Showbiz Roundup: Gloria Romero’s death; ‘Pepsi Paloma’ teaser ordered removed

The death of Gloria Romero left an immeasurable gap in the Philippine entertainment industry, with many celebrities and colleagues mourning the loss of the “Queen of Philippine cinema” who was known for her kind heart.

Vic Sotto, on the other hand, drew another win in his legal battle against director-screenwriter Darryl Yap after the Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) ordered the removal of the teaser of the upcoming movie “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma.”

The theatrical release of “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma” also remains uncertain after the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) clarified that the movie has not been under review due to “incomplete requirements.”

Look back at the final week of January by checking out INQUIRER.net’s biggest entertainment headlines from January 24 to 30.

Gloria Romero, 91

Gloria Romero, an award-winning actress whose career spanned seven decades, died at the age of 91 on Saturday, January 25, according to her family.

The actress’ sole child, Maritess Gutierrez, confirmed the screen veteran’s death, saying she will be “missed dearly” by her family, friends, and loved ones.

“It is with great sadness to announce the passing of my beloved Mother, Gloria Galla Gutierrez aka Gloria Romero who peacefully joined our Creator earlier today January 25, 2025,” she said. “In this time of loss, our family deeply appreciates the support, prayers, sympathy, all the lovely messages, and heartfelt condolences that we’ve received. She will surely be missed dearly.”

The veteran actress was survived by her daughter Maritess and her grandson, Chris Gutierrez. One of her final public appearances was a tribute event dedicated to her life and legacy in celebration of her 90th birthday in February 2024.

Romero’s remains were cremated on Wednesday, January 29 at the Arlington Memorial Center in Quezon City, which was attended by some of the biggest names in local showbiz.

Born Gloria Anne Borrego Galla, Romero was born in Denver, Colorado before settling in the Philippines during the height of the war. Romero has always dreamt of being an actress and has earned her father’s approval to enter the entertainment industry. She started her acting career in the 1940s either as an extra or minor role until she entered Sampaguita Pictures in 1952 under her notable screen persona.

Since then, Romero established herself as a formidable actress in films and TV. Among the films that propelled her into superstardom were the 1952 film “Madame X,” and “Dalagang Ilocana” two years later which earned her first FAMAS Award for Best Actress award.

Among her most notable films include “Hongkong Holiday,” “Condemned,” “Nagbabagang Luha,” “Tanging Yaman,” “Magnifico,” “Moments of Love,” “Beautiful Life,” and “Rainbow’s Sunset,” to name just a few. She also appeared in TV dramas such as “Familia Zaragoza,” “Mga Anghel na Walang Langit,” “May Bukas Pa,” and “I Love Betty La Fea.”

Romero appeared in several film and TV productions throughout her career and reaped several accolades, including two FAMAS Awards for Best Actress awards, one FAMAS Award for Best Supporting Actress, two Gawad Urian acting awards, and two Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) Best Actress awards, among many others.

Gloria Romero’s fake ‘last will and testament’ dismissed

The remains of late veteran actress Gloria Romero, dubbed the “Queen of Philippine Cinema,” were cremated at the Arlington Memorial Chapels on Wednesday, January 29.

While still in grief, Romero’s family addressed her supposed last will and testament that surfaced on social media immediately after her death, stressing that there is no truth to this.

Several art cards and online posts claim that Romero has more than P700 million in the bank and that certain percentages of it will supposedly be used to build a provincial high school and to help charity institutions.

Romero’s loved ones regarded the false claims as “misleading,” as per entertainment reporter MJ Marfori via “Frontline Pilipinas.” The family also appealed to the public to give them time as they mourn Romero’s passing.

Film critic and close family friend Butch Francisco also addressed such claims during an interview with INQUIRER.net saying “Gloria Romero is not that rich.” He further said the individuals behind these posts should respect the grieving family, and that the public should do better than to believe these “fake news” that comes from nowhere.

Court orders removal of ‘Pepsi Paloma’ movie teaser

The Muntinlupa Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 205 partially granted Vic Sotto‘s petition for the issuance of the writ of habeas data against filmmaker Darryl Yap, in connection with the trailer of the latter’s controversial movie, “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma.”

Sotto’s petition sought to stop Yap from disclosing any personal information to be used as part of the movie or any of its promotional materials on any platform.

In a 20-age order issued on Monday, January 27, Muntinlupa RTC Branch 205 Presiding Judge Liezel Aquiatan ordered Yap to remove from all platforms the controversial teaser video which supposedly portrayed Sotto as the rapist of the late 80’s sexy star.

“Respondent Darryl Ray Spyke B. Yap and any person or entity acting on his behalf, including the production team of Vin Centiments, are ORDERED to delete, take down and remove the 26-second teaser video from online platforms, social media, or any other medium for having misused the collected data/information by presenting a conversation between two deceased individuals, which cannot be verified as having actually occurred,” the court stated.

