The servant leader they called Benny

It comes with great sadness and in behalf of my family, most especially my father, to hear about the passing of a legendary patriarch and former Ambassador to the Vatican, known by many as Benny Tantoco. When I was growing up, my parents had an exclusive business in Rustan’s called PIPA named after myself being Pia, my brother Paolo and my sister Patricia. PIPA was a Spanish inspired clothing line that everyone knew as “bordado a mano” or hand-made children’s clothes. My mother Pee-Wee grew up with fine clothing and the kind that was lovingly hand made by her own mother and therefore wanted to continue this heritage filled with love -- and where better to do so but in Rustan’s. Both Ambassador Tantoco and his wife not only changed the way many of us saw retail but also the extra personal touch they placed in every detail of their business, most especially in their own people.

Last weekend, I found myself in need of retail therapy and decided that the best place to go was Rustan’s, hence I did just that. There is one reason in particular, however, as to why I chose to go to Rustan’s and that is because, in this pandemic and on that very day, I felt I not only wanted to reward myself but also needed to be in a place that felt just like home. You see, being a frontliner hasn’t been easy for my family and me as it has caused all of us to make so many sacrifices for safety’s sake. This is why I needed to feel at home… to be in a place I grew up in (if one can call it that way) and enjoy shopping alongside my good old memories.

Our clothing line that was exclusive in Rustan’s for many many years was one that taught me so many important life lessons. Through the example of my parents, I learned about excellence as they put much detail in all their designs and clothing. I also learned about beauty. I saw how the right material matched with the perfect design made all the difference. Most of all, I learned how important it was to take care of your family. Our shop was filled with workers whom my parents treated as part of the family and by doing so, this inspired them to give premium to quality as we too presented all these to patriarchs with the very same value.

My father Pit was one of the many ( I doubt I can say few as so many others really loved him) who was especially close to Ambassador Tantoco. He considered him to be a great mentor, apart from being a dear friend. He listened to all my father’s ideas and was always more than encouraging. I learned from another article that his grandson Donnie called him a shepherd warrior, where strength that comes from God is most of all for the greater benefit of others. Imagine that. Several times in my column, I have spoken about servant leadership and I can truthfully say that Lolo Benny was exactly that in his lifetime.

Servant leaders understand very well that life is lived with joy despite adversity. They understand this because every servant leader works to serve the people first. If and when you go to any Rustan’s store,  you will feel the heart of two patriarchs in all their merchandise while placing great value on good service. Such principles have been passed on from one generation to the next, which is why one will always feel at home. As a daughter of parents who have learned from the best, I am grateful to be part of a generation that taught us good values and the old school kind where “palabra de honor,“ respect and duty towards others are given high regard.

As an educator, this is something that we ought to fall back on or better yet, return to, considering that this world can cut right through these very same values in order for one to get ahead in life. Pray for wisdom, my parents always tell me and, if it is one thing I see that Lolo Benny had, it was this. He was a wise man and he became wise because he never thought that his ways were always better than the rest. He always kept an open mind and never ceased to learn new things. There is no such thing as a perfect life and it goes without saying that there will be many crossroads along the way but, as Lolo Benny once said, smell the roses as you venture into your journey but never forget your obligations.

The great Bienvenido Tantoco, together with his wife Glecy, built their empire from the ground up. This alone should teach us that small things can become great things if only one puts complete dedication to their work, even in the difficult times. Gratefulness in everything and everyone was something Lolo Benny held close to his chest and giving back was always part of the many meaningful relationships he fostered throughout the years. I always think to myself how wonderful it was to grow up with elders who had passion for young minds. It was always refreshing to chat with my own grandfather because you not only learned but you also benefitted from so much experience that can give you the right balance in a fast paced world.

From everything I’ve read and been told about Lolo Benny, he was one person who always wanted to lift you up even in the times when you needed some straightening. I suppose wise men have a knack for doing that with ease and grace. So yes, I consider myself really fortunate to have witnessed how servant leaders ought to be and just like the title of this column, where my own family has many times seen the roses as much as the thorns, Lolo Benny’s memory will always be a reminder to us that there is beauty in everything, whether it be in our greatest achievements or in our biggest sacrifice. Our sincerest condolences to the bereaved family and may Lolo Benny’s memory live through all the fruits of your labor where retail is not just a luxury but also a legacy of service to the people.