Stories
A Feast for The Senses
The new FABLE Café + Lounge in BGC is a rabbit hole that whisks you into a whimsical world of flavors, ambiance, and charm“I almost wish I hadn't gone down that rabbit-hole— and yet—and yet—it's rather curious, you know, this sort of life!” - Alice’s Adventure In Wonderland, by Lewis CarrollIn the heart of Bonifacio Global City’s frenetic concrete jungle, nestled in the Manila metropolis, there lies a secret rabbit hole, waiting to whisk you away. An enchanting portal that transports you to a lush, whimsical oasis. Welcome to FABLE Café + Lounge, a space where the urban chaos melts away, replaced by an immersive celebration of nature, art, and flavor. Industrial Designer and Creative Director for the KENNETH COBONPUE brand, Kenneth Cobonpue is the Design Visionnaire behind FABLE Café + Lounge. “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,” expresses Kenneth. It is a space where nature, art, and culinary experiences seamlessly converge. He initially envisioned a simple café for his Manila showroom. But with Kenneth, nothing is ever just simple. The concept developed into a captivating space that embodies Cobonpue’s distinct design philosophy, blending art, nature, and craftsmanship.Designed with Emotion, Inspired by NatureRenowned globally for his signature style: “Unique objects inspired by nature, designed with emotion, and crafted by hand,” Cobonpue launches FABLE as a truly immersive dining experience. Its interior is a space that feels both grounded in nature and elevated by his signature design sensibility. A tactile exploration of organic textures, with rattan, bamboo, and handwoven fabrics, layering the space with warmth and depth. These materials are not only aesthetically pleasing but also sustainable, aligning with Cobonpue’s commitment to using resources that are as kind to the environment as they are to the eye. Stepping into Fable is an invitation into an abstract representation of the natural world. Cobonpue, whose work often blurs the lines between furniture, sculpture, and art, transforms the café into a narrative-driven space. Every piece of furniture, from sculptural seating to intricate lighting fixtures, becomes part of the larger story of the space. Cobonpue’s designs transcend function, becoming thoughtful works of art that invite interaction and reflection. "Fable is a sanctuary where dining meets artistry," he explains. From intricately designed furniture to the seamless interplay of textures and lighting, every detail reflects his creative philosophy. "I wanted to craft a space where every element tells a story, evoking wonder and connection. This is my interpretation of nature—how even in its artificial form, it continues to inspire, captivate, and enchant us," he adds.A World of Ethereal InteriorsLocated at the corner of 36th Street and 8th Avenue in the swanky Bonifacio Global City, Fable feels like stepping into an ethereal dreamscape—where nature meets artistry in the most imaginative ways. Giant fabric leaves climb the walls, mingling with oversized, vibrant fabric flowers that seem to bloom endlessly. Above you, delicate light canopies take the shape of floating flowers, casting a soft, otherworldly glow, while illuminated paper clouds drift lazily overhead, enhancing the sense of being transported to a whimsical sanctuary. A standout feature is the playful DJ booth, designed as a carabao—the Filipino water buffalo—adding a charming local touch and serving as a delightful focal point in this enchanting sanctuary.Curio hanging lamps reinterpret the 18th-century European tradition of the cabinet of curiosities, offering a thought-provoking interplay between beauty and nature. These hollowed and reimagined forms invite you to look beyond their surface, shifting your focus to the artistry of their construction and the materials that surround them.Along the walls, giant dew drops glisten in the warm light, creating a magical backdrop for a gallery of refined spirits; and a whimsical cat with a lighted tail hat adds to Fable’s sense of wonder, as though the space itself were alive with stories waiting to be discovered. Fable’s table setting is an artful extension designed to resemble miniature gardens. Asymmetrical plates mimic the natural curves of leaves and petals, while cutlery rests delicately on sculpted creatures that seem plucked from the surrounding whimsy. Every element is thoughtfully composed, creating a visual and sensory feast that immerses you in a realm of enchantment and elegance.Experience Elevated Dining, Day to NightA perfect fusion of casual fine dining and vibrant lounge energy, FABLE opens from 11:00 AM until late into the night. By day, it is a sanctuary of flavor, where guests can savor a thoughtfully curated menu of globally inspired dishes, paired with specialty coffee. Scrumptious brunch specials, served daily from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM, add a touch of indulgence to the morning. At night, the space transforms into an elegant dining haven, where the evening comes alive with two exclusive dinner seating: 6-8 PM, and 8-10 PM. The ambiance shifts, inviting guests to unwind as curated music take center stage after 10PM.Beyond Dining: A Cultural ExperienceWithin the same space, Kenneth Cobonpue’s showroom invites guests to immerse themselves in his iconic designs, showcasing timeless classics alongside new collections, many of which are seamlessly integrated into Fable’s interiors. Adding another layer of creativity, the upcoming CLOUDGREY Gallery featuring works by Ronald Ventura and other Southeast Asian artists, brings a vibrant art scene into the mix. At the KENNETHCOBONPUE showroom, dining, design, and visual art don’t simply coexist—they harmoniously converge, creating a holistic, immersive experience that inspires and celebrates art in all its forms.__Follow @fablecafelounge on Instagram and @fablecafé+lounge on Facebook. Explore their Story Highlights to see Fable’s menu. For reservations, call or message +63 (919) 267 8000.
February 14, 2025
