Lost in a Storybook
Introducing a lifestyle destination where Kenneth Cobonpue’s design intersects with culinary creativity and contemporary art.
Words Coleen Wong
Photos FABLE Café + Lounge, the KENNETHCOBONPUE Showroom, and CLOUDGREY Gallery
May 21, 2025
Art and design go hand in hand, influencing numerous facets of life. Whether we’re aware of it or not, creativity is woven into our everyday experiences.
Nestled in Bonifacio Global City, next to the Grand Hyatt Manila Residences, is a unique space where art, design, and culinary experiences come together—FABLE Café + Lounge, the KENNETHCOBONPUE Showroom, and CLOUDGREY Gallery.
Renowned industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue has long demonstrated the endless possibilities of art and design. Known for his creative approach and meticulous craftsmanship, Cobonpue introduces a well-rounded lifestyle concept—a two-story showroom, a café, and a gallery that flow seamlessly into one another.
“FABLE was originally just a café for our clients,” Cobonpue shared. “It was meant to be a simple space to serve coffee. It gradually took on a life of its own. It became more than just a place to display furniture; we designed everything. People often ask, ‘Why Fable?’ I’ve always been inspired by my mother. She used to read me bedtime stories when I was a child. Back then, without the internet, I would imagine all the creatures, fairy tales, and faraway lands she described. The next morning, she would find me drawing, building things from little scraps around the factory, and showing them to her.”
FABLE Café + Lounge brings Cobonpue’s childhood imagination to life. The grand interiors showcase whimsical creatures, all designed by Cobonpue and handcrafted locally. From intricate furniture details to oversized leaves, petals, and flowers, stepping into FABLE feels like entering a storybook. The ambiance transitions from day to night, offering a warm yet sophisticated atmosphere. Cobonpue has also collaborated with renowned chefs to curate a menu that perfectly complements the space, featuring specialty dishes and bespoke cocktails.
Beyond FABLE, the KENNETHCOBONPUE Showroom spans two floors of immersive design. Compared to their previous showroom in Makati City, which was limited in size, this expanded space offers more room for creativity. The showroom showcases furniture, lighting, and décor pieces that are far from the ordinary. With rattan elements, locally sourced materials, and intricate patterns, each item blends functionality with artistic elegance. Every nook and cranny invites discovery, ensuring that pieces are not only visually striking but also practical and of the highest quality.
Next to the showroom is CLOUDGREY Gallery, established in partnership with acclaimed artist Ronald Ventura. Although Ventura has achieved both local and international recognition, this new platform provides him with an opportunity to broaden his influence in the design world. The gallery serves as a space for meaningful dialogue and curated exhibitions, pushing the boundaries of Philippine contemporary art.
Artist, curator, and CLOUDGREY Gallery director, Ruel Caasi, said, “CLOUDGREY Gallery draws inspiration from the vibrant cultural landscape, creating a platform that reflects the plurality of Southeast Asian contemporary art.”
This new creative hub blends art, design, and lifestyle in a space that invites visitors to explore and engage in a multisensory experience. Whether immersing in Cobonpue’s signature designs, discovering contemporary art, or enjoying a curated dining experience, FABLE Café + Lounge, the KENNETHCOBONPUE Showroom, and CLOUDGREY Gallery offer something truly special for all who visit.
