Ex-President Ramos’ daughter passes away

Josephine Martinez Ramos, second of five daughters of Former President Fidel Valdez Ramos, and former FL Amelita “Ming” Ramos, passed away early this morning June 27, 2011 at the Medical City, of lung cancer.

The office of the former President issued the following statement about Ms. Ramos :

Fondly known as “Jo” and a musical artist who trained under Prof. Carmencita Guanzon-Arambulo, founder of the Greenhills Music Studio.

Jo performed in several concerts at the CCP with budding talents like Marites Salientes, Louie Ocampo and Rowena Arrieta. Jo was also a back-up singer with the Gary Valenciano Group, Mon Faustino Powerplay Band, and was a percussionist of note with other musical ensembles.

Her love of music, arts and sports, Jo had always claimed, “was inherited from her mother.”

A product of the I.S. Manila, where she was a scholar, Jo also attended the UP College of Fine Arts and various dance and music workshops in the US. As part of an athletic family, Jo was a champion water-skier, and was a member of the RP Ladies National Water Skiing Team that won medals in the SEA Games.

Jo was born on Jan. 18, 1957 at the Mary Johnston Hospital in Tondo. As a single parent, Jo is survived by her 17-year old son, Sergio, a high school senior who is studying music, drama and dance.

Her remains lie in state at La Funeraria Paz, Manila Memorial Park, Sucat, Parañaque. Interment will be on July 1 at 12:00nn.