Just a bluff?
The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma will open in theaters nationwide on premiere night on 5 February, a mere 10 days from the time of this writing
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The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma will open in theaters nationwide on premiere night on 5 February, a mere 10 days from the time of this writing
Rhed Bustamante as Pepsi Paloma.
Shamaine Buencamino
Director Darryl Yap.
PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF FB.COM/Darryl Yap.
There’s no word yet, as of this writing, from the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) if the Darryl Yap controversial film has been approved for screening in theaters even as Yap — the film’s director and producer — has been announcing on his Facebook page Vincentiments that the The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma will open in theaters nationwide on premiere night on 5 February, a mere 10 days from the time of this writing.
It seems to us too premature for a nationwide screening. The film hasn’t been treated to substantial publicity and promotion. For instance, we don’t know enough yet about its title-role actor Rhed Bustamanate, reportedly a child actor in the past. Frankly, we hardly heard of her.
There isn’t enough teaser on how much involvement in the late actor’s life and career her mother had. That mother, Lydia Dueñas, seems to be Yap’s main source of information about Pepsi’s very short life (she committed suicide when she was only 18 years old) with her eldest daughter with American letter-carrier Kenny Smith who abandoned the family in Olongapo City when Delia (Paloma’s real first name) and her brother were still toddlers. The mother and the brother seem to be still living in Olongapo — just like Yap (who was born there in 1987).
Yap’s film includes the mother as a character in the film portrayed by the versatile and much awarded stage actor Shamaine Centenera-Buencamino.
Yap’s announcement about releasing the film goes with another “trailer,” which no longer mentions actor-host-producer Vic Sotto as the rapist of the late nymphet and skin-flick actor. (The case filed by Paloma and her manager then, the late optician Dr. Rey de la Cruz, was eventually discontinued and had no final judgment-resolution at all).
Technically, what Yap has so far released are not “trailers” but just “teasers.” A trailer is so-called because it “trails” (comes after) the main feature in a moviehouse. Yap’s two “trailers” were shown only on his Facebook, never in a cinema.
A trailer in a moviehouse needs MTRCB approval. Yap has never mentioned that any of his “trailers” was approved by the MTRCB. He most likely never submitted both to MTRCB based on the reasoning that the “trailers” are not to be shown in any of the moviehouses in the country. The Internet and social media are not included in the MTRCB’s specimens for review and classification.
But if his film is really meant to be shown in theaters, MTRCB may question Yap for not bothering to let the agency see those trailers since reviewing and classifying trailers is part of the agency’s mandated tasks.
It is now believed that Yap has no backing from any major entertainment establishments or any wealthy and influential personalities. Yap, the son of former school teachers, is now seen as the sole producer of a controversial film for which he has been sued for 19 counts of cyber libel filed by actor-host producer Vic Sotto whose name was mentioned clearly in the films first “trailer” for the film posted in his Facebook (FB) page, VinCentiments.
Yap confided in his latest FB post that even the copyright owners of certain music and songs he wanted to use in his film took back the permission to use them. He also revealed that some theater bookers who have initially assured that they will book his film in the moviehouses they operate have backed out.
The MTRCB’s silence about Yap’s latest film may be justified by the fact that it has not been submitted to them so no one among their reviewers has seen any part of The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma.
If MTRCB has approved and classified the film, the bookers would have been told about it and they can assign the film to specific theaters and Yap can go to town screaming the number of theaters his latest movie has been booked in. But 5 February is just a handful of days away and Yap has not bragged about the cinemas of The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma. (And in case the SM circuit accepts his film, it’s title has to be reduced to Pepsi Paloma, in keeping with the theater chain’s wholesome image.)
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DigiPlus Interactive Corp., which describes itself as a pioneer in digital entertainment in the Philippines, recently had a media launch of its Pusta de Peligro Responsible Gaming campaign with the premiere of three light short films with a singular serious message.
