Joel Tantoco would rather be a rock star... or a monk

As the son of the president of Rustan’s, it would be natural for Jose Luis Vargas Tantoco, or Joel, to be in charge of a department in his family’s store. He focuses on developing U, an area dedicated to the 14 to 25 year olds. Cell phone chargers, Internet surfing, a coffee shop for hanging out and fashion accessories are part of his vision of creating a disneyland for teenagers. With three merchandise managers and six merchandisers to help him direct the 27 sales staff under him, U is present in two of the six Rustan’s stores.

Living abroad has been a way of growing up for bachelor Joel, 33. Two high school years in Italy, four college years in America and five years working in the duty free shops of Morocco have taught him how to accept different cultures and to converse in French, Italian, English, Ilonggo, Tagalog and a little Arabic . His travels also kindled his desire to learn about different lifestyles. Religious awareness with Zen and Buddhism, vegetarian diets, rigorous weight training and competitive swimming events are interests that absorb him.

How do you start your day?

I have a small garden with African lovebirds and I look forward to waking up to look at them. They are like lovers at play. As I watch them in their happiness, I ask myself, "Would I change places?" They seem at peace but they are in a cage.

What is your motto?

If it doesn’t kill you, it will only make you stronger.

Who or what is your greatest love?

I love my serendipity walks on the beach in Aman, Palawan. Anything to do with the ocean calms me.

Which living person do you admire most?

Rico, my father, for his integrity and perseverance. My elder brother, Manong Donnie, who believes in me.

What is your passion?

Getting back into music, I used to be a DJ when I was in the International School and in Italy.

What is your most fervent wish?

Most prominent in my mind is to find peace for myself and our country. The Filipino people deserve a government structure that could help them.

How do you resolve your conflicts?

I try to make people happy and that causes a multiplicity of conflicts. Eventually, I have to take a side even when I don’t want to. Being a Virgo, I keep things inside and internalize them till I blow up.

What film influenced your life?

A River Runs Through It with Robert Redford and Brad Pitt. I’m intrigued by Tristan’s journey into the light and into the dark.

What is your greatest fear?

What if I get married too late? When the lights go off in my room, I feel a yearning to be married.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself?

The narcissistic side of me that is so concerned about feeling attractive.

What is your current state of mind?

It’s like nature. A cycle of creation, destruction, dying, living; either one of those at any time although I’m very blessed and have more of the sunrise.

If you were to die, who or what would you like to come back as?

Part of me would like to be a professional surfer, rock star or athlete. The other would be a peaceful monk.

If you had the chance to change something in your life, what would that be?

My height at 5’3". Wish I had never smoked a cigarette.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Deluxe spa and massage.

If you could date any actress in the world, who would that be?

Actress Monica Bellucci, an Italian femme fatale. who appeared in Malene.

Name a moment that brings back happy memories.

All those times in Amanpulo together with my family on a sunset cruise. Also the three hours I spent with my girlfriend in Mandala Spa in Boracay.

What does your dad often say to you?

Only you can take care of yourself.

What is your favorite occupation?

Hanging out near the waters, being by the beach; learning languages.

What qualities do you most like in a man?

As an employee, he needs to be a creative thinker and of good moral character.

Name an embarrassing moment at work.

I defended a colleague when I probably should have defended the other one, too.

Which famous quotation would you have wanted to be the author of?

"To see the universe in a grain of sand."

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E-mail: babycamp@yahoo.com