The celebration continue as many of those who love Lolo Benny pay tribute to him. Thanks to my cousin, M. Donnie and Crickette, and Frances, Crickette’s sister and my super creative friend, for producing such a lovely tribute. Congratulations to Freddie Santos and the rest of the production team! To my cousins who were part of the musical, congratulations too! I am so honored to be part of all the celebrations and feel all the love and joy for Lolo. I am benefitting so much by just being a supporter, a viewer and a guest in all of this and it is just overwhelming. I cried of joy and happiness when I watched the musical! And I was so touched there was a part dedicated to Lola Glecy who I truly truly miss and love.
I was able to take a few videos. I will post a summarized version of the musical later on once I get hold of it. Meantime, enjoy the show 🙂
April 7, 1921. A day when providence thought it perfect to welcome a young boy into a world that had much to offer. As it has turned out, he too had much to offer the world.
Good evening, I’m Jaime del Mundo, and I begin not so much with a statement but rather, with a question. Through 90 years, how does one measure the life of a man whose legacy continues to touch lives in ways as countless as the stars that conspired to forge a path unique to this one soul – a path that would branch out into a lattice of trails that has led many others to their own journeys?
I know what you’re thinking. That’s a pretty, long question! But hey, we’re talking 90 incredible years! That alone is worthy of a round of applause, don’t you think?
So on this day, in precious pieces of memories, musical, visual and otherwise, we celebrate the life of Ambassador Bienvenido R. Tantoco, Sr., which he has shared with us in whole.
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A quiet boy from Malolos, little Bienvenido loved school, learned music, shot some hoops and swam in the river. At 17, fresh from high school, the young man found himself faced with a crisis. Barely two months after he moved to Manila to start his life as a working college student, his father died and to fill his shoes came too early, too soon. As he stepped up to the plate, Benny worked with his kin to support the household in Malolos. He was employed at the booming theater business of the Rufinos which afforded him enough to send earnings to his mother with some left for boarding and fine suits.
But, not quite enough to afford him nights to wine and dine at the Trocadero, a high-end club above his office. No “putting on the Ritz” for this young man who, without warning, needed to mature into becoming head of the family. Just 15 hours each day devoted to pure work and study.
Without cabarets on his mind, Benny lived quite a serious life…
In another part of Manila was a young woman born to parents who were likewise Bulakeños. Although this unica hija had a happy childhood and lived a privileged life, she learned discipline early on as her parents and grandparents were very strict. Gliceria Rustia, whom we know as Glecy, grew up to become a lovely lady.
By the time the Second World War broke out, Glecy had just turned 18…and Benny was 22. But, no global war could stop kismet. Girl met boy.
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Getting approval of their relationship from Glecy’s parents was like going through the eye of a needle. How could Benny possibly win their sanction with a widowed mother and orphaned siblings to care for? Two years from the day destiny brought them together, Benny and Glecy made the incredible decision to…
Yes, love was in the air, but so was the rage of war. The newlywed couple would find themselves in the midst of cross fires and chaos. No birthright, no amount of wealth could buy peace and security at a time when devastation ruled. They first evacuated to Lipa but after so much destruction in that area, the couple made their way back to Manila… climbing the mountains of Tagaytay and hitching on a vegetable truck just to get to a decent hospital for the birth of their first son. Soon after, Liberation came and a new sun shone, filling the young Tantoco family with fresh hope as it did the rest of the land.
From suitcases of nylon stockings and lingerie that Glecy had flown back from New York, ladies from the crème de la crème flocked to the Tantoco home at San Marcelino to wipe out the little stock they had. Benny continued to work at his day job and would burn brows doing the math at night or even on hours he would find between the hustle and the bustle.
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What they called the “Little Shop” in their home quickly blossomed to make that part of town a hub for those who had an incessant thirst for novel, trendy, and good quality purchases. The couple eventually turned their two-story home into a full-blown emporium of women’s and children’s apparel, and later on a gentleman’s section as well. Benny went full-time to support the emerging retail giant. From a small family affair, the Rustia-Tantoco tandem gave birth to Rustan’s, to this day still a family affair.
Speaking of family, our next number, an intermission if you will, is a special number, not because of the music, but because of its performers. Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome the members of the Tantoco family…
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Intermission over… Now back to our misucal journey…With the business unstoppable in its tracks, the growing Tantoco family moved their home to Makati. Alongside this migration also came the decision to build Rustan’s along Ayala, then far from the cityscape that it is today. The edifice was avant garde. Predictions of losing their San Marcelino market loomed. But, as it had always been, a commitment to quality products and service were the fuel that kept Rustan’s rising to the top of the trade.
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Then, in 1983, a very special missive arrived. The letter read: Mr. Bienvenido Tantoco, Sr., Malacanang Palace formally presents you with this appointment to serve as the Ambassador of the Republic of the Philippines to the Holy See at the Stato della citta del Vaticano, Vatican City.
This moment was both magnificent, and humbling. Benny could only accept with gratitude.
By the time Benny was appointed Ambassador to the Holy See, the retail business was already in the hands of the Tantoco children who began with lowly jobs and worked their way up, reminiscent of the couple’s own ascent to success. It was once again the best of times, but it was also the time to say farewell and cherish the memory of his greatest ambition, his greatest luxury, his greatest love…
The partnership of Benny and Glecy was so strong that even after Glecy’s passing, Benny found strength to keep on going. His delight in his growing family continues to serve him as his strongest inspiration…and on his 90th year, Benny finds himself more fulfilled than ever before.
April 7, 2011. We celebrate 9 decades of a life lived with much love and passion. So, how does one indeed measure the life of a man? Not in titles of fame and fortune, but in his commitment as son, brother, husband, father, friend and mentor. Not in property and profits, but in the love and light he has given and received. Not in the abundance of success, but in the abundance of memories spent with family, friends and every individual whose path he has crossed. Not in the adulation of achievements, but in respect for others, pride in country, and devotion to God.
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Aggie, Frances and Crickette – the brains behind all of this! and M. Donnie!( no photo from that evening)
Thank you to all the Rustan managers, Shopwise partners in the business, close friends and family who came to watch the show
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