The court, however, declined to rule on malice and ill motive on the part of Yap, as these are not covered by the present case, and may properly be addressed in the cyberlibel case subject of the fiscal’s investigation.

Nonetheless, the court allowed Yap to proceed with the production and release of “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma. Yap earlier announced that the movie is set for a theatrical release on February 5.

Following the Muntinlupa RTC’s decision, Sotto’s legal counsel Atty. Enrique Dela Cruz said they are “thankful” for the partial granting of the host-comedian’s writ of habeas data petition against Yap.

Dela Cruz hoped that Yap’s camp would comply with the court’s decision to take down the teaser video that mentions Sotto’s name.

Meanwhile, Yap’s legal counsel Atty. Raymond Fortun said in a text message to INQUIRER.net that Yap will not appeal the decision as it still allowed the director-screenwriter to release the movie in theaters.

Yap’s legal counsel, however, hoped that the court would continue to implement the gag order issued to both parties.

‘Pepsi Paloma’ movie not yet under review — MTRCB

The Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) addressed a “false claim” and clarified that Darryl Yap’s Pepsi Paloma film is not under review at the moment due to incomplete requirements.

“Contrary to a false claim, the MTRCB hereby serves notice that the Pepsi Paloma movie is currently NOT UNDER REVIEW due to incomplete requirements,” the regulatory board stated in a release on Wednesday, Jan. 29. through Atty. Paulino Cases Jr., Vice Chairperson and Chairperson of the Hearing and Adjudication Committee.

It can be noted that Yap earlier said that his upcoming film, whose teaser became the root of a legal tussle involving the director and actor-host Vic Sotto, would be submitted to MTRCB for review.

Incidentally, Sotto is the uncle of Diorella “Lala” Sotto-Antonio, chairman of the MTRCB.

In a Facebook post on Tuesday, January 28. Yap claimed that the movie “is now being reviewed by MTRCB,” a matter promptly belied by the board.

MTRCB then underscored that “each film undergoes a rigorous and meticulous review process that evaluates every detail against the standards set by Presidential Decree No. 1986.”

‘Pepsi Paloma’ distributor open to move film’s release

The distributor of the controversial movie “The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma,” Pinoyflix Films and Entertainment Production, said it will process the requirements requested by the MTRCB so that it can be given a playdate.

The MTRCB requested the company to provide a Certificate or Clearance of No Pending Criminal, Civil, or Administrative Case from the Regional Trial Court, the Department of Justice, and the Office of the City Prosecutor before the board could proceed with the review of the film.

President Jose Olinares said he would ask to reschedule the movie’s Feb. 5 playdate if needed.

“Magre-request po kami ng certification or clearance from RTC of Muntinlupa and also to Prosecutors Office Muntinlupa and DOJ, but since Feb. 5 na ang playdate, hindi pa namin alam kung aabot kami sa pagkuha ng mga requirements,” Olinares told INQUIRER.net when sought for comment.

“If hindi kami aabot, we will ask the producer of the film na i-reschedule ang playdate ng pelikula,” he added, stating PRODMO PRODUCTIONS INC as the producer of the movie.

However, the MTRCB had required the producers of the movie to submit proof that there was no pending criminal, civil, or administration litigation involving the showing of the movie before it could proceed with its review to ensure that the sub judice rule was not violated.

Darryl Yap ponders on ‘fate’ of Pepsi Paloma movie

After the MTRCB issued a clarification stating that the Pepsi Paloma film is not under review yet, movie director Darryl Yap seemed to be pondering on the project’s fate.

Through his Facebook page on Wednesday, January 29, just a few minutes after MTRCB released its notice, Yap shared with the public the letter sent by the regulatory board to the president of Pinoyflix Films and Entertainment Production, his film’s distributor.

In the caption of his post, Yap wrote, “Ang Kapalaran ng ‘The Rapists of Pepsi Paloma.’”

“Narito ang liham ng MTRCB sa aming distributor; nawa’y maipaliwanag ng mga may alam sa batas,” he added in the comments section.

No further remarks on the matter were immediately made by the director and his camp.

In the letter addressed to Jose Olinares, president of Pinoyflix Films and Entertainment Production, the MTRCB requested the company to show proof that there is no pending criminal, civil, or administrative complaint related to the file before the board could proceed with the review of the film.

“Considering the controversies surrounding the aforementioned film, and in view of Section 3(c), Paragraph VII of the Presidential Decree No. 1986 (P.D. No, 1986) which explicitly prohibits the exhibition of materials that pertain to a matter sub judice in nature, the Board, prior to the review of any material related to the said film, hereby request a Certificate/Clearance of No Pending Criminal, Civil, or Administrative Case lodged or filed under the following jurisdiction: Regional Trial Court, Muntinlupa City; Department of Justice, Taft Avenue, Ermita, Manila; and Office of the City Prosecutor, Muntinlupa City,” a part of the letter reads.

