Julie Anne San Jose says Vanessa Blanca was planning to settle down with partner

Julie Anne San Jose opened up about the passing of Vanessa Blanca, saying Sugarpop had been planning a reunion because Vanessa was preparing to settle down with her partner.

On Friday’s “Fast Talk with Boy Abunda,” Julie described Vanessa as a “very good person” who was always jolly.

“It was a total shock to all of us. She was such a good person, a very jolly person. And she was the comedian among the five of us. Among the five of us, she may be the youngest, but she had the most wisdom. She was very mature. Whenever there were different opinions, she would consider both sides,” she said in a mix of Filipino and English.

The Sparkle star admitted that Vanessa’s passing came as a shock and that she still finds it difficult to believe.

“At first, I couldn’t believe it. Actually, up until now, I still can’t believe it. It was so surreal,” she said.

Julie also shared that they had been planning to reunite because Vanessa was supposed to get married.

“We were planning for a reunion because she was supposed to get married. It makes us sad because she’s so young. She was the youngest among us,” she said.

Julie said Vanessa was at a point in her life when she was looking forward to starting a new chapter with her loved one.

“And then, you know, it’s just when you’re at the point where you really want to settle down and you’re thinking, ‘This is my new life.’ You’re making a life with your loved one, your partner. I can’t imagine it. Until now, it still feels so surreal.”

When asked what song she would dedicate to Vanessa, Julie chose “Mahal Kita,” originally sung by Maricris Garcia.

Vanessa's death was announced by her cousin Ivy Ann Salaum Jubelag in a Facebook post last month.

Ivy said Vanessa sustained a severe traumatic brain injury that resulted in an internal brain hemorrhage after an accidental fall.

Following news of her death, Julie Anne and the other Sugarpop members, Rita Daniela, Enzo Almario, and Cholo Bismonte, posted heartfelt tributes on Instagram.

Vanessa’s song "DOTA O Ako" with Aikee is a catchy piece about a man's dilemma in choosing between his girlfriend and his favorite game.

—Carby Rose Basina/CDC, GMA News