WATCH: Pepsi Paloma movie trailer released, no mention of Vic Sotto

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MANILA, Philippines – Amid legal battle, controversial filmmaker Darryl Yap had released the trailer of his much-anticipated Pepsi Paloma movie, this time, without the mention or any reference to comedian Vic Sotto.

Unlike its teaser that earlier made deliberate reference to Sotto, the trailer only focused on Paloma’s journey to becoming an actress, a brief showcase of her struggles, all the way to her death.

It began with Paloma, played by Rhed Bustamante, walking alone in the streets speaking in the background about how she will do everything just to alleviate herself from poverty.

A scene involving Paloma, Monica (Beverly Salviejo) the talent scout who introduced her to Dr. Rey dela Cruz (Mon Confiado) who made her a member of the Softdrink Beauties.

Without directly mentioning what happened to Paloma, scenes showing her parents blazing in anger and dela Cruz crying for justice was shown.

The trailer also included actual interviews with Paloma’s mother and brother.

“THE TRAILER OF THE TRUTH,” the caption said.

“Para sa ika-40 anibersayo ng kamatayan ni Pepsi Paloma.”

Despite legal attempts by the Sotto camp to suppress its screening, the movie, according to its trailer, is set for release on February 5.

The case

Yap and Sotto faced each other for the first time last Friday, January 17, for the first summary hearing of the cyber libel cases filed by the comedian against the young director at the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court.

Sotto filed a criminal complaint against Yap following the “defamatory” mention of his name as the supposed attacker of the actress who claimed to have been raped by the comedian and two other “Eat Bulaga” hosts Joey de Leon and Richie D’Horsie.

Sotto also petitioned for a Writ of Habeas Data aiming to block the movie’s theatrical release, stop publication of all promotional material using the actor’s sensitive personal information and take down the teaser.

The court then clarified that while it had issued a writ, it only ordered Yap to submit a verified return within five days. Sotto’s lawyer Enrique Dela Cruz, earlier said that the granting of the writ should be interpreted as a take down order.

Yap’s camp insisted that the teaser was not “libelous” because it is only an illustration of a past event where someone had a sworn statement issued.

The court already issued a gag order to both Sotto and Yap prohibiting them from publicly disclosing or discussing a case filed over the teaser.