To beef up interest in his forthcoming movie, his opening salvo for 2025, director Darryl Yap has been teasing his Facebook followers about the development of his latest obra, a film on controversial 1980s nymphet Pepsi Paloma.
“A former child star takes the controversial role of Delia Duena Smith popularly known as PEPSI PALOMA” came his caption on a photo of the young woman who will portray Paloma.
Interestingly, Yap did not provide the name of his star and she was photographed sideways to probably hide her identity.
In his posts, he named the actors participating in the movie.
“Philippines’ Top tier Chameleon Actor Mon Confiado transforms to Dr. Rey Dela Cruz, Pepsi Paloma’s Talent Manager,” he said, sharing Confiado’s photo.
“Multi-awarded actress-director GINA ALAJAR steps into the role of the late screen icon Charito Solis in the upcoming film,” he announced.
“Powerhouse Actress Shamaine Buencamino tackles the role of LYDIA DUENA WHITLEY, the mother of Pepsi Paloma,” he revealed.
Yap explained why he will not be in danger in producing and direction a Pepsi Paloma movie.
“TEASER: 1 JANUARY 2025, pwede lang ako mapahamak sa paggawa ng pelikulang hango sa tunay na buhay — kung magsisinungaling ako. HINDI KO IPAPAHAMAK ANG SARILI KO, HINDI AKO MAGSISINUNGALING (I can be in danger doing a movie based on real life if I am lying),” he intoned.
“Wala akong personal o pulitikal na motibo, hindi kaaway ng mga Sotto ang producer ko, wala akong masamang tinapay sa TVJ (I don’t have personal or political motives. My producer is not the enemy of the Sottos. I don’t have an axe to grind against TVJ),” he added.
Yap believes that it’s not difficult to share a story about truth, more so if it involved a fellow Olongapo resident.
“Si Pepsi Paloma ay Taga-Olongapo, tulad ko. Responsibilidad kong ibandera ang kwento ng aking lungsod at mamamayan nito. MAGANDA MAN O MALAGIM (Pepsi Paloma is from Olongapo, like me. It’s my responsibility to share the story of my city and its citizens, may it be beautiful or tragic),” he said.
Ivana Alawi bashed for endorsing online gambling
Just like Nadine Lustre, actress and vlogger Ivana Alawi went through a barrage of bashing after promoting an online gambling app on her Facebook and Instagram account.
“Happy holidays. Unwrap the fun this holiday season with BET88! Add some extra sparkle to your days with exciting games and surprises!” Alawi said in her caption on both her Facebook and Instagram pages.
This didn’t sit well with her bashers who welcomed her post with a barrage of criticism.
“Milyones na kita nya from blogging, nag promote p rin ng online gambling (She’s earning millions from blogging, she’s still promoting online gambling),” one guy wailed.
“Exactly, just like Nadine… grabe mag advocate ng sustainability chuva and no meat pero gambling gorabels. Talk about hypocrisy!” another fan agreed.
Echoing the same sentiment, one guy said: “Artistas are only in it for the money. Sad but true. When will ordinary masses learn, celebrities and nilfluencers don’t care.”
“Pero gusto mo ‘yan ang maging legacy mo? Na may na inspire kang magsugal dahil endorser ka? Sayang ang platform at positive impact sana sa madaming tao hindi ung sugal (But you want that to be your legacy? That you have inspired someone to gamble because you’re the endorser? Your platform is wasted and it should have positive impact on many people not entice them to gamble),” one fan intoned.
But some fans defended the sexy actress. A guy said: “Ang gusto mag sugal, mag susugal yan may endorsement man o wala. (Those who want to gamble will gamble with or without endorsement). Mga bashers just proved na wala silang (sariling) isip if they think this will increase the number of people gambling.”