Darryl Yap’s Open Letter to Arnold Clavio Over Pepsi Paloma Controversy

The controversy surrounding Darryl Yap’s upcoming film about the life of the late soft drink beauty, Pepsi Paloma, has sparked heated debates. Prominent journalist Arnold Clavio recently shared his strong opinions on the matter, which prompted Yap to release an open letter addressing Clavio’s remarks. The film, titled “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma,” has drawn attention for its provocative subject matter, reigniting discussions on the circumstances surrounding Paloma’s tragic life and death.

Yap began his open letter in a conversational tone, thanking Clavio for his involvement in the discussion:

“Hello sa’yo. Musta ka na?
Maraming Salamat sa pagbabahagi ng opinyon mo patungkol sa aking pelikulang #TROPP #TROPP2025 The Rapists of #PEPSIPALOMA.
Ibig sabihin, naglaan ka ng oras at kaisipan para ihayag sa publiko ang kung anumang sa palagay mo ay tama.”

The director did not shy away from challenging Clavio’s stance, particularly regarding Clavio’s call for the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) to block the film. Yap questioned Clavio’s authority to influence the regulatory body:

“SINO KA, PARA PANGUNAHAN ANG PAMUNUAN NG MTRCB NA HARANGIN ANG PELIKULANG HINDI PA NARARATING ANG KANILANG TANGGAPAN.
Hindi lang pambabastos sa pinaghirapan namin—
kundi maging kay MTRCB Chair Lala Sotto ang pinagsasasabi mo—SINO KA, PARA MAGDESISYON PARA SA KANYA.”

Yap defended MTRCB Chair Lala Sotto’s impartiality, asserting that she has demonstrated fairness in previous situations. He also criticized Clavio for allegedly misrepresenting the film’s title in a way that could be misleading to the public.

“Pinagmumukha mo siyang may gustong pagtakpan at natatakot— Hindi ganon si Chair Lala, pinakita na niya ang kanyang pagiging patas sa maraming sitwasyon.”

The director also addressed concerns about the film’s title, explaining that the focus would primarily be on Pepsi Paloma rather than the controversial phrase included in the full title:

“Wala ring saysay kung pagbabatayan ang pamagat—
kung pipila ka sa Takilya, Hindi mo naman kailangang banggitin ang THE RAPISTS OF, sigurado akong halos lahat PEPSI PALOMA lang ang sasabihin.”

Yap’s letter turned personal as he accused Clavio of harboring animosity toward him. He pointed out that Clavio’s critiques crossed professional boundaries, even referencing an unrelated issue to underline his grievances:

“Noong nanood ka ba ng NARNIA, ay
“TICKETS PO…DALAWA…PARA SA THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA THE LION THE WITCH AND THE WARDROBE”
Alam mo Igan, malinaw naman na di natin feel ang isa’t-isa, pero wag ka naman manabotahe—
Hindi ko naman gagawin yung ‘ANG PAGLABAG KAY BALABAGAN’ ayoko gumawa ng film tungkol sa reporter na nabuntis ang traumatized and abused na OFW na kinocover lang nya ang istorya kaya chill ka lang.”

In closing, Yap expressed his frustration over what he perceives as baseless accusations against him and contrasted them with Clavio’s past actions, emphasizing the latter’s implications.

“HAPPY NEW YEAR SA INYO NI ARN ARN.”

The open letter has further fueled the ongoing debate about the film and its broader cultural implications, reflecting the polarizing nature of the project and its controversial themes.