The release of Darryl Yap’s film, “Pepsi Paloma,” originally scheduled for February 5, 2025, has been postponed. In a recent social media post, Yap stated, “Natanggal man ang tansan, nananatili ang iyong ispirito.” In the comments section, he further explained, “Puno na rin kasi ang February at March, pero makakahanap lang kami ng available screening dates once ok na ang hinihinging karagdagang documents. Salamat!”
The film has been surrounded by controversy, particularly after its initial teaser explicitly mentioned Vic Sotto in connection with the alleged crime involving Pepsi Paloma in the 1980s—a claim that was never proven. Veteran showbiz columnist Cristy Fermin has dismissed the case as mere speculation, suggesting that during that era, Tito, Vic, and Joey were prominent figures, and Pepsi’s manager might have orchestrated the scandal to boost her career.
Former colleagues of Pepsi Paloma, known as the “Softdrinks Beauties,” including Cola Nicolas, Sarsi Emmanuel, and Myra Manibog, have refuted allegations concerning the incident. They also challenged claims about Pepsi’s closeness to Charito Solis, as depicted in Yap’s film. Additionally, they revealed inaccuracies regarding Pepsi’s strained relationship with her mother, which appears to be a source of information for the film.
Last week, the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) stated the submission of requirements by Yap’s team for the film’s review. Consequently, days before the anticipated release, Yap explained not meeting the target date of February 5, 2025.
The film, initially titled “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma,” faced challenges due to its sensitive subject matter. Some cinemas in the Philippines declined to display the film’s title containing the word “Rapist,” prompting Yap to change the title to “Pepsi Paloma” for domestic release while retaining the original title for international audiences.
The controversy intensified when Vic Sotto filed 19 counts of cyber libel against Yap following the release of the film’s teaser, which mentioned Sotto’s name in connection with the alleged rape of Pepsi Paloma. Sotto’s legal counsel confirmed the case was filed before the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court.
In response to the legal actions, the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court Branch 205 issued a gag order, prohibiting all parties from publicly discussing details of the case proceedings. Yap’s legal team argued that public statements could prejudice the case and influence public perception.
As of now, the film’s release is pending the submission of additional documents required by the MTRCB. Yap has assured that once these requirements are fulfilled, new screening dates will be announced.