MANILA — Jo Macasa, a close friend and former colleague of actress Jaclyn Jose, dispel rumors that Jaclyn died in a state of sadness and isolation. 

Contrary to speculations circulating, Macasa revealed that Jose was full of life, enthusiastic about her upcoming projects, and cherished moments spent with friends.

“I just wanna clarify also contrary to what people or some people are insinuating na ang lungkot niya, she was not. That phone call ang saya-saya niya. She’s very perky, very lively. She was telling me, 'uy ang dami kong offers.' So hindi totoo na parang ang lungkot niya. Hindi totoo 'yun,” she added. 

Describing Jose as a nurturing individual, Macasa said the actress enjoyed hosting gatherings and taking care of those around her. She emphasized that Jose's zest for life and love for her friends were evident in every interaction they shared.

“Maalaga talaga siya. May instance sa set na I was AD (assistant director) napunit shirt ko. Sabi niya, hubarin mo 'yan, tatahiin ko. Siya talaga kinamay niya. Nanay talaga siya kaya most of the people nakakatrabaho niya they call her nanay, mommy. She loves taking care of people,” she said.

Recalling a planned movie date that never materialized, Macasa expressed her disbelief upon learning of Jose's sudden passing. Despite wondering about Jose's absence, the thought of her friend's death never crossed her mind. 

"Feb. 29 nagyayaya siya manood ng movie, tumawag siya. After that call, sabi ko ba-bye na kasi ako magbo-book ng ticket baka mawalan tayo ng kasi limited lang 'yung capacity. I’ll book first. Sabi niya piliin mo sa gitna. I booked the tickets. Around 6 in the evening of Saturday, sabi ko see you tomorrow... The next day walang sagot. There were all these possibilities in my head but death was not one of them,” she said.

During Jose's inurnment, Sunday, March 10, Macasa recounted a moment where she felt the actress' presence through the appearance of a butterfly that returned to her twice. Finding solace in this encounter, Macasa believes that it was Jose reaching out to her in a comforting gesture.

“Ang pinakamagandang nangyari doon is when we had to let go of the butterflies 'yun 'yung isang ceremony talaga na nakatulong. I’ll speak for myself, saying I love you and letting go of the butterflies. Namimigay sila ng small packet with a butterfly inside then sabay-sabay papakawalan. For some reason when I opened mine, ayaw lumipad nung butterfly ko. So sabi ng coordinator, hipan niyo po, natutulog lang. May kumalabit sa likod ko, sabi may butterfly sa likod ko, so tinapik ko. Lumipad naman siya and then dumapo naman sa 'kin," she said. 

"Kinuha ko 'yung butterfly and released it and then after the ceremony, we were all saying goodbye na may humabol na naman sa 'kin. Sabi, 'Ate 'yung butterfly sa likod mo.' And then, I don't know if all the butterflies are the same color pero 'pag kuha ko it looked like the same butterfly na dumapo sa akin later. Sabi ko ay! Siya pa rin 'to. I wanna believe it was her. I find comfort in thinking na siya 'yun. Masarap isipin na sana nga siya 'yun."