Tattoo artists , celebrities, and politicians mourn the passing of the tattoo icon Ricky Sta. Ana who succumbed to esophageal cancer Saturday, his family confirmed. He was 50.
Sta. Ana's health started deteriorating in January. During a family vacation in Davao last 2019, he was rushed to the emergency and was confined due to choking. After a series of tests he was diagnosed of stage 4- mesothelioma, he underwent chemotherapy.
Despite his many health challenges , he stayed positive and continued doing what he love most, tattooing .
Condolences poured in on Sunday morning.
"R.I.P. Ricky.Shocked to hear about your sudden passing. We will always remember you idol," says Governor Ryan Singson
"Thank you Ricky, I wish to express our heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family,” actress Yayo Aguila says in a social media post.
"Binigla mo kami, Mahal ka namin. Supremo see you on the other side," Philtag's Junbal Tabuyoc says.
"Idol, we will miss you! Now that you are in heaven," Jay Contreras , vocalist of Kamikazee Band, writes in his Instagram photo.
Sta. Ana was the founder and president of the Philippine Tattoo Artists Guild (PhilTAG) who has been supporting its members since 1995 by providing training, development, and education programs so that the tattoo artists can earn for their families.
The organization also gives its members the opportunity to work abroad .Sta. Ana, who celebrated 35 years in the tattoo industry this year, also established “Tattoo the World” advocacy that aims to give people jobs and medical assistance through fundraising events that feature tattoo artists. Sta. Ana's Skinworkz Tattoo Shop has branches at SM North Edsa, Robinsons Manila and Cartimar Pasay.
A public viewing will be held at Holy Trinity Memorial Park, Sucat on Monday and Tuesday.
