Pepsi Paloma, whose real name is Delia Dueñas Smith, was a popular dancer and actress in the Philippines during the 1980s. She was known as one of the “Softdrinks Beauties” along with Sarsi Emmanuelle and Coca Nicolas. However, her life ended tragically when she was found dead by suicide on May 31, 1985, at the age of 18.
Before her death, Pepsi Paloma accused three famous comedians, Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon and Richie D’Horsie, of rape and kidnapping in 1982. Although the defendants have publicly apologized, the case remains controversial and is believed to have been one of the causes of her death.
In 2024, director Darryl Yap announced the film project “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma”, scheduled to be released on February 5, 2025. However, on February 3, 2025, he announced the postponement of the film’s release in Philippine theaters due to the failure to meet the requirements of the Film and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB).
After the release of the film’s trailer, there were mixed reactions from the public. Some praised Pepsi Paloma’s courage in telling her story, while others were concerned about the negative impact on her family and the sensitivity of the case. In addition, the families of the accused artists also filed a lawsuit, leading to the court ordering the editing of some parts of the trailer.
The story of Pepsi Paloma continues to be a controversial topic and attracts public attention. The production of a film about her life has sparked many discussions about justice, privacy and the media’s responsibility in reproducing sensitive events.
Darryl Yap’s film based on the story of Pepsi Paloma’s family
Darryl Yap, posted a photo with Pepsi Paloma’s mother and sister.
Director Darryl Yap dedicated his 38th birthday this Tuesday, January 7, 2025, to the revelation about his meeting and conversation with Pepsi Paloma’s bereaved family.
The controversial director shared a photo on his Facebook post where he was with Pepsi’s mother, Lydia Duena Whitley, and brother, Zaldy. It was easy for Yap to find Lydia and Zaldy because they are from the same hometown in Olongapo City, Zambales.
Based on Yap’s Facebook post, the story of The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma is based on the statements of the mother and son, Lydia and Zaldy.
Yap’s statement in his post this Tuesday, published as is: “For 40 years, you have listened to and believed the famous, the famous, the powerful, those who said they knew, those who said they were friends.
“Now,
“Let’s give a chance to the mother who has been silent for so long, the mother who after losing her child continues to be hurt by accusations and judgments.
“The silence of Pepsi’s younger brother, who was only 15 years old at the time, with the actress until the very day she was found lifeless in the closet is over.
“Lies will be silent because Truth has no Death.
“They will speak.
“They will tell their stories.
“FAMILY. ABOVE ALL.”GIL GUERRERO AND GUADA GUARIN
The teaser of The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma created a lot of noise because Vic Sotto’s name was directly mentioned in the scene between Gina Alajar and Rhed Bustamante.
Gina plays Charito Solis, and Rhed plays Pepsi Paloma.
Many were shocked and shaken by the teaser released by Yap on New Year’s Day, January 1.
This is the reason for former bold actor Gil Guerrero to speak out again.
The interview with fellow Pepsi sexy star Guada Guarin in June 2024 was also brought up.
Gil believes that no abuse happened to Pepsi.
Guada also made this statement. It is expected that a new interview with Guada will be released this week about what he knows about the events that happened in June 1982.
Guada was with Pepsi at the Sulu Hotel, Quezon City, allegedly at the invitation of Vic, Joey de Leon, and the late comedian Richie D’Horsie.
Like Gil, Guada implied that no rape had occurred but chose to remain silent at the time because she was only 14 years old.
A source familiar with the story said that after many years, Guada attempted to go and talk to Vic at the Eat Bulaga! studio to apologize.
This is because the comedian-TV host is allegedly innocent of the serious accusation.
An artist friend of Vic, who was Guada’s Bible study partner, was approached by the former sexy star to be a bridge for the comedian and Eat Bulaga! host.
Allegedly, Vic did not agree to meet Guada because the issue was over so the former sexy star did not have the opportunity to personally apologize.
The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma is scheduled to be released in theaters in February 2025, three months before the 40th anniversary of the death of the actress who took her own life on May 31, 1985.
