{{Short description|Filipino actress (1966–1985)}} {{Philippine name|Dueñas|Smith}} {{Use Philippine English|date=February 2024}} {{Use mdy dates|date=February 2024}} {{Infobox person | name = Pepsi Paloma | image = pepsi-paloma.jpg | caption = | birth_name = Delia Dueñas Smith | birth_date = {{birth date|1966|07|17}}<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPmsdIgUNcg|title=Gravetour of the Famous E81 Pepsi Paloma (Delia Smith) Olongapo Memorial Park - Zambales|publisher=Graveyard Pinoy TV|website=YouTube.com|date=May 22, 2021|access-date=March 8, 2022|archive-date=March 8, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220308113304/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LPmsdIgUNcg|url-status=live}}</ref> | birth_place = Manila, Philippines | death_date = {{death date and age|1985|05|31|1966|07|17}}<ref name="33years">{{cite web|title=33 Years After She Died, We Still Remember the Myth of Pepsi Paloma|url=https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/33-years-after-she-died-we-still-remember-the-myth-of-pepsi-paloma-a1729-20180531-lfrm2|website=Esquire|accessdate=February 28, 2019|archive-date=February 28, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190228191913/https://www.esquiremag.ph/long-reads/features/33-years-after-she-died-we-still-remember-the-myth-of-pepsi-paloma-a1729-20180531-lfrm2|url-status=live}}</ref> | death_place = Quezon City, Philippines | death_cause = Suicide by hanging | occupation = {{hlist|Actress||dancer|entertainer}} | years_active = 1980–1985 }}
'''Delia Dueñas Smith''' (July 17, 1966 – May 31, 1985), better known as '''Pepsi Paloma''', was a Filipino dancer and actress in the Philippines. She was one of the popular Softdrinks Beauties introduced in the 1980s along with Sarsi Emmanuelle, Coca Nicolas and Mirinda Manibog.
==Personal life== Paloma was born as Delia Dueñas Smith on July 17, 1966. She was the eldest daughter of Lydia Dueñas, a native of Northern Samar, and an American letter carrier, Kenneth Smith, who abandoned his family when the children were still young.
==Career== At 14, a talent scout named Tita Ester brought Paloma to talent manager Rey dela Cruz in 1980 for a possible film career. In 1981, she made her debut in the movie ''Brown Emmanuelle''. She was given the stage name Pepsi Paloma and was promoted as one of the members of the so-called “soft drink” beauties together with Coca Nicolas and Sarsi Emmanuelle.<ref name="esquire">{{cite web|title=Where Are They Now: Pepsi Paloma and the Other "Softdrink Beauties" of the '80s|url=https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/arts-and-entertainment/pepsi-paloma-sarsi-emanuelle-and-other-softdrink-beauties-of-the-80s-a2161-20180528-lfrm|website=Esquire|accessdate=February 28, 2019|archive-date=July 10, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180710132839/https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/arts-and-entertainment/pepsi-paloma-sarsi-emanuelle-and-other-softdrink-beauties-of-the-80s-a2161-20180528-lfrm|url-status=live}}</ref>
== Filmography == To date, Paloma was known for films such as ''Brown Emanuelle'' (1981), ''The Victim'' (1982), ''Krus sa Bawat Punglo'' (1982), ''Virgin People'' (1983), ''Snake Sisters'' (1984), ''Naked Island'' (1984), ''Matukso kaya ang Anghel?'' (1984) and ''Room 69'' (1985).
