Pepsi Paloma was a Filipino-American dancer and actress who rose to fame in the 1980s as one of the Softdrinks Beauties, a group of starlets named after popular soda brands. She appeared in several bold movies, such as Brown Emmanuelle, Virgin People, and Naked Island, where she showcased her beauty and talent. However, her life was cut short when she was found dead in her apartment on May 31, 1985, in an apparent suicide by hanging. What led to her tragic demise? Here are some of the possible factors that contributed to Pepsi Paloma’s cause of death.
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The Rape Case That Shook the Nation
One of the most controversial events in Pepsi Paloma’s life was the rape case she filed against three comedians: Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon, and Richie D’Horsie. According to her account, she and another actress, Guada Guarin, were invited to guest on the comedy show Iskul Bukol, where the trio were regulars. After the taping, they were allegedly drugged, brought to a hotel room, and raped by the three men. Pepsi Paloma sought the help of then Defense Minister Juan Ponce Enrile, who referred her to lawyer Rene Cayetano. She also received support from columnist and radio host Remy Umerez, who exposed the incident to the public.
The case drew widespread attention and outrage, especially since the suspects were popular and influential figures in the entertainment industry. The three comedians initially denied the allegations, but later issued a public apology on live TV and in a newspaper article, saying: “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.” [People’s Journal]
However, the case did not go to trial, as Pepsi Paloma was reportedly pressured to drop the charges by Tito Sotto, the older brother of Vic Sotto and a future senator. Tito Sotto allegedly threatened her with a gun and forced her to sign an affidavit of desistance, which stated that she was no longer interested in pursuing the case. Some reports claimed that it was Pepsi’s mother who signed the document on her behalf. [Philippine Daily Inquirer]
The rape case was one of the factors that affected Pepsi Paloma’s mental and emotional state, as she felt betrayed, humiliated, and depressed by the ordeal. She also faced backlash from some sectors of the society, who blamed her for her own misfortune and questioned her credibility and morality.
The Struggle to Rebuild Her Career
After the rape case, Pepsi Paloma tried to move on and rebuild her career as an actress. She continued to star in sexy films, such as Snake Sisters, Matukso Kaya ang Anghel?, and Room 69, where she played daring and provocative roles. She also ventured into other genres, such as action, drama, and comedy, where she worked with some of the top stars of the time, such as Fernando Poe Jr., Rudy Fernandez, and Charito Solis.
However, Pepsi Paloma faced several challenges and difficulties in her attempt to revive her popularity and image. She had to compete with other rising starlets, such as Alma Moreno, Lorna Tolentino, and Maria Isabel Lopez, who were also vying for the attention and admiration of the moviegoers. She also had to deal with the stigma and discrimination that came with being a rape victim and a bold star. She was often typecast and stereotyped as a sex object, and was not given enough opportunities to showcase her versatility and potential as an actress.
Pepsi Paloma also had to cope with the stress and pressure of being in the limelight, as she had to maintain a certain appearance and reputation to please her fans and critics. She had to endure long hours of work, constant scrutiny, and harsh criticism. She also had to face the challenges of being a young and independent woman in a male-dominated and patriarchal industry, where she had to fend for herself and protect her rights and dignity.
The Final Days of Pepsi Paloma
On May 31, 1985, Pepsi Paloma was found dead in her apartment in Quezon City, in an apparent suicide by hanging. She was only 18 years old. According to the police investigation, the rape case was one of the factors that led to her death. Pepsi Paloma left behind a suicide note, which read:
“This is a crazy planets (sic).”
The note was a reference to the title of a column written by Louie Beltran, a journalist who was critical of Pepsi Paloma and her rape case. Beltran wrote several articles that mocked and ridiculed Pepsi Paloma, and even suggested that she was lying about the rape and that she was a willing participant. Beltran also implied that Pepsi Paloma was a drug addict and a prostitute, and that she deserved what happened to her. [Philippine Star]
Pepsi Paloma’s suicide note was a sign of her despair and hopelessness, as she felt that she had no place in a world that was cruel and unjust to her. She also felt that she had no future, as she had lost her dreams and aspirations. She had no one to turn to, as she had no family, friends, or supporters who could understand and help her. She had no reason to live, as she had lost her faith and happiness.
Pepsi Paloma’s cause of death was a tragic end to a promising life that was cut short by the evils of society. She was a victim of rape, violence, corruption, and oppression. She was a starlet who died too young, leaving behind a legacy of controversy and mystery. She was Pepsi Paloma, a pop culture figure who will never be forgotten.
