaker’s statement also touched on the sensitive inclusion of prominent personalities linked to the case, including Vic Sotto. Yap acknowledged the controversy but stood by his artistic and ethical obligations. “About Sir Vic Sotto, I’m not sure whether to offer an apology for his name being mentioned in the film. The truth, after all, is unapologetic. As a public figure tied to a public story, I believe there’s an understanding that stories like this will inevitably resurface,” he said.
Just in: Vic Sotto, Pepsi Paloma. pic.twitter.com/WwkY3LzjTe
— Auntie Selina (@auntieselina_) January 1, 2025
Yap emphasized that his role as a filmmaker is not to judge or provoke but to present the narrative with honesty. “My role as a filmmaker isn’t to pass judgment or provoke—it’s to tell the story as it happened, with honesty and respect for the facts. I trust that those who will watch the film will see it for what it is: an attempt to shed light on a controversy that refuses to be forgotten,” he remarked.
Concluding his statement, Yap reaffirmed his commitment to the truth and the art of storytelling. “I respect my fellow artists, I respect the pillars of the industry, but what I respect most is the Truth in my heART,” he said, underscoring his dedication to addressing unresolved societal issues through his films.
The announcement of the Pepsi Paloma film has ignited conversations across various platforms, with opinions divided on whether the project will bring justice to the late actress’s memory or rekindle old wounds. As the film progresses, it is poised to become one of the most talked-about releases in Philippine cinema.