Designer Malto, 41, dies

CEBU fashion designer Salvador Malto passed away Wednesday afternoon, sending shock waves in his circle of friends and clients in clothes couture. He was 41.

He suffered a ruptured aneurysm of the aorta.

Malto was brought to the Perpetual Succour Hospital in Cebu City by his family about 1:30 a.m., according to his close friend and writer Orly Cajegas, quoting Malto’s father.

The designer, who had a history of hypertension, was still awake and conscious at 8 a.m., signing checks for his staff, but at 6 p.m. he went into cardiac arrest, said Cajegas.

Malto was known for his avante-garde designs, especially in stage play costumes, such as those in the production of “Once on This Island,” a musical where singer Raki Vega was discovered.

He also became popular for his designs in summer wear and evening gowns. Clients sought him out in his design shop in Banilad, Cebu City.

Malto designed the fuschia Chinese empress gown of Rep. Cutie del Mar she wore in the dance finale of the Sinulog 2011 Grand Parade last January.

Prayers for Malto’s recovery flooded Facebook accounts of friends in the afternoon only to turn to expressions of condolence in the evening when he died.

“Sal Malto had a gift for listening and being a true friend to others. He was loyal, he was very supportive. If he liked you, he would give you his last shirt,” said Cajegas.

Others recalled Malto’s “bubbly” nature and generosity.

One woman remembered how Malto gave her the immaculate white gown she wore at the grand finals of a singing competition.

“It was like winning the title itself,” she said.

Malto was a 1990 graduate of business management at the University of the Philippines Cebu College.

He served as the 5th president of the Clothes for Life Foundation Inc., a group of fashion designers, stylists, models agents and fashion organizers who work for a good cause. He recently celebrated a reunion with his 1986 batchmates of UP High School in Cebu.

Malto’s remains lie in state at the Rolling Hills Chapels in Mandaue City. The funeral is scheduled on Sunday. He will be buried in Golden Haven Memorial Park in Talamban. Reporter Dale G. Israel