(From left) Dina Bonnevie on DV Savellano’s death; Vic Sotto and Darryl Yap’s legal battle over Pepsi Paloma movie; and, Rufa Mae Quinto’s legal woes. Images: FILE PHOTOS
The trailer of the Pepsi Paloma movie ushered in an explosive start for 2025 as Vic Sotto and Darryl Yap slug it out both in the news headlines and in court.
Meanwhile, Dina Bonnevie is heartbroken over the loss of her husband Agriculture Undersecretary Deogracias Victor “DV” Savellano, while Rufa Mae Quinto was released from custody of the NBI after posting bail amounting to P1.7 million.
On the other hand, many Hollywood stars are in grief as many of them lost their homes in the deadly Los Angeles wildfires.
Refresh your memory on this jampacked week by catching up on the biggest showbiz headlines from January 3 to 9.
Darryl Yap stands firm on ‘Pepsi Paloma’ trailer
Controversial director Darryl Yap defended the creation of his upcoming movie “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma.” Images: Facebook/Darryl Yap
Darryl Yap stood his ground on the creation of his upcoming movie “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma” while reiterating that it’s a “shocking truthful revelation,” as its trailer sparked backlash on social media.
Yap announced the release of his movie based on the late Pepsi Paloma — whose real name is Delia Dueñas Smith — in late 2024 and dropped its trailer last Jan. 2, which showed Paloma (Rhed Bustamante) being confronted by Charito Solis (Gina Alajar) about an alleged rapist. The trailer, however, was subjected to mixed reactions as Alajar’s character mentioned the name of veteran actor-comedian Vic Sotto.
The director-screenwriter clarified that his movie is not funded by production company Television and Production Exponents Incorporated (TAPE Inc.) and the “anti-Sottos,” and there was no “ulterior motive” behind its creation.
“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,” he said on Facebook. “Wala akong personal o pulitikal na motibo, hindi kaaway ng mga Sotto ang producer ko, wala akong masamang tinapay sa TVJ… Si Pepsi Paloma ay Taga-Olongapo, tulad ko. Responsibilidad kong ibandera ang kwento ng aking lungsod at mamamayan nito.”
Yap also pointed out that its storyline is based on the accounts of Paloma’s mother Lydia and brother Zaldy, which he introduced in a now-deleted Facebook post.
Darryl Yap (center) with the brother (left) and mother (right) of the late sexy star Pepsi Paloma. Image: Facebook/Darryl Yap
“Ngayon, bigyan natin ng pagkakataon ang Inang nanahimik nang napakatagal na panahon, ang Inang matapos mawalan ng anak ay patuloy na nasasaktan sa mga paratang at panghuhusga,” he said. “Tapos na ang pananahimik ng nakababatang kapatid ni Pepsi, na noo’y 15 years old lamang, kasama ng aktres hanggang sa mismong araw na siya ay natagpuang walang buhay sa loob ng aparador.”
The director then claimed that the movie will focus on Lydia and Zaldy’s side of the story, noting that Paloma’s family is the most important part of the late sexy star’s life.
Vic Sotto files cyberlibel case over Paloma movie trailer
Vic Sotto shares his reaction after filing cyber libel case vs Darryl Yap for the ‘Pepsi Paloma trailer’ on Thursday, Jan. 9, at the Muntinlupa RTC. Image: INQUIRER.net/ Jessica Ann Evangelista
Vic Sotto filed 19 counts of cyberlibel complaint against Darryl Yap in connection with the release of the trailer of the Pepsi Paloma movie that the latter is directing, which imputes that Sotto was one of the alleged rapists of the late sexy star in the 1980s.
Sotto, accompanied by his wife Pauleen Luna, went to the Muntinlupa Prosecutor’s Office to personally file his complaint against Yap, as he sought moral damages amounting to P20 million, and exemplary damages amounting to P15 million.
The complaint will be handled by the National Prosecutor’s Office which will conduct a preliminary investigation to determine probable cause.
Sotto’s legal counsel Enrique Dela Cruz underscored that the basis of the complaint was Yap’s public posts and the teaser video of “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma,” where Sotto’s name was dropped in the confrontation scene between Gina Alajar as Charito Solis and former child star Rhed Bustamante as Paloma.
