Do you know that Michelle Nikki Junia, the president of the Cultural Center of the Philippines is half-Waraynon and half-Batanguena?
While she was born in Makati City, her paternal kinship is from Tolosa, Leyte while her maternal ancestry is from Mabini, Batangas.
It is in this context of Michelle Nikki’s roots and the significance of the news that we are publishing Junia’s account on the death of Zenaida “Nedy’ Rustia Tantoco, a big name in the retail business being Rustan’s CEO, a patroness of the arts and a former member of the Board of Trustees of the CCP.
Here are Michelle Nikki’s memories of Nedy as they appeared on her Facebook wall:
“It's important for me to share an inspiring woman I have had the privilege to work with in the CCP Board. She radiated beauty, calmness, passion, peace, and compassion for the arts and culture.
“Our dear Ms. Nedy Tantoco, we are grateful for your unconditional love and generosity for the arts. I remember you exhausting all your efforts to ensure the requirements for the Krystian Zimerman project were put in order. Despite not being able to finish all preparations on time, you still pushed and made sure the impossible became possible. Such courage and immense love for the Filipino people. You want the Filipino audience to experience the best artists in the world and nothing less!
“You always went to great lengths and exhausted your network to bring help to PPO, Opera productions, and other CCP Programs.
“You inspire us, the younger generation on the board, to offer the same amount of attention and love for the Filipino artists as you leave an indelible mark.
“You will always be in our hearts.
“THANK YOU SO MUCH
“Enjoy the glorious music in the heavens!!!”
#WeTakeASTand #OpinYon #CCP #NikkiJunia #NedyTantoco