{| class="wikitable sortable" ! Year !! Title |- | 1981 || ''Brown Emmanuelle'' |- | rowspan="2" | 1982 || ''The Victim'' |- | ''Krus sa Bawat Punglo'' |- | rowspan="2" | 1983 || ''Virgin People'' |- | ''Suicide Mama'' |- | rowspan="3" | 1984 || ''Snake Sisters'' |- | ''Naked Island'' (Butil-ulan) |- | ''Matukso Kaya Ang Anghel'' |- | 1985 || ''Room 69'' |- |}
==Rape case and aftermath== After appearing in a handful of films, Paloma was involved in a highly publicized scandal when she accused comedians Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon and Ricardo "Richie D'Horsie" Reyes of rape.<ref name="the_rape_of_pepsi_paloma_inquirerph">{{cite news |last1=Rodis |first1=Rodel |title=The rape of Pepsi Paloma |url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/99861/the-rape-of-pepsi-paloma |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=March 5, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207141007/http://globalnation.inquirer.net/99861/the-rape-of-pepsi-paloma |archive-date=December 7, 2016}}</ref><ref name="was_pepsi_paloma_murdered_inquirerph">{{cite news |last1=Rodis |first1=Rodel |title=Was Pepsi Paloma murdered? |url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/100369/was-pepsi-paloma-murdered |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=March 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170205185956/http://globalnation.inquirer.net/100369/was-pepsi-paloma-murdered |url-status=dead |archive-date=February 5, 2017 }}</ref> According to Paloma's account, she and fellow actress Guada Guarin were drugged, brought to a room at the Sulô Hotel in Quezon City, and then raped. Actor and senator Tito Sotto, who is also Vic's older brother, soon became involved, compelling Paloma to drop the charges by allegedly intimidating her with a gun. Sotto had drawn up an Affidavit of Desistance and obtained her signature, although some newspaper reports stated that it was Pepsi's mother who signed the document on her behalf.<ref name=" manila times">{{cite web|title=Pepsi Paloma and Tito Sotto's disco days|url=https://www.manilatimes.net/pepsi-paloma-and-tito-sottos-disco-days/412586/|website=The Manila Times|date=June 26, 2018|accessdate=February 1, 2019|archive-date=February 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190219205017/https://www.manilatimes.net/pepsi-paloma-and-tito-sottos-disco-days/412586/|url-status=live}}</ref> Had the suspects been convicted of the charges, they would have faced the death penalty—execution by electric chair, the same fate that befell three of four convicted rapists in actress Maggie de la Riva's case two decades prior.<ref name="33years"/>
Although the three suspects initially denied Paloma's accusations, they later issued a public apology, on their knees on live TV, and in an article published by the ''People's Journal'' on October 13, 1982, saying: {{Blockquote |text=We hope that you will not allow the error we have committed against you to stand as a stumbling block to that future which we all look forward to. We therefore ask you to find it in your heart to pardon us for the wrong which we have done against you.<ref name="vic_joey_richie_apology">{{cite news |title=_ |publisher=People's Journal |date=October 13, 1982}}</ref><ref name="was_pepsi_paloma_murdered_inquirerph" /> }} Due to the signed Affidavit of Desistance, Paloma did not pursue her complaint and the case did not go to court.
==Death== On May 31, 1985, Paloma was found dead in her apartment, in an apparent suicide by hanging. According to police investigation, the rape case was one factor of her suicide. A diary, citing monetary problems and anxieties over her relationship with her mother and her boyfriend was found in her bedroom, although the authenticity of the journal entries have been questioned, especially by her manager Babette "Babe" Corcuerra, who claims she was actually earning well. She was buried at Olongapo Memorial Park in Olongapo, Zambales.<ref>{{cite web|title=The Mysterious Life And Death of Pepsi Paloma|url=http://www.filipiknow.net/pepsi-paloma/|website=FilipiKnow|accessdate=November 1, 2015|archive-date=November 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151107051722/http://www.filipiknow.net/pepsi-paloma/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=BOLD STARS OF THE 80s #3: THE CRUEL WORLD OF PEPSI PALOMA|url=http://video48.blogspot.com/2009/03/bold-stars-of-80s-3-cruel-world-of.html|date=March 14, 2009|accessdate=March 4, 2016}}</ref>
