IN MEMORIAM Benny Tantoco Sr., portrait by Rupert Jacinto
To me the greatest gift of Lolo Benny, Bienvenido Tantoco Sr., (April 7, 1921 – July 6, 2021), to the Filipino is what he and his late wife, Glecy Rustia Tantoco, started in 1952 a window to the world, through which we can reach out and have a piece of the best of the best such a world can offer, whether Italian or French, whether Moroccan or Maltese, and even Filipino, from the regions. In a word, Rustan’s.
He had raised an army who will now carry the torch for him. And he will live forever on earth in his legacy and in our memory. These are 10 reasons why.
Published July 6, 2021, 8:22 AM
He leaves behind an unmatched legacy
Bienvenido R. Tantoco Sr., known as Benny, patriarch of the family behind the Rustan Group of Companies and former ambassador to the Holy See, who celebrated his 100th birthday this year, has passed this morning, July 6, as announced by a member of the family.
Lolo Benny leaves behind six children Bienvenido Jr., Nedy, Menchu Lopez, Marilen Tantoco, Merl Pineda, and Tokie Enriquez as well as 21 grandchildren, 40 great grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
IN HIS PRIME Benny Tantoco in his younger years at the office
Lessons from Benny
Although life is never without challenges, to Benny Tantoco, it is always a summery day, bright, clear, and cheerful. Last year, when he found one of his grandchildren, SSI Group president Anton Huang, overwhelmed by pandemic fears, he gave the younger man a gentle slap on the back and said, “Hold your head up high, it’s not World War II!” reminding him that there
Published April 7, 2021, 4:18 AM
Life is short, but we can live long and happy. And these are a centenarian’s secrets
AGE IS JUST A NUMBER In his awe of life and the world, Benny Tantoco isn’t any older now than he was in this picture, at his office at Rustan’s
When life is a challenge for most, Bienvenido R. Tantoco Sr., Benny, patriarch of the family behind the Rustan Group of Companies and former ambassador to the Holy See, is celebrating his 100th summer on earth.
Although life is never without challenges, to Benny Tantoco, it is always a summery day, bright, clear, and cheerful. Last year, when he found one of his grandchildren, SSI Group president Anton Huang, overwhelmed by pandemic fears, he gave the younger man a gentle slap on the back and said, “Hold your head up high, it’s not World War II!” reminding him that there were no bombs falling from the sky or buildings crumbling to the ground.