“Labing siyam na beses po na nagpahayag o nagpost na mapanirang imputation ‘yung respondent. Dito po sa criminal case ang finile lang po natin ay si Mr. Darryl Yap,” Dela Cruz told reporters after the filing.
In a brief interview, Sotto stated that he holds no personal grudge against Yap and he is just against people who practice “irresponsible” actions on social media. “Ako, wala naman akong pinipersonal, I’m just against irresponsible people lalo na sa social media.”
Meanwhile, a separate habeas data petition was filed by Sotto before the Muntinlupa RTC Branch 205, which subsequently granted the privilege of the writ before hearing.
Sotto also bared threats to his life and security, as well as of his wife and children, attaching screenshots of such threats on social media due to Yap’s alleged posts.
“I felt unsafe and afraid since I read comments from strangers threatening to rape my wife and my minor child. I also felt that my right to privacy was being violated because this rape accusation is not true and the dissemination of this wrong information is fooling a lot of people,” he said.
“As advised to me by my lawyers, under the Data Privacy Act, information related to any proceeding for any offense committed or alleged to have been committed by such person, as well as the result of such proceedings is sensitive personal information. Since Darryl admits that the subject of the case is the case filed by Pepsi Paloma against me, he is without a doubt processing my sensitive personal information.”
“In this case, respondent Darryl Yap, without even seeking my consent, is processing my personal information and sensitive personal information by repeatedly mentioning my name as the alleged rapist of Pepsi Paloma. He even appears to have made a whole movie about it. In one of his Facebook posts, he even posted a snippet of an old newspaper article regarding the filing of the case against me. Also, at the end of the teaser video, there is likewise a statement regarding the filing of the rape case against me by Pepsi Paloma on 17 August 1982. What is worse is that he maliciously and purposefully left out the fact that the said case was already dismissed because it is not true.”
In his judicial affidavit, Sotto further claimed that the case filed against him was dismissed, saying: “Since the case was dismissed in 1982 and more than four decades have lapsed, I can no longer locate as of the moment the
records related to the case. However, I have here (witness handing over a document) a printout of a news article reporting the dismissal of cases filed against me. It was also reported in several news channels and widely known that the case was dismissed.”
Luna, likewise, issued a separate judicial affidavit supporting her husband’s position.
Vic Sotto wins first round in case vs Pepsi Paloma movie
Vic Sotto and his wife Pauleen Luna at the Muntinlupa RTC on Thursday, Jan. 9 | Image: INQUIRER.net/Jessica Ann Evangelista
Even before Vic Sotto filed his cyberlibel complaint against Darryl Yap, the actor-host already initiated the filing of a petition for the issuance of the writ of habeas data, seeking the removal of any information about him used in the promotion of the upcoming film about Pepsi Paloma.
The habeas data petition was filed on January 7 and was raffled to Branch 205 of the Muntinlupa City Regional Trial Court under Presiding Judge Liezel Aquiatan, the same judge that inhibited from the drug case filed against former Senator Leila de Lima.
In an order dated January 9, the RTC immediately granted Sotto’s motion for the issuance of the writ and directed respondent Yap to reply to the petition within five days.
A writ of habeas data is a legal remedy that allows a party to be free from threats to his privacy from individuals engaged in gathering or collecting information on a particular case. This recourse is usually resorted to by victims of politically motivated crimes but may also be applied by ordinary citizens in order to release information or to update, rectify, suppress, or destroy databases, information, or files in the control of the respondents in a petition.
The privilege of the writ may be issued upon the filing of the petition, and may either be revoked or be made permanent upon determination of the court, usually through hearing.
“Finding the Petition sufficient in form and substance, let a writ of habeas data issue directing respondent Darryl Ray Spyke B. Yap to submit a verified return of the writ within five (5) days from receipt thereof in accordance with Section 10 of A.M. No. 08-1-16-SC,” the order stated.
The court likewise set a summary hearing for the case on the morning of January 15, 2025 “to determine the merits of the petition.”
“The parties are enjoined to present on that day their respective evidence pertaining to the petition,” the RTC further ordered.
