Bea Tantoco: Carrying a tune and a legacy

While everyone was hobnobbing and throwing air kisses last Saturday at the ninth annual Philippine Tatler Ball, Bea Tantoco found herself seated at her table vocalizing and making sure her voice was in tip-top shape as she was slated to be the evening’s main performer. With a guest list that included the metro’s most influential last names dressed to the nines, most of them Bea’s family friends, it wasn’t exactly the easiest crowd to perform in front of. When her name was called, Bea glided down the middle of the ballroom hitting every note of Natalie Cole’s classic love song Inseparable before taking it a notch higher by belting out Bette Davis Eyes, which she sang with her “girl crush,” sister Katrina Lobregat. But the evening took an even cooler turn when the petite singer ended her set with her own rendition of Empire State of Mind by Alicia Keys, during which, I think it’s safe to say, the entire ballroom turned into instant fans, myself included. With a powerful, soulful voice — emanating from such a small frame — Bea quickly becomes larger than life when she’s behind the mic. She was able to single-handedly turn the usually mellow mood of the event into something not typically associated with that type of crowd: fun.

Coming from the illustrious Tantoco clan (they own Rustan’s, among other retail giants), it’s surprising to see Bea branch out into terrain unknown. Shifting industries from retail to entertainment can be a daunting one — a challenge Bea is looking forward to conquering. With an album already in the planning stages, will her background serve as a hurdle or a blessing as she pursues her passion for music? It’s time we find out what she’s really made of.

YOUNG STAR: How did you choose the songs for your Philippine Tatler Ball performance?

BEA TANTOCO: It just all fell into place actually between Anton San Diego, my sister Kat and I. We wanted one ballad and jazz standard — Inseparable — and then my most favorite song to sing with my sis is Bette Davis Eyes. Lastly, Empire State of Mind is the most highly requested song.

Do you think coming from an illustrious family is an advantage or a hindrance to your music career?

Because I grew up in a family of retailers, it was not easy for me to choose a career in singing — it came very naturally to me to want to work in the retail industry for my family’s companies. And at the end of the day, I chose to do what I am most passionate about.

If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be and why?

Internationally, I’d like to work with Alicia Keys, John Legend, Jason Mraz, Randy Jackson, David Foster and Burt Bacharach. Locally, I’d like to collaborate with Lea Salonga, Cris Villonco, Kyla, Nina, Jay-R, Gloc-9, Amber Davis — and also Ryan Cayabyab, Louie Ocampo, Rico Blanco, Marcus Davis and Francis Louis Salazar. The reasons for which, I admire all those I have mentioned above for their musical talents and their undying love for music.

Retail royalty: Rather than shop talk, however, Bea Tantoco is singing a different tune.

Who do you follow on Twitter?

I follow Ellen Degeneres — I love her sense of humor!

If you could invite five personalities to a dinner, who would they be?

My late grandmother Gliceria Rustia Tantoco, Ellen Degeneres, Sarah Geronimo, Mariah Carey, and her hubby-dubby Nick Cannon!

Who is your mentor?

I don’t have one mentor. I have many, actually. Whenever I am in a situation wherein I’m stumped, confused or unsure, I will always ask for assistance — whether it be about music, fashion, health, spirituality, or a personal issue.

What is the best advice you’ve received?

“Be compassionate with yourself.” Sometimes I just want to bop myself in the head when I feel I didn’t do things as I would’ve imagined it. Ironically, and at present, this is my mantra.

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would you like to live?

Anywhere in Southern Spain, or Italy.

What’s the most valuable gift you have ever received?

The gift of song.

What’s the craziest thing you’ve done?

One of the craziest, most courageous things I have ever done was giving up a stable career in the retail industry, and pursuing a career as a singer in the music industry.

What’s stopping you from going mainstream with your music?

Nothing, actually. I’ve only been performing for no more than five months total. Right now, I’m enjoying “gigging” and am gaining experience into what it takes to be a performer/singer. Soon, I would like to venture into the mainstream.

Who has the sexiest brain for you?

Thich Nhat Hanh.

How would you convince someone to visit the Philippines?

I’d book them a round-trip ticket!

What’s your drink of choice?

Well, right now, it would be a warm and flat San Miguel Light beer. (Laughs)

What song would sum up your current state of mind?

Passionate and soulful.

Who would you gladly trade places with?

Not resting on her family’s laurels: “One of the craziest things I have ever done was giving up a stable career in the retail industry, and pursuing a career as a singer.”

I wouldn’t trade places with anybody. I’m extremely happy. I count my blessings every day. I’ve got wonderful, loving and supportive people in my life. Out of curiosity, though, I would like to see what it’s like to be my cat Cinnamon. He is the most unique cat I know — almost like a dog. You can call him from another room and he’ll come running as fast as a cheetah! He greets everyone ever so cheerfully as they enter my home. He demands to be petted and will rudely sit on guests’ laps.

What word or phrase do you overuse?

The words “awesome” and “amazing.” 

What do you look for in friends?

I look for an accepting and sincere heart.

What influences your taste in music?

Many things. As of this moment, the members of my band (The Sauce) that accompany me have been positively and passionately influencing my taste in music.

What cause are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about a lot of things. One is creating a world-class Philippines, one wherein we can bridge the gap between the fortunate and the less fortunate. I am also a closet tree-hugger. I do my part in preserving and conserving what Mother Earth has so generously given to us.

If you only had a weekend to live, what are the last three things you would do?

I would bathe in the Cibeles Fountain in Madrid, then sing at the top of my lungs in the Arena di Verona, and finally come back home to be with my family.

Where do you see yourself 10 years from now?

I have this image in my head of Madison Square Garden and many other international theaters, arenas. But it’s not just me — it’s all the Filipinos in the industry. We will be internationally recognized for our music, art, movies, etc. This is what I imagine when I say a world-class Philippines.

You and your sister, Katrina, are 10 years apart, yet you are very close, how are you different?

Now that I think about it, apart from being born into the same family, my sister and I are very different from each other and we celebrate our differences. That’s what makes us unique individuals — we have a different approach to life and we express complementary ideas and concepts. That’s why we get along so well and can talk for hours on end. We’re also very good at executing. I’ll take care of one part and she the other — and it always comes out so beautifully.

What’s the hardest thing to forgive?

In general, we all make mistakes. For as long as it wasn’t an act that was premeditated or malicious, it is easy to forgive.

How would you describe your personal style?

My personal style is useful, vibrant and colorful — it doesn’t follow any trend as long as it expresses that.

Aside from singing, what other skill do you have that people might be surprised to know?

I speak Spanish conversationally. I also use crystals for spiritual healing. And I am an avid believer in natural and holistic healing of the mind, body and spirit. I am also a life coach and leader in a community called Landmark Education wherein I empower and enable individuals to get what is important to them in their lives and what they care about most.