Rustan’s patriarch Benny Tantoco is a legend all on his own.
Rustan’s founder and former ambassador Bienvenido R. Tantoco Sr., known to many as Lolo Benny, has passed away this morning, July 6. He was 100 years old.
Benny Tantoco leaves behind his six children: Bienvenido Jr., Nedy, Menchu Lopez, Marilen Tantoco, Merl Pineda, and Tokie Enriquez. He also leaves behind his 21 grandchildren, 40 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Considered “the father of luxury retail in the Philippines,” Benny Tantoco, together with his wife, the late Glecy Rustia-Tantoco, founded Rustan’s in 1952. What started in their living room in San Marcelino, has now become the retail giant Rustan’s Group of Companies over six decades later.
Rustan’s was among the first to introduce international luxury brands to Filipino shoppers. Now, after almost 70 years since its inception, Rustan’s continues to be a leader in luxury retailing in the country.
Companies Rustan Marketing Corporation, Store Specialists Inc, Royal Duty Free, Rustan Coffee Corporation (who brought Starbucks to the Philippines), and Sta. Elena Golf & Country Estate are among others who are under the Rustan’s Group of Companies, led and managed by the Tantoco family.
Below is the official statement from the Tantoco family:
“Rustan’s patriarch, beloved father and grandfather, an exemplary leader and visionary, Ambassador Bienvenido “Benny” Tantoco Sr. passed in peace in the early morning of Tuesday, July 6, 2021.
Amb. Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. is survived by his children Rico Tantoco and wife Nena; Nedy Tantoco and long time partner Patrick Jacinto; Menchu T. Lopez and husband Jun; Marilou T. Pineda and husband Eddie; Marilen Tantoco; Maritess T. Enriquez and husband Renato. He was a beloved grandfather and great grandfather. He was a loving grandfather, particularly to Donnie Tantoco, MJ Tantoco, and Chris Tantoco, who he fondly considered as his sons.
He was the former Ambassador to the Vatican from 1983-1986 and continued his religious piety in his lifetime as a devotee of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Divine Mercy, and Our Lady of Guadalupe.
A revered figure in the retail industry, business circles, and diplomatic community; as well as for his various church and philanthropic endeavors, he lived his life full of energy, warmth, and devotion.
He lived his best life and reached the age of 100. Together with his wife, Gliceria “Glecy” Tantoco, they changed the landscape of luxury retail in the country. Throughout the years, Amb. Tantoco Sr. received awards and accolades for his outstanding business achievements and societal contributions. Beyond his reputation, he is mostly admired for his love for God, family, friends, and his extended family of staff and employees.
Amb. Bienvenido “Benny” Tantoco Sr. will be honored in celebration of his life and laid to rest with a memorial service to be announced soon.”