==Aftermath== Despite the suspects' earlier apology, Tito Sotto has maintained his position against any involvement in the whitewashing of the rape case and alleges that the scandal was a gimmick by Paloma's party for publicity. Sotto said that he was not involved as a perpetrator in the rape of Paloma and he denied using his position in government to influence the court decision. Sotto became Vice Mayor in Quezon City in 1988 before being elected as a Senator in 1992.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://entertainment.inquirer.net/191427/tito-sotto-denies-whitewashing-pepsi-paloma-rape-case|title=Tito Sotto denies whitewashing Pepsi Paloma rape case|newspaper=Philippine Daily Inquirer|last=De Jesus|first=Topel V.|date=March 3, 2016|accessdate=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304101534/http://entertainment.inquirer.net/191427/tito-sotto-denies-whitewashing-pepsi-paloma-rape-case|archive-date=March 4, 2016}}</ref><ref name="the_rape_of_pepsi_paloma_inquirerph"/><ref name="was_pepsi_paloma_murdered">{{cite news |last1=Rodis |first1=Rodel |title=Was Pepsi Paloma murdered? |url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/100369/was-pepsi-paloma-murdered |publisher=Philippine Daily Inquirer |date=March 15, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140314225202/http://globalnation.inquirer.net/100369/was-pepsi-paloma-murdered |url-status=dead |archive-date=March 14, 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/03/03/16/tito-sotto-pepsi-paloma-scandal-was-a-gimmick|title=Tito Sotto: Pepsi Paloma scandal was a 'gimmick'|publisher=ABS-CBN News|date=March 4, 2016|access-date=March 4, 2016|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304104909/http://news.abs-cbn.com/entertainment/03/03/16/tito-sotto-pepsi-paloma-scandal-was-a-gimmick|url-status=dead}}</ref> In 2018, the elder Sotto requested ''The Philippine Inquirer'' to remove published articles available online mentioning the Pepsi Paloma Case damaging to his reputation as a Senator;<ref>{{cite web|title=INQUIRER.net statement on the Pepsi Paloma stories|date=July 5, 2018|url=http://globalnation.inquirer.net/99861/the-rape-of-pepsi-paloma|accessdate=February 28, 2019|archive-date=June 27, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180627133530/http://globalnation.inquirer.net/99861/the-rape-of-pepsi-paloma|url-status=live}}</ref> this in turn led to an instance of the Streisand effect where netizens mirrored and shared posts on social media about the rape case, sparked renewed public interest into the Pepsi Paloma affair.<ref>{{cite web|title=Beware The Streisand Effect: a Short Explainer for Sen. Tito Sotto|url=https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/lifestyle/beware-the-streisand-effect-tito-sotto-a00203-20180618-lfrm|date=June 18, 2018|website=Esquire|accessdate=February 28, 2019|archive-date=March 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190330022554/https://www.esquiremag.ph/culture/lifestyle/beware-the-streisand-effect-tito-sotto-a00203-20180618-lfrm|url-status=live}}</ref> In a 2024 interview by Julius Babao to fellow Softdrink Beauty Coca Nicolas, she denied the allegations and maintained that the TVJ rape scandal was merely a publicity stunt orchestrated by their manager, Rey dela Cruz, and that no such sexual assault actually took place.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Babao |first1=Julius |author1-link=Julius Babao |title=EXCLUSIVE! ANG LIHIM SA BUHAY NG 80'S SOFTDRINKS BEAUTIES' COCA NICOLAS AT PEPSI PALOMA |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBRyRcJ_l4c |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240206105448/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KBRyRcJ_l4c |archive-date=February 6, 2024 |access-date=January 9, 2025 |website=youtube.com |publisher=Julius Babao UNPLUGGED |language=en |format=video |date=January 4, 2024}}</ref><ref name="Gabinete">{{Cite web |last=Gabinete |first=Jojo |date=January 7, 2024 |title=Coca Nicolas nagsalita tungkol sa nalalaman niya sa Pepsi Paloma controversy |url=https://www.pep.ph/pepalerts/cabinet-files/178194/coca-nicolas-pepsi-paloma-issue-a734-20240107 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107093858/https://www.pep.ph/pepalerts/cabinet-files/178194/coca-nicolas-pepsi-paloma-issue-a734-20240107 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |access-date=January 7, 2024 |website=PEP.ph |language=en |url-status=live }}</ref> In another interview with Babao, fellow Softdrink Beauty Sarsi Emmanuelle subtly denied the allegations, and mentioned that it was depression that drew Pepsi to suicide and none of the allegations were real.