Filmmaker Darryl Yap stirred up social media after announcing his next project: a biopic based on the life and tragic end of the late 80s star Pepsi Paloma. Known for provocative projects, Yap revealed that the film is slated for release in 2025, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of Paloma’s death.
In a social media post accompanied by a black-and-white photo of Paloma and her gravestone, Yap described Paloma as “an actress, a victim, and an Olongapeña,” emphasizing the project’s focus on her life and experiences. “Before her 40th death anniversary, let us meet the shadow, the ghost, and the echo of her being,” he shared, hinting at the controversial theme of the biopic, tentatively titled The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma.
Pepsi Paloma rose to fame in the early 1980s but faced intense controversy in both life and death. She was just 18 when she was found dead in her Quezon City home on May 31, 1985. Her death was ruled a suicide, but speculations have persisted for years, with allegations of assault linked to her depression and ultimate demise.
The announcement of the film has sparked mixed reactions online. Some netizens support the project, seeing it as a way to shed light on the actress’s struggles, while others express concern over potential legal and social consequences. One commenter wrote, “This will raise a lot of controversy, not just in the movie industry but also with political views. I hope it’s a good movie.” Another user expressed, “This story is tragic, and it only feels sadder knowing that those who wronged her are still very successful today.”
Yap has not yet disclosed who he plans to cast as Paloma, leaving fans and critics alike speculating on how he will bring this somber story to the screen.
