Vanessa Blanca, the singer featured in the 2013 viral hit “DOTA o Ako,” has died following an accident at her residential condominium in Manila. She was 30.
Her death was confirmed by her cousin, Ivy Ann Salaum Jubelag, through a Facebook post on Thursday, Aug. 20. According to the family, Blanca died after sustaining severe injuries from an accidental fall.
“With deep sorrow, we share that our beloved Vanessa Blanca Quillo Rangadhol passed away on August 19, 2026, following an accidental fall that caused a severe traumatic brain injury and internal brain hemorrhage,” the post read.
“Despite efforts to get her immediate medical attention, she sadly passed away,” it added.
The family also appealed for privacy as they mourn the singer’s passing.
Blanca was a member of Sugarpop, a singing group formed by the finalists of QTV11’s talent competition “Pop Star Kids” in 2005.
She was part of the group alongside Julie Anne San Jose, Pocholo Bismonte, Renzo Almario, and Rita Daniela, then known as Rita Iringan, who was named the competition’s grand champion.
Following the news of Blanca’s death, Julie Anne and Pocholo took to social media to pay tribute to their late former groupmate.
“Wani, still can’t believe it… Plano pa naman natin mag-reunion. Sugarpop will never be the same without you. Rest in Heaven, Wani,” Julie Anne wrote on her Instagram Story, alongside a throwback photo of the group.
Bismonte also expressed his grief over Blanca’s passing, sharing photos of them as well as a snippet of one of Sugarpop’s songs.
“Mahal na mahal ka namin wani ang sakit sakit pa rin,” he wrote.
Rita also shared the news of Blanca’s passing on Instagram.
A public viewing of Blanca’s remains will be held on Friday, Aug. 21, at 6 p.m. at the Loyola Memorial Chapels in Quezon City. Further details regarding her interment are expected to be announced by her family.