According to Sotto’s legal counsel, Enrique dela Cruz, the court granted their motion for the issuance of the writ of habeas data before they filed the cyberlibel complaint at the Muntinlupa Prosecutor’s Office, thus Yap is enjoined to remove all related posts about Sotto in relation to Yap’s upcoming film, “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma,” which is produced under his own production company, Vincentiments. The film, Yap said, is scheduled to be screened this February.
“In the meantime, po, the writ was issued, so ibig sabihin po ‘yung hinihiling namin sa writ granted. Ititigil po muna lahat nung mga postings, etc.; in the mean time, pinapasagot siya [Yap] dun sa aming reklamo,” Dela Cruz told reporters.
INQUIRER.net obtained a copy of the habeas data petition, in which Yap and fellow respondents are enjoined from “further disseminating or causing the dissemination to the public via all platforms of promotional materials, teaser videos, and other materials, digital or otherwise, relative to the film ‘The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma,’ which depict or mention the personal information of petitioner (Sotto).”
Sotto further asked the court to remove and take down such materials from all platforms, and compel the respondents to produce and provide all personal information of the petitioner that they collected and processed for the film.
Dina Bonnevie mourns death of husband
Dina Bonnevie and DV Savellano. Image: Instagram/@dinabonnevie
Dina Bonnevie is mourning the death of her husband, Agriculture Undersecretary Deogracias Victor “DV” Savellano, disclosing abdominal aneurysm as the cause of death.
The actress shared the wake details of DV through her Instagram page last January 7. She also revealed further details on her husband’s death via a phone call with Boy Abunda.
“We will be praying for courage. We will be praying for your wellbeing,” the veteran TV host said in his “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda” show on Tuesday, Jan. 7. “Sabi ni Dina, si DV po (According to Dina, DV) succumbed to abdominal aneurysm.”
Bonnevie’s fellow celebrities then extended their prayers and condolences to the actress and her family via her Instagram comments section.
DV’s daughter, Marie Savellano, also paid tribute to her dad in a separate Instagram post.
“Keep smiling up there, Papa. You will always be in my heart,” Marie said. “I miss you so much and love you endlessly. Let’s dance again someday in heaven.”
DV served as undersecretary of the Department of Agriculture since his appointment in 2023. Prior to this position, he served as the deputy speaker and Ilocos Sur 1st district representative.
DV’s wake was held in Quezon City from Jan. 8 to 11, and it will also be held at his residence in Cabugao, Ilocos Sur, on Jan. 12 to 16. His burial is on Jan. 17.
Rufa Mae Quinto after release on bail: ‘Go go go home!’
Rufa Mae Quinto. Image: Instagram/@mkqua, @rufamaequinto
Rufa Mae Quinto was released from the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) custody on January. 9, after she posted bail amounting to P1.7 million.
“Naniniwala po ako na justice is very fair. So kaya uuwi na ako. Go go go home!” the elated actress-comedian told members of the media, per a 24 Oras report.
Quinto, who is facing 14 counts of violation of Section 8 of the Securities Regulation Code for her prior endorsement of embattled skincare company Dermacare, turned emotional during the interview as she admitted feeling anxious over being involved in a legal matter. Nonetheless, she underscored her belief that the truth will prevail.
In a separate post on her Facebook page, Quinto expressed her gratitude for the support she has been receiving amid this ordeal.
Quinto arrived in the Philippines from the United States on January 8. She voluntarily surrendered to the NBI and immediately processed her bail, although she was not able to finish it on the same day after her blood pressure shot up.
Quinto earlier maintained her innocence, with her legal counsel saying the actress is also a “victim” as the skincare company had yet to pay her endorsement fee.
Jeff Baena found dead at Los Angeles residence
FILE – Aubrey Plaza, right, and Jeff Baena arrive at the premiere of “The Little Hours” at the 2017 Los Angeles Film Festival in Culver City, Calif., on Monday, June 19, 2017. (Photo by Willy Sanjuan/Invision/AP, File)
Indie filmmaker Jeff Baena, who was married to his frequent creative collaborator Aubrey Plaza, has died. He was 47.
Baena was found dead around 10:30 a.m. Friday, January 10 at a Los Angeles home, according to the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office.
The circumstances remained unclear Saturday, January 11, The office said that it was investigating and a full report wouldn’t be available until the case is closed.
