Everything starts with a story—imagination brought to life. As a child, Kenneth Cobonpue turned bedtime tales into drawings and models, shaping worlds from scraps. That same sense of wonder lives here, in every chair, lantern, and wall fixture. Step inside, and the world outside fades—like turning the page to a new chapter. This feeling shapes his latest venture in Bonifacio Global City.
Tucked beside the Grand Hyatt Manila Residences at the corner of 36th Street and 8th Avenue, a new creative haven has made its debut—an intersection of design, art, and culinary craft unlike any other. Cobonpue, the celebrated Cebuano designer, has brought to life a space where each element feels like part of a carefully woven narrative: Fable Café + Lounge, the Kenneth Cobonpue showroom, and Cloudgrey Gallery.
Cobonpue described how the space evolved into a seamless fusion of design, art, and storytelling. “This is a new concept, a whole lifestyle space where everything flows together,” he shared. “Fable was originally just a café for our clients, a simple spot where we served coffee and, hopefully, they’d buy something. But over time, it took on a life of its own. Everything you see here is a reflection of my childhood—that’s why it’s called Fable. Every piece has a story,” he added.
Down the rabbit hole
Step inside Fable Café + Lounge, and you’ll find yourself in a space shaped by texture, light, and flavor. As Cobonpue’s first café in Metro Manila, it carries his signature artistry, with handcrafted furniture and organic shapes that echo his nature-inspired designs.
“Design to me is theater. I want Fable to transport the audience to a world of make-believe. In this case, an abstract representation of the natural world. Nature, even if man-made, never fails to captivate and amaze us,” shared Cobonpue.
Cobonpue has always been drawn to vibrant colors, often showcasing bold pieces in Milan and Paris, even when buyers gravitated toward neutral tones. With Fable, he embraces that love for color on the first floor, while the second floor reflects a more refined aesthetic suited for homes and hotels.
Earthy materials like rattan, bamboo and handwoven fabrics, sculptural furniture, and intricate lighting create a warm, textured space where nature’s movement and craftsmanship come to life. Towering fabric leaves and oversized flowers climb the walls while floating light canopies and drifting paper clouds cast a soft, dreamlike glow. A carabao-shaped DJ booth adds a playful nod to Filipino heritage, balancing whimsy with cultural roots. Curio hanging lamps reinterpret the 18th-century European tradition of the cabinet of curiosities, inviting a closer look at craftsmanship and materiality. Along the walls by the bar, glistening dew drops catch the light, and a luminous-tailed cat adds an element of surprise. Even the table settings feel organic—plates curve like petals, and sculpted creatures cradle cutlery, turning each meal into a moment of discovery.
The space is designed to evolve with the day, shifting from a relaxed retreat into a lively nightspot. From 11 a.m., it offers a quiet escape, an inviting space for specialty coffee and globally inspired dishes. Brunch specials, served daily from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., add a touch of indulgence to the morning. At night, the space transforms, with two exclusive dinner seatings from 6 to 8 p.m. and 8 to 10 p.m., where curated music shapes the atmosphere. After 10 p.m., the energy shifts once more, turning Fable into a vibrant lounge that draws guests deeper into its unfolding story.
More than a café
A few steps inside, the Kenneth Cobonpue showroom feels like an extension of the café’s story—an immersive space where design takes center stage. Each piece, from intricate chairs to sculptural lighting, tells a tale of craftsmanship and creativity. Visitors are encouraged to touch, explore, and experience the artistry that has made Cobonpue a household name in global design.
On the second floor, Cloudgrey Gallery shifts the narrative to contemporary art, highlighting Philippine and Southeast Asian talent. Curated with vision, the space brings together artists who push boundaries and explore cultural identities. Among them is Ronald Ventura, whose evocative works have captured international acclaim. The gallery isn’t just an exhibition space—it’s a platform for creative exchange and a bridge between the local and global art scenes.
Together, these three spaces form a singular destination—one where art, design, and gastronomy intertwine seamlessly. Whether you come for the food, the furniture, or the fine art, you leave with something more: a feeling, an inspiration, a lingering sense that creativity is alive and thriving in the heart of the city.