MANILA, Philippines — Cebuano furniture designer Kenneth Cobonpue can now add restaurant owner to his resume after launching Fable Cafe + Lounge right beside his new showroom in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City. Cobonpue shared with members of the media, including Philstar.com, during the showroom's launch, the intriguing genesis of the cafe: it began as merely an area for prospective clients to grab coffee.
"The original concept was like how some brands have a cafe. I just wanted a simple cafe with furniture, then gradually it took on a life of its own," Cobonpue explained, reflecting on how his initial vision transformed over time.
Much like his showroom, Fable is imbued with Cobonpue's whimsical designs, appearing as if plucked straight from his imagination. There's more than just aesthetic appeal; there’s history and emotion tied to the establishment. Cobonpue finds inspiration from his mother, Betty, who is also a designer. He remarked, "My mother used to read me bedtime stories as a child. Back then, there was no Internet or television, so I had to envision all these creatures and fairytales from faraway lands she described."
Cobonpue reminisced about mornings spent drawing or constructing imaginative creations from scraps based on those stories, saying, "I think that's why I have such an active imagination. Everything you see here is reliving my childhood, that's why it's called Fable."
This is not Cobonpue's first venture in the restaurant industry. Fifteen years ago, he created the lounge-bar Morals and Malice in Cebu City, which closed its doors in 2022. The space was adorned with magazines and books, showcasing interiors crafted from metal and bamboo, featuring solid onyx flooring. While Cobonpue has considered designing more spaces like Morals and Malice, he admitted, "Interior design involves a lot of work, and it's something I don't necessarily enjoy."
Nevertheless, the proximity of Fable to his showroom and the Cloudgrey Gallery located on the second floor offers him the opportunity to create a lifestyle space where various creative disciplines converge. Cobonpue stated, "I see little differences between them; the process of creation is not just formulas or bursts of inspiration. It's really hard work, and it requires discipline." He added, "You have to take time each day to come up with something and force yourself to do it. Sometimes, it doesn't come, but you must keep at it. It's about dedication."
With Fable Cafe + Lounge now welcoming patrons, Cobonpue is excited about his new role and how the cafe can reflect his artistic vision. Despite the hurdles associated with starting a restaurant, he appears determined to make Fable not just another dining establishment, but rather, a place where art, design, and creativity thrive harmoniously.
Related stories highlight how the culinary scene evolves continuously, especially with the Michelin Guide preparing to arrive in Greater Manila and Cebu for its 2026 selections. This hints at potential new standards and expectations for dining experiences throughout the region, looming around the relevance of Fable's inception.
Overall, Fable Cafe + Lounge is more than just food and drinks; it’s about storytelling, creativity, and the artistic lineage of Kenneth Cobonpue, making it one of the many fresh experiences to explore within the vibrant dining community of Bonifacio Global City.