A representative for Plaza responded to a request for comment with a link to a story about Baena’s death on the entertainment industry news site Deadline.
Baena co-wrote David O. Russell’s 2004 film “I Heart Huckabees” and wrote and directed five of his own films, mostly dark comedies.
Plaza starred in his directorial debut, the 2014 zombie comedy “Life After Beth,” and appeared in two of his other films: “The Little Hours” and “Spin Me Round.”
Plaza, 40, rose to fame playing April Ludgate on the television series “Parks and Recreation” and was nominated for an Emmy for her role on “The White Lotus.”
The couple married in 2021.
Mandy Moore, Paris Hilton, more lose homes in LA wildfires
Mandy Moore and Paris Hilton (right) are among the stars to lose homes in LA wildfires. Image: Instagram/@mandymooremm, @parishilton
Celebrities including Mandy Moore and Paris Hilton are among hundreds of people who lost their homes in the Los Angeles wildfires that ravaged parts of the world’s showbiz capital.
Moore detailed the damage to her family’s Altadena, California, home from the Eaton Fire.
The “A Walk to Remember” star, who evacuated earlier this week, returned to find the main part of her Los Angeles-area home “miraculously” still intact, though not livable, she wrote via Instagram.
Meanwhile, Hilton said she watched her seafront Malibu home burned to the ground on live television, writing on Instagram that she was “heartbroken.” “My heart aches for those still in harm’s way or mourning greater losses. The devastation is unimaginable,” she said.
She later shared a video of her five Pomeranians in the back of a car and said she was traveling to a hotel to take shelter.
Aside from Moore and Hitlon, two-time Oscar-winning actor Anthony Hopkins, perhaps best known for his role in “The Silence of the Lambs,” reportedly lost his luxurious home.
Pictures appeared to show the 87-year-old’s property burned to the ground, though Hopkins has yet to issue a public statement.
Jeff Bridges, known for cult classic “The Big Lebowski,” lost the Malibu home that he shares with his family, a representative told entertainment news site TMZ.
“When Harry Met Sally” star Billy Crystal said the home he had lived in for 46 years was destroyed, with only a tennis court remaining. “Words cannot describe the enormity of the devastation we are witnessing and experiencing,” he said in a joint statement with his wife Janice.
US media reported that a home belonging to “Schitt’s Creek” and “American Pie” star Eugene Levy burned to the ground.
Levy had previously told the Los Angeles Times how he traveled through black smoke to evacuate his celebrity-studded neighborhood.
“Roseanne” actor John Goodman’s home was burned to the ground, according to photos published by People Magazine that showed a pile of smoldering rubble. Goodman, who co-starred in “The Big Lebowski,” has not issued any public statement on his property.
“Star Wars” star Mark Hamill told followers on Instagram that he had fled his Malibu home with his wife and pet dog, escaping down a road flanked by active fires.
Hamill, 73, did not confirm if his house was destroyed but said his family were “fleeing for our lives.”
“Dirty Dancing” star Jennifer Grey lost her home to the blaze, her daughter wrote on Instagram. “Last night my mama’s house was burnt to the ground,” Stella Gregg wrote on Instagram, adding that Grey was safe.
“The Princess Bride” star Cary Elwes said on Instagram that his home was destroyed after he and his family evacuated. Elwes, 62, earlier shared a video driving along the winding LA hills that showed an orange blaze in the distance, describing the scene as “biblical.”
Golden Globes nominee Adam Brody and his actress wife Leighton Meester (“Gossip Girl”), who were on the red carpet on Sunday, reportedly lost their home in the Pacific Palisades. People magazine obtained pictures of their home engulfed in flames.
“Whiplash” star Miles Teller and his wife Keleigh Teller had their home destroyed by fire, according to photos published by People magazine. Miles, who also appeared in “Top Gun: Maverick,” did not publicly comment.
Emmy-winning actor James Woods posted a video on X showing flames engulfing trees and bushes near his Pacific Palisades property. “I couldn’t believe our lovely little home in the hills held on this long. It feels like losing a loved one,” said the 77-year-old Woods.
Oscar winner Jamie Lee Curtis was forced to evacuate, writing on Instagram: “Our beloved neighborhood is gone. Our home is safe. So many others have lost everything.”