MANILA -- Filipino industrial designer Kenneth Cobonpue has officially launched a creative hub that merges culinary art, design, and visual expression — FABLE Café + Lounge, the KENNETHCOBONPUE Showroom, and CLOUDGREY GALLERY — all under one roof at the Grand Hyatt Manila Residences Tower in Bonifacio Global City (BGC).

During the launch, Cobonpue shared the inspiration behind this multi-dimensional space. "it is a lifestyle concept because it has a furniture and lighting showroom, a café, and an art gallery. So it’s an all-in-one space,” he said.

His showroom is divided into two floors: the first floor houses his newest collections, while the second floor showcases his classic designs that have defined his career.

Meanwhile, FABLE Café + Lounge offers a transportive experience, where every element — from design to music and lighting — is meticulously curated by Cobonpue and crafted in Cebu.

He also revealed that his inspiration for FABLE stems from his childhood fascination with fairy tales and storytelling.

“I’ve been inspired by stories, you know, fairy tales, since I was a child. My mom used to read me bedtime stories, and because we didn’t have television, I had to recreate them in my mind — imagining what castles and creatures looked like. I had a really wonderful, active childhood. In FABLE, I can be a child forever, and I can invite people to discover the child in them too,” he said.

He likened the experience of FABLE to “Alice in Wonderland,” describing it as a world open to different interpretations.

Moreover, Cobonpue, who has long been at the forefront of Filipino craftsmanship in international markets, continued to raise the Philippine flag with his designs.

“We do shows around the world — Milan in April, shows in the US, Las Vegas — and in many of these events, I’m the lone Filipino brand.”

Despite this, he hopes to see more Filipino designers and creative spaces that stand out globally. “Even the café, for me, had to be unique — not just in the country, but also in the world. I travel a lot, and I see a lot of spaces that are monochromatic. But I really enjoy color, and I think Filipinos are colorful,” he said.

When asked for advice on furniture design, Cobonpue emphasized the importance of understanding color theory and natural expression.

“I think you have to understand color theory, but also embrace natural expression. The jeepney, for example, is a perfect representation of that — it may seem overdone, but that’s us.”

The space is now open at Grand Hyatt Manila Residences Tower, Bonifacio Global City.