Donnie Tantoco, President of Rustan Commercial Corporation, shared on his Facebook profile that his brother Paolo Tantoco passed away earlier today, March 9, 2025.
"It is with great sorrow that we share the sudden passing of our son Paolo "Paowee" Tantoco. We are devastated by our loss and kindly request for your prayers for Paowee and our family. We will share more details as we finalise arrangements for bringing him home to the Philippines," wrote Rico and Nena Tantoco.
Facts About the Late Rustan's Heir Paolo Tantoco
1. He was a Capricorn.
He was born on January 6, 1981, making him 44 years old on the day of his passing.
2. He was the grandson of Rustan Commercial Corporation's founders.
Rustan's is the Philippines' leading upscale and luxury retail destination, having a wide range of prestigious brands and quality merchandise under their umbrella. It was founded as a department store in 1952 by husband and wife Bienvenido Tantoco Sr. and Gliceria Rustia-Tantoco, and would then expand into a portfolio that includes Rustan Marketing Corporation, Store Specialists Inc, Rustan Coffee Corporation Inc, and Sta. Elena Golf & Country Estate. The retail giant remains well within the family today with brother Donnie as President of Rustan Commercial Corp, cousins Anton Huang and Eman Pineda helming SSI and Adora respectively, among others.
3. He took up Business Administration.
He went to Bentley College, a private university in Boston and one of the leading universities in business education.
4. He was the husband of Dina Arroyo, the Deputy Social Secretary for the President of the Philippines.
Paolo and Dina met during their teenage years in middle school. They dated for 12 years before their civil wedding in Las Vegas. Then, 10 years later in 2016, they exchanged marriage vows at the Montecito Chapel in Laguna. He is survived by his wife and three kids—Alana, Bella, and Zach.
5. He carried the legacy of the family name.
He has served as Rustan's Administration Manager, where he received the Philippine Retailers Association's Legends, Lives, and Legacies coffee table book on behalf of his grandfather in 2017.
Rest in peace, Paolo.
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