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Ricky Sta. Ana, icon of Philippine tattoo, passes away
Ricky Sta. Ana, an icon of skin art in the Philippines, has died. He was 50.
His best friend, Emily Rose Chua, told GMA News Online that the tattoo legend passed away on Saturday, August 1, because of cancer.
She also relayed the unfortunate news in a post on Instagram Stories of Skinworkz Tattoo, Ricky's tattoo studio.
"Most people knew him as a celebrity in the Philippines. I simply knew him as my very, very best friend for the last 31 years," Emily began, adding she was comforted by messages that showed Ricky's impact to people's lives.
"Love & light to those he left behind. Rest in peace. Rest in power, Ricky," she said. Among the hashtags she used were #RIP, and #fuckcancer.
The message was also posted in an Instagram post of Skinworkz, where it added they will take a social media break as they navigate the future.
"Nais naming ipaalam sa inyo na pansamantala kaming titigil sa paglahok sa social media habang sa kasalukuyan naming aalamin ang mga susunod na hinaharap. Nais namin ipaalam na nakikita namin ang inyong magagandang mensahe at buong puso po ang aming pasasalamat sa inyong lahat," Emily's message read.
Ricky was a leader and a pioneer of Philippine skin art. He co-founded and sat as president of the Philippine Tattoo Artists Guild. He also co-founded Dutdutan, the largest tattoo event in the country.
Tributes and condolences quickly poured in for Ricky.
"Habang buhay kang parte ng balat at buhay ko. Salamat sa mga obra. Salamat sa tanan. Pahuway na badi," Urbandub's Gabby Alipe wrote on Instagram.
"In my heart you’ll stay permanent,” musician and actor Marc Abaya said.
Meanwhile, Jay Contreas of Kamikazee, thanked Ricky for making tattoos acceptable in the Philippines. "Paalam Idol! Isa ka sa dahilan kung bakit batanggap at lumago ang Tattoo culture ng Pinas!!!" He said. "Salamat sa lahat ng ala ala nating dalawa sa cartimar! Sa lahat ng sakit na binigay mo sakin kapalit ng ganda sa balat! Sobrang proud ako na ikaw ang isa sa mga nagpuno ng katawan ko! Pahinga ka na Maestro!"
Our prayers go to his family. — LA, GMA News
