MANILA, Philippines?Young actress Pauleen Luna said the recent death of her grandmother has taught her that, indeed, life is short.

?I wish I had been more expressive of how I felt about her,? Pauleen told Inquirer Entertainment on Tuesday during the launch of her new Kapuso soap, ?Luna Mystica.?

Merceditas Jimenez, 62, was robbed and shot while on her way to a public market in Sta. Cruz, Manila, on Nov. 5.

?She was in the pink of health, walang sakit,? Pauleen said on Tuesday.

The incident happened on the soap?s first taping day. She found it hard to concentrate, Pauleen said, ?because I portray a quirky, playful character.?

In the series, Pauleen?who turned 20 on Monday?is Adita, one of two fairies who watch over Luna, played by Heart Evangelista.

?I still had to smile and act happy, though deep inside I wanted to cry,? the actress said. ?No, I don?t blame God; I?m sure He has His reasons. I?m just trying to understand.?

?My head still hurts from all the crying,? said Pauleen. ?But I?m okay now.? She took a weeklong leave from her hosting chores on ?Eat Bulaga.? Jimenez was buried earlier on Tuesday.

Pauleen said she last spoke with her lola by phone 30 minutes before the shooting, to discuss preparations for Pauleen?s birthday party. ?We were to hold it at Allan K?s house, and she promised to cook.?

On Monday, Pauleen said, party food?spring rolls, fried chicken and rice cake?arrived at the Luna home in QC. ?We didn?t know she had ordered those. I felt very sad,? she recalled. ?She was very sweet.?

?Luna Mystica? also stars Mark Anthony Fernandez and Mark Herras and premieres Nov. 17, after ?24 Oras.?

E-mail mcruz@inquirer.com.ph