Ilonggos mourn fashion icon Alex Soncio

ALEX Soncio (Photo courtesy of Tim Maguad)

ILOILO CITY grieves over the death of Ilonggo fashion icon Alex Gonzales Soncio.

Mayor Jose Espinosa III recognized the contributions of Soncio, particularly as an organizer of the Miss Iloilo Dinagyang for seven years.

“He was responsible for elevating the beauty competition to new heights, bringing glory not just to the city but to all Ilonggas. My family and I are one with the Ilonggos who are deeply saddened by the loss of Alex. Let us offer a few minutes of prayer for the eternal repose of his soul,” Espinosa said.

In an official statement, the family of Soncio thanked everyone who extended kind words and remembered the Ilonggo designer.

“Our deepest gratitude also for the sympathy and condolences that everyone has extended to our family, your love for Alex is well appreciated by the entire family and may our good memories of him stay in our hearts,” they said.

According to the family, Soncio has been in and out of the hospital for the past months after being diagnosed with a chronic kidney disease. He was admitted due to cerebrovascular disease (stroke) and after a few days had myocardial infarction. But he was eventually discharged from the hospital. Due to complications, Soncio was admitted again and was intubated.

At around 2 a.m. of Aug 20, 2018, Soncio suffered from cardiac arrest and was revived but fell in a comatose state. He passed away at 8:55 p.m. of the same day.

“Though all of us are in grief with the passing of our beloved Alex, we would like to remember the cheerful, warmhearted, amiable, sweet, loving and generous person that we all know. We want to celebrate his short yet beautiful life that he shared with all of us,” the family said.

In his Facebook post, fashion designer Jet Salcedo thanked Soncio for being one of those who believed in him.

“You will remain an icon in the Ilonggo fashion industry,” Salcedo said.

SOURCE: The Daily Guardian