Vanessa Blanca, the Filipino singer who rose to fame in the band Sugarpop, has died at the age of 30 after a freak accident at her home in Manila. Her family confirmed the news in a statement.
Accident and hospitalisation
According to reports, Blanca tripped and fell in her bathroom, hitting her head. She suffered a serious brain bleed before being rushed to hospital, where she later died. At the time, she had been getting changed at home. When an ambulance failed to arrive after 15 minutes, she was taken for medical attention in a wheelchair.
Family tribute
Blanca’s cousin, Ivy Ann Salaum Jubelag, announced the family's loss in a tribute on social media. “It is with the heaviest heart that I share the heart breaking news of the passing of my beloved first cousin and little sister, Vanessa Blanca Quillo Rangadhol, who tragically passed away today following an accident at the condominium where she was staying in Manila,” she wrote.
“Vanessa was the only daughter of my aunt, Anabella Quillo-Kalinski, making this loss even more heartbreaking for our entire family. She was not only my cousin, but also someone I cherished and considered my little sister. At this painful time, we humbly ask everyone to please give her immediate family, especially her mother and loved ones, the time, space and privacy they need to mourn and grieves. Details regarding Vanessa’s wake and funeral arrangements will be announced once the family has made the necessary arrangements. Rest in peace, my dear Wani. You were deeply loved, and you will forever be remembered and missed.”
Career and tributes
Blanca rose to fame in the pop girl band Sugarpop, created through the Filipino talent show Poster Kids. She performed alongside Julie Ann San Jose, Rita Daniela, Enzo Almario and Cholo Bismonte. Despite enjoying success in the Philippines and regularly performing on a musical variety show, the group disbanded in 2009. After the band broke up, Blanca established herself as a solo artist, releasing projects including the hit Dota O Ako.
Tributes have poured in, including from former bandmates. Julie Ann wrote: “Still can’t believe it… Sugarpop will never be the same without you.” Rita shared the band’s song You Lift Me Up as a tribute on Instagram. Enzo wrote: “Gone too soon, my Sagittarius and co-bunso sister,” while Cholo shared a voice note of the first Filipino song they sang together, captioned: “We love you so much… it still hurts so much.”
