Jo Ramos dies of cancer at 54

Jo Ramos (Josephine Martinez Ramos), second of five daughters of former President Fidel V. Ramos and former First Lady Amelita "Ming" Ramos, died Monday morning, succumbing to years of battle with lung cancer. She was 54.

Jo Ramos, daughter of ex-President Fidel V. Ramos, dies of cancer | Photo courtesy of Pep.ph, Summit

A musical artist and athlete, Jo Ramos is survived by her son, Sergio (17), with estranged husband 80's actor Lloyd Samartino.

During her teenage years, Jo trained under renowned piano professor Carmencita Guanzon-Arambulo, founder of the Greenhills Music Studio in Mandaluyong City. She also attended the UP College of Fine Arts and several dance and music workshops in America. She used to be a back-up singer for the Powerplay Band of Gary Valenciano and Mon Faustino, and had performed in several concerts at the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

The presidential daughter was also a known athlete, having represented the Philippines in international water-skiing competitions.

Jo Ramos' remains lie in state at La Funeraria Paz in Parañaque City, where interment will take place on July 1st (Friday) at 12 noon.