Beloved Lolo Benny
He lived a long and fruitful life, and now it is time to rest for the well-loved Benny Tantoco, Sr
At Tatler Philippines’ last photoshoot/interview with Bienvenido Tantoco Sr, the former ambassador to the Vatican proudly shared that he would be turning 100 years old in three years. He looked forward to the milestone, he intimated, because he wanted to gift one of his grandchildren planning on settling down the PhP100,000 that the government awards to all centenarians. Tantoco, the co-founder of a high-end retail empire, did reach the age of 100 but lamentably, the year also marked the end of his rich and fruitful life. Early on July 6, 2021, the beloved patriarch’s death was confirmed by his family of six children, 21 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Such a big family, undoubtedly, but glued together by this self-effacing man who built their empire with his wife 69 years ago. In 1952, Tantoco and his wife, Glecy Rustia opened the first Rustan’s store in Manila. Seven decades later, that store has grown into five major department stores, licensed over 2,000 international brands and changed the landscape of high-end retail in the country.
Political headwinds in the mid-Eighties found the enterprising couple spending more time in Morocco where they set up business as well and were highly regarded by the royal house of the Monarchy of Morocco.
While they were away, the empire survived and more than thrived, the management of which was left in the very capable hands of the second generation, well trained since childhood in the business of retail. That training, augmented by dedicated work ethics passed on by the hardworking parents, ensured continuity and innovation in the years to come.
As life would have it, Glecy passed away a year after the couple returned to Manila. Tantoco was thus left as the sole parental anchor for the family, which has most admirably, stayed closely knit.
Until his death, Tantoco never ceased to mentor both in words and in deeds. Eldest grandchild Donnie Tantoco, now the president of Rustan Commercial Corporation, has always credited his lolo (grandfather) with the precious teachings that guide him in this leadership position. If not surrounded by several of his grandchildren, the loving lolo will always have at least one on his side. Such was the devotion showered on him by the younger generation.
What is there not to love about Lolo Benny anyway? His moon-shaped face always broke out into the warmest and sincerest smile and disarmed everyone. His gentle and kind ways extended to Rustan’s sales staff whom he visited regularly when he still could and to his personal staff who served him faithfully round the clock.
He walked his talk (“When one can already afford to, he should pay back and even pay more than he has received”), with education for underprivileged children a top advocacy through the Bienvenido Tantoco Snr Graduate School of Business at the Jose Rizal University. He was much loved by the Filipino community in the Vatican whose needs were taken care of by the ambassador to the Holy See. Through his diplomatic post, Tantoco worked for the close relationship between the Philippines and the papacy and stood at the forefront of the efforts toward the canonisation of San Lorenzo Ruiz.
For his achievements, Tantoco received many honours, foremost of which was the Order of Merit of the Republic of Italy, rank of Commander, the highest award given by the country to a non-Italian.
Tantoco was blessed with a long and meaningful life, the fruits of which he generously shared with everyone. To his family, he left a wealth of wisdom that will continue to bind them close together in the years to come. Everything has been said and done. It is now time for Lolo Benny to say goodbye.