Rustan's founder Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. passes away

ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="https://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2017/life/09/10/amorsolo3.jpg"/><figcaption>Amb. Bienvenido Tantoco (3rd from left) during an event honoring National Artist Fernando Amorsolo in September 2017. <em>FILE PHOTO</em></figcaption></figure></div><p>MANILA - Bienvenido Tantoco Sr., the founder of retail empire Rustan’s, has passed away, his family said in a statement on Tuesday. </p><p>He was 100 years old.</p><p>Tantoco, a revered figure in the retail industry, started Rustan’s in the 1950s with his wife Gliceria, selling luxury goods out of their home, before creating their flagship department store business. </p><p>Rustan’s stands today as one of the largest retailers in the Philippines, specializing in luxury and upmarket goods. </p><p>Tantoco was honored by his colleagues in the industry in 2018 as the &quot;Father of Luxury&quot;. His Store Specialists Inc. brought to the country, among others, Alexander McQueen, Gucci, Givenchy, Prada and Tory Burch brands. </p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/09/10/17/honoring-amorsolo-with-love-and-passion">Honoring Amorsolo with love and passion</a></li></ul><p>The Rustan’s patriarch also served as Philippine ambassador to the Vatican from 1983 to 1986. He was a lifetime devotee of the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Divine Mercy, and Our Lady of Guadalupe, according to his family. </p><p>“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,” the Tantoco family said. </p><p>“Beyond his reputation, he is mostly admired for his love for God, family, friends, and his extended family of staff and employees.”</p><p>A memorial service to be announced soon to honor and celebrate the late Ambassador, the Tantoco family said.</p><ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/life/09/10/17/honoring-amorsolo-with-love-and-passion">Honoring Amorsolo with love and passion</a></li></ul><div><strong>RELATED VIDEO</strong></div><figure class="op-interactive"><iframe allow="autoplay; fullscreen" frameBorder="0" height="100%" id="ivsplayer01" scrolling="no" src="https://player.ivideosmart.com/ivsplayer/v4/dist/html/iframe-src.html?iframeid=ivsplayer01&amp;key=e8c22c015ca9eafa76f1e3edfa03c603&amp;spid=3001339&amp;vid=1721601" width="100%"></iframe></figure><div class="iwantbar">Watch more in <a href="//www.iwantv.com.ph/">iWantv</a> or <a href="//tfc.tv/">TFC.tv</a></div>

<p>Bienvenido Tantoco, the founder of retail empire Rustan’s, passed away on Tuesday. He was 100 years old.</p>

Bienvenido Tantoco, the founder of retail empire Rustan’s, passed away on Tuesday. He was 100 years old.

Rustan's founder Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. passes away | ABS-CBN

Halalan 2025

Entertainment

News

Metro.Style

Sports

More

Traffic

Horoscope

Business

Rustan's founder Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. passes away

Rustan's founder Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. passes away

ABS-CBN News

Published Jul 06, 2021 06:54 PM PHT

|

Updated Jul 06, 2021 09:36 PM PHT

Read More:

Rustan's founder

Benny Tantoco

Bienvenido Tantoco Sr

Father of Luxury

obituary

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2025 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.