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Manila Bulletin devider Entertainment devider Celebrities devider Darryl Yap reflects on 'Pepsi Paloma' controversy: I learned a valuable lesson

Darryl Yap reflects on 'Pepsi Paloma' controversy: I learned a valuable lesson

Published May 8, 2026 04:34 pm

Filmmaker Darryl Yap said the controversy surrounding his upcoming movie "The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma" taught him an important lesson: to listen more closely to advice from people he trusts.

Yap is currently facing two counts of cyberlibel filed by veteran TV host Vic Sotto over the teaser trailer of the film. The charges stemmed from a resolution released by the Muntinlupa City Prosecutor’s Office on March 17.

Reflecting on the issue, Yap admitted he now realizes the value of guidance given to him by Viva chairman Vic del Rosario.

“Even before the mess, he was already very paternal in giving me advice and telling me how to best approach certain things I wanted to film. But the rascal in me wouldn’t listen,” Yap shared.

“If there’s one thing I learned from this, it’s that I should listen and take heed, especially if Boss Vic is the one giving the advice,” he added.

Despite the controversy, Yap maintained that he has no plans of deleting the portions of the film that triggered the issue.

“My film is an extension of my humanity and my values. If I delete certain portions just because it’s no longer convenient for me, it will speak about my character. So, I don’t think I’m bound to delete anything,” he said.

The director also stressed that he wants to stand by the film rather than regret backing down in the future.

“I’m only 39, but when I look back, I don’t want to regret not standing by certain things. So, I want to fight for the film,” he said.

According to Yap, his main goal is simply to have the movie shown to the Filipino audience.

“I just want to show my film to the Filipino people. I don’t think I’ll be persuaded to keep it hidden. I don’t know what the terms would be if there’s ever a settlement, but I really want our film to be shown,” he said.

Yap admitted that attending court hearings has been physically exhausting and inconvenient.

“Traveling from Mandaluyong to the hearings is a hassle,” he shared.

Still, he clarified that the controversy has not significantly affected his career because his projects are contract-based.

“I can’t say I’m affected career-wise because all my works have contracts. Whether I want to get out of bed or not, I still have to work. So, it’s not really affecting my career,” he explained.

Yap also acknowledged the challenges of balancing his signature humor with today’s changing social climate.

“I’m trying, but I can’t be too ‘woke.’ I will lose my voice as a creative. I grew up in a time when comedy was about poking fun at anything and everything. But I’m really trying to, somehow, find a balance,” he said.

His latest movie, "Love, Ngo," which opens in theaters on June 3, may also draw attention for tackling the story of a man with a cleft lip.

“Actually, there are already some grumblings here and there, but I hope it eases their worries a bit knowing that I included actual people with cleft lip in the cast, and they were happy with my script,” Yap said.

The film stars Jerald Napoles, Gina Alajar, Candy Pangilinan, Malupiton, and Jack Argota.

Related Tags

Darryl Yap Vic Sotto The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma Love Ngo cyberlibel Pepsi Paloma controversy Viva Films
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