The eclectic revival of MCS

(Conclusion)

The Rufino-owned Makati Central Square is finally undertaking an eclectic revival to attract more of the Filipino millennials and Gen Z crowd that frequent Poblacion.

The changes at MCS are being undertaken by second-generation family member Carlo Rufino, son of Carlos “Charlie” Rufino. Carlo, in turn, is training and collaborating with his son, Lawrence Rufino, to create a space in the basement for a range of establishments that will cater to a younger crowd.

In an interview with Lawrence, the third-generation Rufino scion explained that the idea was to emulate the entertainment concept of Kevin Tan in Uptown BGC. He added that the basement would also provide a more secure area for patrons and their vehicles compared with  Poblacion, where there have been some incidents of tire slashing because of the difficult parking situation.

It was fortunate for Lawrence that he had some friends who knew successful entrepreneur Marco Viray who is behind the success and growth of Joe’s Brew and the popular NoKal in Poblacion.

Lawrence brought his father and Marco together and they agreed to bring NoKal to MCS. However, the ground floor space commanded premium rental fees from the Japanese nightclubs and bars.

To accommodate NoKal at a cheaper rental rate, the alternative was to utilize the long-neglected basement parking space. In 2022, NoKal officially opened its doors at MCS.

The next bar tenants were Ron and Fifi Cruz, who opened The Fat Cat Bar along the side of MCS facing Amorsolo Street, where the open-air parking lot and the McDonald’s fast-food restaurant, formerly occupied by KFC, are located.

The Fat Cat occupies the second floor above a gadget shop, and guests have to climb up a narrow stairway to get to the jazz bar.

Ron (who started out as an amateur bartender creating his own concoctions) and Fifi (who likewise had no previous food and beverage training), were able to grow and attract a solid clientele that enjoyed their innovative cocktails and food offerings.

Their success was such that they were voted as Tatler Philippines’ Best Bar of the Year 2025. With their unexpected success, they expanded, opening two more bars — El Gato and The Cattery — which took over the spot vacated by KFC right across The Fat Cat.

El Gato is basically an agave bar that serves a varied selection of Mezcal and Tequila. The bar also serves Mexican food, and according to Fifi, attracts a mixed clientele that includes families.

Ron’s self-taught mixology skills have reached professional level; he is joining a competition in Scotland this week. I was, thus, lucky to have met him and Fifi before they flew off to join the competition.

El Gato occupies the top floor, while The Cattery is on the ground floor and serves a variety of alcoholic drinks, including whisky. Fifi revealed that the bar scene on weekends and holidays can get quite “crazy.”

Aside from NoKal, Lawrence revealed that they, along with Marco and other investors, have also invested in a second bar called “Bando,” which is slang for abandoned. According to Bando’s marketing head Shaz, Bando offers hip-hop music and live performers, and opens at 10 pm from Wednesday to Saturday.

Again there is no visible signage, all you initially see is a mural along the grayish black wall of the basement with the painted word Bando. Only upon closer examination do you realize that it is actually a door that, upon knocking, is opened by a really beefy doorman/bouncer/security guard. There is a small foyer or reception before stepping into the two-level bar and lounge.

Lawrence revealed that there are three other establishments in various stages of development and completion at the upper basement level where NoKal is located.

Immediately visible from the parking entrance down ramp to the two-level basement parking area will be Ferm and Good Games. However, Ferm is a brewery and is collaborating with the owners of Michelin Select restaurant Metiz for its food offerings. Ferm will cater to a more varied crowd and operate at regular hours.

Good Games, on the other hand, Lawrence explained, is a barcade and would offer some alcoholic beverages while providing a variety of arcade games to its guests. The fifth bar is still under negotiation with interested investors.

I had previously written that I had a privileged peek at some of the new cozy bars on the mezzanine floor catering to Japanese clients.

But one bar that impressed me because it was unlike the others was +81 Bar — a speakeasy located at the end of the mezzanine’s Golden Gai corridor — which seemed more suited to the basement.

Located at one end of the mezzanine floor,  + 81 Bar is hidden behind a brightly-lit, all-white and seemingly unattended store with a wall-to-wall glass display of toys. Like most speakeasy bars, there is a button that you have to press which will open a secret door that will allow you to access the cozy and stunningly designed and decorated bar, even down to its comfort room.

+81 Bar offers a hip and trendy vibe, with a small stage or dance area. It has a small private room subject to a cover charge. It is a must to see and experience. But mind you, the exit of +81 is not the same as its entrance.

Lawrence agrees that +81 Bar would have been a better fit in the basement, but unfortunately, it was allocated space in the mezzanine area. Don’t let that discourage you from seeking it out.

The eclectic mixture of MCS is such that management can now fully utilize all of its commercial space and parking almost on a 24-hour basis. Further plans, Lawrence assures, includes beefing up security within the mall.