Zenaida Tantoco of luxury retailer Rustan Commercial Corporation (RCC), passed away on Feb. 8, 2024, at 77. Her granddaughter Nikki Huang confirmed the news about her demise through an Instagram story.
Zenaida, Nedy to her friends and colleagues, was the eldest daughter of Ambassador Bienvenido Tantoco, Sr. and Gliceria Rustia-Tantoco, who launched Rustan’s in 1952. She was exposed to the world of retail at such a young age, watching her parents build their company from the ground up in their home in Old Manila's San Marcelino Street.
In 2008, the year RCC needed a new leader, Zenaida stepped up and became its chairman and CEO, continuing its mission of being the prime shopping destination for Filipinos looking for the finest brands, products, and services. During her leadership, Zenaida was able to expand the family business through specialty retailer Stores Specialists Inc. (SSI Group Inc.), which is also under the Rustan Group of Companies umbrella. SSI now has a brand portfolio that consists of over 100 of the world's most coveted brands, including Marks & Spencer, Zara, Tory Burch, Calvin Klein, and TWG Tea.
Her world didn’t just revolve around high-end labels and world-renowned merchandise. Zenaida was also known for her charity work and initiatives that made a lasting impact in people's lives. Through the Tantoco-Rustia Foundation, Rustan's philanthropic arm established in 1995, she was able to provide educational scholarship programs and sponsor concerts and art exhibits, including one that celebrated the works of National Artist for Fashion Design Ramon Valera.
A true patroness of the arts, Zenaida extended her philanthropy to support programs of CCP and the Metropolitan Museum. As the president of Philippine Italian Association, a trustee at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, president of Philippines Philharmonic Orchestra Society, Inc., she helped produce world-class productions featuring Filipino talents.
During her time as the leader of RCC and the SSI Group Inc., Zenaida faced many challenges. The major one would be the Covid-19 pandemic, which pushed many companies—old and new—to close their doors. She, however, had a greater vision and even refurbished Rustan’s flagship store in Makati City to mark a new era of elevated shopping experience in 2022. To this date, Rustan’s is still present in many areas of Manila and in Cebu, even after the perils of the pandemic, thanks to her firm guidance.
"Our story may have started 70 years ago but to this day we continue to be a part of our customer’s lives," she said. "Our aim is to make the ordinary extraordinary, and we do this through constantly pursuing ways to improve and stay relevant to all of our customers and their individual needs. This includes ensuring that their in-store experience is one that matters and makes a difference."
She is survived by partner Patrick Jacinto; her three children: Anton Huang with wife Nina and daughters Nikki and Isabelle; Michael Huang with wife Kathy and children Kenzie and Kameron; and Catherine with husband David Endriga; and her family of dogs Sabrina, Tricia, Tessa, Katlinka, Skippy, Bocelli, and Tequila.
“Nedy uncompromisingly upheld the sacred values taught by their parents in running a family enterprise,” RCC said in a statement. “Although known in the industry for her astute professionalism, Nedy will always be better remembered as a nurturing force in fostering family empowerment and unity. These, she believed, were key for their family’s future generations to thrive.”
The wake will be held at the 25B Tamarind Road, Forbes Park Makati City, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. from Feb. 10 to 12, then at Heritage Park, 9 a.m to 9 p.m. from Feb. 13 to 14. The funeral mass will be held on Feb. 15, 9 a.m at Santuario de San Antonio Parish.
Rest in power, Zenaida Tantoco.