Held at Gateway Cinema, the event highlighted DigiPlus’ steadfast commitment to responsible gaming, advocating prevention of gaming addiction, education, and intervention to ensure that gaming remains a safe and enjoyable form of entertainment.
The films were conceptualized to evoke self-reflection and inspire mindful gaming choices. The first video is about a woman torn between breaking her piggy bank to place a bet, or keeping her hard-earned money.
The second video follows someone caught in a tough decision: to use his money to buy lunch, or risk it all for a bet.
The third video highlights the struggle of a woman with worn-out shoes, torn between buying a much-needed replacement, or taking a chance on a game.
Through these relatable, real-life scenarios, Pusta de Peligro challenges viewers to recognize the moments when gaming transitions from fun to risk, and encourages them to embrace the campaign’s call: “‘Pag Pusta de Peligro na, pause na muna, dahil ang gaming dapat fun-fun lang!”
DigiPlus Interactive Corp maintains betting games through platforms BingoPlus and ArenaPlus, widely known for their engaging experiences in interactive gaming and sports entertainment. DigiPlus also operates PeryaGame, Tongits+, and GameZone, with more to come.
In the past, DigiPlus introduced tools for players to control gaming time and bets.
The groundbreaking feature provides players with a powerful set of tools to take control of their gaming habits. With options to set daily gaming durations, customize specific gaming schedules, and establish daily loss limits, DigiPlus ensures that players can enjoy gaming responsibly, within boundaries they define for themselves.
For example, players can now set a gaming duration that ensures their gaming is confined to specific hours, such as during evenings, or lunch breaks, without interfering with work or family commitments.
Players can also set a daily loss limit, such as not exceeding P1,000, ensuring they never risk more than they are comfortable with. These self-defined features allow players to enjoy the fun and excitement of gaming while ensuring that it never becomes a source of stress or financial strain.
The Responsible Gaming feature is at par with global standards, reflecting DigiPlus’ leadership in adopting best practices for player welfare. These self-exclusion measures, commonly implemented by leading international gaming operators, empower players to prioritize their wellbeing while enjoying the fun and excitement of gaming. By integrating these tools directly into the app, DigiPlus guarantees easy accessibility and seamless user experience, demonstrating a proactive commitment to protecting players from potential harm.
“The launch of the Responsible Gaming tab in our platforms reflects our deep commitment to our players’ welfare,” said DigiPlus Interactive chairman Eusebio Tanco at the launch of those tab tools for responsible gaming. “We believe gaming should always remain a safe and enjoyable activity. By giving our players the tools to manage their gaming habits responsibly, we’re setting a new benchmark for responsible gaming, one that aligns with global standards and emphasizes our care for every individual who engages with our platforms.”
This new and innovative feature is complemented by DigiPlus’ broader responsible gaming initiatives through its social development arm, BingoPlus Foundation. The “Tamang Laro, Tamang Panalo” webinar series provides education on maintaining a healthy gaming-life balance, managing emotional and mental health, and recognizing when to seek intervention. Personalized financial coaching sessions are also offered to guide players in making sound financial decisions, as demonstrated in the support provided to the jackpot winners, the most recent one being the ₱312 million Lucky Spin winner.
DigiPlus’ self-exclusion tools and educational programs align with PAGCOR’s mission to promote responsible gaming and create a safer environment for players. This latest advancement in responsible gaming is a testament to DigiPlus’ vision of creating a sustainable and enjoyable gaming ecosystem that puts people first.
As part of the campaign, the company collaborated with mental health specialists, financial advisors, and educators to develop a campaign that relates to the realities of Filipino gamers.
The event’s highlight at Gateway Mall was a discussion with Teresita Castillo of the International Gambling Counselors Certification Board and financial coach Armand Bengco. They highlighted the value of education, early intervention, and expert collaboration in creating a safe and responsible gaming culture.
“Responsible gaming is the foundation of a sustainable gaming industry. With ‘petsa de peligro,’ we’re proving that advocacy and innovation can go hand in hand to create a safer, more enjoyable gaming environment for all,” said the company’s chairman Eusebio Tanco at the launch.
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