Vanessa Rangadhol of Sugarpop dies at 30
MANILA, Philippines – Singer Vanessa Rangadhol died on Wednesday, August 19, following an accidental fall. She was 30.
Rangadhol’s relative, Ivy Ann Salaum Jubelag, announced her passing in a Facebook post on Thursday, August 20.
Jubelag explained that the late singer sustained a severe traumatic brain injury and internal brain hemorrhage after an accidental fall in the bathroom.
“Despite efforts to get her immediate medical attention, she sadly passed away. We kindly ask everyone to respect the privacy of her family and keep them in your prayers,” Jubelag wrote.
Rangadhol was a member of the young co-ed music group Sugarpop alongside Rita Daniela, Julie Anne San Jose, Cholo Bismonte, and Enzo Almario. The group was formed in 2006 through the show Popstar Kids, and was active until 2009.
Throughout its career, Sugarpop released one self-titled album in 2008, fronted by tracks like “Aking Mundo,” “Mahal Kita,” and “Siya na nga Kaya.”
Tributes from Rangadhol’s co-Sugarpop members were quick to pour in, with San Jose expressing disbelief over her passing.
“Still can’t believe it.. Plano pa naman natin mag reunion (We were even planning to have a reunion). Sugarpop will never be the same without you. Rest in heaven, Wani,” San Jose wrote.
Bismonte had shared old photos and videos of all the Sugarpop members together — including a clip of the first song they sang together in Tagalog.
“Mahal na mahal ka namin [Wani] ang sakit sakit pa rin (We love you so much Wani, it still hurts),” Bismonte said.
Almario also looked back on past messages with Rangadhol, who had suggested that all the Sugarpop members reunite.
“Sad that this will never happen anymore. Gone too soon my Sagittarius and co-bunso sister,” he said.
Rita Daniela, meanwhile, shared details of Rangadhol’s public viewing, which will be held on August 21 at 6 pm at the Loyola Memorial Chapels in Commonwealth, Quezon City.
Apart from her stint with Sugarpop, Rangadhol was also known for lending her voice to rapper Aikee’s hit song “DOTA O Ako.”
“Mahal na mahal ko tong Patner kong to eh. Mamamalagi siya sa Puso ko. Isa sa mga Tunay at Mapagmahal na Kapatid!” Aikee wrote on Instagram.
(I love my partner so much. She will always be in my heart. She was one of the realest and most loving siblings.)
Rangadhol, whose full name is Vanessa Blanca Quillo Rangadhol, also briefly became the vocalist of the acoustic Filipino band MYMP in 2011. She had later made use of her singing abilities as a vocal coach and theater actor.
She had also run a food-focused YouTube channel under the name “Hangry Panky” until 2023. – Rappler.com
