Final toast to Kipling’s

Kipling’s has been around since 1999  and was always considered the best in town.   Many followed suit,  copying its formula, but failed along the way.  However,  all good things must end, and this favorite watering hole for connoisseurs finally bid goodbye to its loyal customers.

Kipling’s soul was in the person of  Scottish-born managing directress Barbara Cumagun.   She made sure that patrons and friends would be able to share not only a glass of their favorite single malt whiskey or a couple of puffs of the best Cuban cigars but that there were numerous friendships that  bloomed and endured for all the years that Kipling was alive.  

Charity events made this famed bar stand out because of the huge number of recipients who greatly benefited from the generosity of their clientele. The latest was when typhoon Yolanda hit fisherfolk  in the Visayas, who lost not only their livelihood but their precious boats, too. Kipling’s came to the rescue by immediately raising funds for 20 motorized bancas, financial assistance for rebuilding homes  and 40,000 nutritious food packs for victims in the devastated area.  If you see boats floating in that region named after exotic whiskies, you now know where they came from.

As Barbara was called onstage, Captain’s Bar was quiet as she bade adieu, “Clients — that’s how you all started off, but after 15 years, you have become much more. The friendships that have been forged, the camaraderie we have shared is priceless.  Ups and downs, good and bad times, yet we have always looked out for each other as friends do.  My life has been made richer by having all of you these past years and  I am fortunate indeed.”  And to loud cheers and toasts, she added, “No one ever left a Kipling’s party thirsty and we know a little about enjoying ourselves and celebrating life.  Tonight, let us keep our reputation intact.” 

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One of the sweetest ladies around town is Mia Borromeo,  editor at large of  the prestigious Philippine Tatler and editor of its sister magazines — Tatler Traveller and Tatler Homes.  Educated in Manila and Wellesley College (majoring in Art History) in the US, Mia is an asset in anything she does as she makes sure every project given to her is done not only properly but with attention to detail. 

Last week, her boss and friend Irene Martel Francisco hosted a birthday dinner starting with the coldest Champagne that was perfect on a hot summer’s night. The beautifully laid out buffet table  had the freshest foie and a truffle lechon.  It didn’t help that there were three birthday cakes for the celebrant and just 10 of us ladies.  What a good excuse to forget eating healthy and to forego  being on a diet in honor of a dear friend.  

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For your comments and ideas, please email the author at: jacinto.fa@gmail.com.