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Babao |first1=Julius |author1-link=Julius Babao |title=EXCLUSIVE! SARSI EMMANUELLE, KUMUSTA NA ANG BUHAY NYA NGAYON? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHaEo4Fp-Ao |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250109115746/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHaEo4Fp-Ao |archive-date=January 9, 2025 |access-date=January 9, 2025 |website=youtube.com |publisher=Julius Babao UNPLUGGED |language=en |format=video |date=July 11, 2024}} </ref> In a more recent interview, Babao interviewed the Softdrink Beauties Sarsi Emanuelle, Coca Nicola, and Myra Manibog, who unanimously deny all allegations without much detail but cited that it was personal issues with her family that led to depression and, eventually, to her suicide.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Babao |first1=Julius |author1-link=Julius Babao |title=EXCLUSIVE! ANG PINAKAHIHINTAY NA SOFTDRINK BEAUTIES REUNION! BUHAY NI PEPSI PALOMA BINALIKAN! |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6X0N5_EQ78o |access-date=January 24, 2025 |website=youtube.com |publisher=Julius Babao UNPLUGGED |language=en |format=video |date=January 24, 2025 |archive-date=January 24, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250124033808/https://www.youtube.com/watch?si=y_JFaNzCX6Ea_Lzu&v=6X0N5_EQ78o |url-status=live }}</ref>
==In popular culture== In late 2024, filmmaker Darryl Yap announced a forthcoming film titled ''The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma'', aiming to depict the events surrounding the 1982 scandal. The project has generated discussion and debate, with some expressing concerns about its portrayal of sensitive historical events. Former child actress Rhed Bustamante has been cast in the film. The planned release of ''The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma'' has reignited public interest in Paloma's life and the controversies she was involved in, prompting discussions about media representation, historical accountability, and the ethical considerations of dramatizing real-life events.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Lim |first=Jhen |date=December 29, 2024 |title=Darryl Yap On His Pepsi Paloma Movie: "Wala akong masamang tinapay sa TVJ" |url=https://philnews.ph/2024/12/29/darryl-yap-on-his-pepsi-paloma-movie-wala-akong-masamang-tinapay-sa-tvj/ |access-date=January 2, 2025 |work=Philippine News |archive-date=January 27, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250127020611/https://philnews.ph/2024/12/29/darryl-yap-on-his-pepsi-paloma-movie-wala-akong-masamang-tinapay-sa-tvj/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gabinete |first=Jojo |date=January 1, 2025 |title=Darryl Yap nag-ingay agad with The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma teaser |url=https://www.pep.ph/pepalerts/cabinet-files/184697/daryll-yap-the-rapists-of-pepsi-paloma-teaser-a734-20250101?s=olvp1or7079pojdolqbcgt1p62 |access-date=January 2, 2025 |work=PEP.ph}}</ref> The film, now titled ''Pepsi Paloma'' for its Philippine release, is scheduled to premiere on February 5, 2025. But the distributor is open for rescheduling the film if the specific requirements is not acquired. Its international release will retain the original title.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Hicap |first=Jonathan |date=January 11, 2025 |title=Darryl Yap changes Pepsi Paloma film title for PH release, denies personalities behind movie |url=https://mb.com.ph/2025/1/11/darryl-yap-changes-pepsi-paloma-film-title-for-ph-release-denies-personalities-behind-film |access-date=January 12, 2025 |work=Manila Bulletin |archive-date=January 23, 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250123125334/https://mb.com.ph/2025/1/11/darryl-yap-changes-pepsi-paloma-film-title-for-ph-release-denies-personalities-behind-film |url-status=live }}</ref>
==See also== * Spoliarium (Eraserheads song) * The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma (film)
==References== {{Reflist}}
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Paloma, Pepsi}} Category:1966 births Category:1985 deaths Category:1985 suicides Category:Youth suicides Category:Actresses from Manila Category:Death conspiracy theories Category:Entertainment scandals Category:Female suicides Category:Filipino people of American descent Category:People from Northern Samar Category:Suicides by hanging in the Philippines Category:Tagalog people Category:20th-century Filipino actresses Category:20th-century Filipino women