“We clarify, however, that this is not a prohibition for exhibition nor an outright pre-judgment of the contents of the film, we just need to ensure that there will be no violation of the P.D. No. 1986 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR),” the MTRCB further stated.

When sought for comment, Yap’s lawyer Raymond Fortun said he is not in charge of handling requirements for MTRCB.

Selena Gomez sobs over Trump’s mass deportation orders

Selena Gomez posted then deleted a video of herself crying over President Donald Trump‘s orders for the mass deportation of illegal immigrants in the United States.

On his first week back at the White House, Trump implemented mass deportation, in which thousands of migrants, mostly from Latin American countries, were repatriated to their home countries via military aircraft. Meanwhile, 24 Filipinos have been deported allegedly due to involvement in illegal activities.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on X this was in line with Trump’s campaign promise while stressing that those who had been deported were “criminals.”

On her Instagram Story on Tuesday, January 28, Gomez appeared to be reacting to the raids being carried out by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as she apologized to her “people” for not being able to do anything.

“I just wanted to say that I’m so sorry. All my people are getting attacked, the children. I don’t understand,” she said in between sobs. “I’m so sorry. I wish I could do something but I can’t. I don’t know what to do.”

Gomez further said she will try to “do everything” in hopes of doing what she could to help. The video was taken down moments later, but netizens have reuploaded Gomez’s breakdown on social media.

After deleting the video, Gomez posted a now-deleted Instagram Story, saying, “Apparently it’s not ok to show empathy for people,” which was also reuploaded on multiple social media platforms.

The video, which gained widespread attention, also caught the attention of US senatorial candidate Samuel Parker on X, to which he said, “Deport Selena Gomez.” Parker, like Trump, is a Republican who supported the latter’s mass deportation policy.

Gomez seemingly responded to the politician in a new Instagram Story. “Oh Mr. Parker, Mr. Parker. Thanks for the laugh and the threat,” she said.

Gomez is of Mexican descent. Her paternal grandparents and aunt crossed the border from Nuevo Leon, Mexico to the US by hiding in the back of a truck in the 1970s, as she disclosed in a personal essay in TIME Magazine in October 2019.

Her father Ricardo Joel Gomez, who is of full Mexican descent, was born in Grand Prairie, Texas afterward, while her mother Mandy Teefey has Italian roots. She was named after the late Mexican-American singer Selena Quintanilla, per reports.

Zambales university apologizes for CJ Opiaza photo gaffe

A university in Zambales has issued a statement apologizing to 2024 Miss Grand International first runner-up Christine Juliane “CJ” Opiaza for a major mixup on a congratulatory tarpaulin hoisted on the campus to welcome her.

Three months have passed since she came so close to winning the Philippines’ first Miss Grand International crown in Thailand, but Filipinos still continue to express their admiration for the pageant veteran.

One of the major stops in Opiaza’s victory celebration was her home province of Zambales which she always carried in her long and colorful pageant “career.” But a major boo-boo was caught on camera by eagle-eyed pageant fans.

A photograph posted by Aubrey Martine on social media showed a tarpaulin displayed at President Ramon Magsaysay State University welcoming Opiaza to its campus in Iba town in Zambales. But the image used was that of Indian beauty queen Rachel Gupta who won the 2024 Miss Grand International title.

“We deeply regret this error and acknowledge that it does not reflect the level of care and attention that we strive to maintain at President Ramon Magsaysay State University (PRMSU). We understand the significance of accurately celebrating the achievements of our honorees, and this mistake may have inadvertently caused confusion or disappointment,” it added.

The university said the error was unintentional and they are taking immediate steps to rectify the mistake. A new tarpaulin that shows Opiaza’s image will be displayed to replace the erroneous one.

“We are also reviewing our processes to ensure that such oversights do not happen in the future. Our commitment remains steadfast in upholding the values of excellence and integrity that define PRMSU,” it added.

Opiaza made the rounds of competitions before she got her chance to represent the Philippines in the 2025 Miss Grand International pageant, joining school, town, and provincial tilts.

She clinched her first national title in 2016 when she was crowned Miss Bikini Philippines and represented the country in the Miss Global Beauty Queen contest in the same year.

Opiaza was also crowned Binibining Zambales 2016, Miss Agoo 2018, Miss Econest Philippines 2018, and Ambassadress of the World-Philippines 2019.

The beauty queen competed in the 2022 Binibining Pilipinas pageant and was first runner-up in the 2023 Miss Universe Philippines competition. She joined the 2024 Miss Grand Philippines contest and won the crown just three days before flying to her international competition.