Pepsi Paloma

Pepsi Paloma (born Delia Duenas Smith) is a Filipino-American dancer and actress in the Philippines. She was one of the popular Softdrinks Beauties introduced in the 1980s along with Sarsi Emmanuelle and Coca Nicolas. She was known for films such as Brown Emanuelle (1980), The Victim (1982), Krus sa bawat punglo (1982) and "Room 69" (1985).^[1]

Pepsi Paloma was 14 when she entered the movie industry. She is the eldest daughter of Lydia Duenas, a native of Borac, Northern Samar, and an American letter carrier, Kenneth Smith, who deserted his family when the children were still young. A talent scout named Tita Ester brought her to Rey dela Cruz in 1980 for a possible movie role. In 1981, she made her debut in the movie Brown Emmanuelle. She was also known as one of the members of the so-called “soft drink” beauties together with Coca Nicolas and Sarsi Emmanuel.

Her success did not last for long as in May 31,1985, she was found hanging in her apartment. According to police investigation, the rape case in 1982, involving actor/TV hosts Vic Sotto, Joey de Leon and comedian Richie D’Horsey, was one factor of her suicide. Other possible reasons, which were found in her diary, were monetary problems, her longing for a mother’s love, and her anxieties over her relationship with her live-in boyfriend. Her life is considered both mysterious and tragic but many believes that her sudden death has to do with the rape case in 1982. Take note that sotto were amongs the most influential clans in the Philippine and particularly in the industry where ms. Paloma worked.^[2]

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