The Brand

Kenneth Cobonpue

Kenneth Cobonpue is a multi awarded industrial designer and manufacturer from the Philippines. 


He graduated with a degree in Industrial Design at the Pratt Institute in New York (1991) and subsequently worked and studied in Italy and Germany. 


In 1995, he returned to the Philippines to manage the furniture company of his mother Betty, a well design pioneer in rattan furniture. In 1998, he established his own brand which is known for unique and artistic handmade designs. The company that he leads today has more than 300 employees and craftsmen based on the island of Cebu, and has offices and showrooms in Germany, Portugal, Manila and the USA. His designs have been featured in many full length films and counts among its clientele many celebrities and members of royalty. 


With his masterful way of integrating nature, traditional crafts and technology, Cobonpue has earned international awards and recognition for his designs, among them Japan’s Good Design

Award, the Design for Asia Award, and the ICFF Craftsmanship Award. Maison et Object awarded him the first Asian Designer of the Year Title, and in 2006, TIME magazine dubbed him “ Rattan’s great virtuoso” 


In 2020, the Cultural Center of the Philippines awarded him their highest prize for his contribution to Filipino culture and design.  


Cobonpue founded the Industrial Design Program in the University of the Philippines – Cebu; and became the Chairman of the Department of Industrial Design at De La Salle – College of Saint Benilde. 


He holds several key government and private positions, and sits on the board of several businesses and organizations. He reveals new work each year in Milan, North Carolina, New York and Singapore, and gives talks about Asian design all over the world. Cobonpue continually mentors young designers and leads a new generation of Southeast Asian designers trying to find their unique voice in the global world of design.

Kenneth Cobonpue

Working closely with some of the world’s leading designers, from household names to emerging talents, Kenneth has been pushing the envelope for design in the Philippines and sharing his vision to a global audience.


Awards to his credit include five (5) Japan Good Design Awards, the grand prize at Singapore International Design Competition, the Design for Asia Award of Hong Kong, the American Society of Interior Design Top Pick selection and the French Coup de Coeur award.

Working Closely

Kenneth reveals new work each year in design shows from Milan to New York, and he speaks regularly about design all over the world. He has also appeared in European television and in countless international magazines and newspapers around the world.


Various Cobonpue designs have also appeared in full-length feature films and television, such as Oceans 13 and CSI.

Kenneth reveals

Awards and Acknowledgement

Platinum Winner | Interior Design 2024

Univers, NUSTAR

Outstanding Property Awards London

2024

Golden Pin Design Award 2024

Awarded by

Taiwan Design Research Institute

2024

Pratt Legends

Pratt Institute of New York

2023

Impact Award

Tatler Asia's Most Influential 2023

2023

Sugbuhanong Bahandi Award

Given by Cebu City Government

2023

Rising Tigers: The Nation Builders in Asia

Asia Leaders Awards

2022

Dolce Bed. Best In Show | Bedroom Category

IFDA Excellence in Design Awards

2022

Knit Easy Armchair. Best Contract Guest Seating. 7th NYC X Design Awards

Given May 10, 2022 in Manhattan, New York, USA.

2022

Dolce Bed. Best in Show - Bedroom Case Category

High Point Market Spring 2022

2022

Asia's Most Influential

Tatler Asia

2021

Awardee | Design Category

2020 Gawad CCP Para sa Sining

2020

Cover Mirror and Little People Boomtown Lamp. Honoree | Accessories & Lamp Category

NYCxDESIGN AWARDS

2019

Zoey Recliner and Alchemy Planter. Honoree | Outdoor & Accessories Category

3rd Annual NYCxDESIGN Awards

2018

Peacock Chair. Winner. Individual Category. Lounge

IIDA/HD Product Design Competition

2018

All Star Team Award for Design Excellence

Rotary International District 3860 Conference 2017

2017

Magellan Award 2016

Global Network of Magellan Cities

2016

High-Impact Entrepreneur

Endeavor's 65th International Selectional Panel

2016

MVP Bossing Award

PLDT SME Nation

2016

Innovative Craft Award 2015

ASEAN Selection

2015

Ani ng Dangal Recognition for International Achievement in Visual Arts

National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)

2015

Designer of the Year Award

1st Edition of Maison et Objet Asia

2014

Cabaret Sofa. Outdoor Seating. Best of the Year Award

Interior Design Magazine

2012

Cabaret Collection. Top Pick Award for Innovation

Architectural Digest Home Design Show of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)

2012

Phoenix. Original Products Design Award

Modern Decoration International Media Award

2012

Top Pick Award for Innovation by American Society of Interior Designers (ASID)

Architectural Digest Home Design Show

2012

Bloom Easy Armchair. Prix D'Excellence Coup de Coeur

SIDIM Montreal

2011

Award for Most Creative Force 2011

10th Philippines Tatler Ball

2011

Outstanding Achievement in Export Marketing 2011

Agora Awards

2011

Bloom Easy Armchair. Coup de Coeur Award by Home Magazine

Maison et Objet 2009

2009

Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2009

Innovation Entrepreneur Award

2009

Lolah Easy Armchair. Outstanding Quality and Design Innovation Award

Decorex 2018

2008

A Leader of a New Movement Incorporating New Technologies with Crafts

Phaidon's & FORK

2007

Microsoft Special Award for Most Dynamic Entrepreneur 2007

2007

10 Most Outstanding Entrepreneurs 2007

Entrepreneur Magazine

2007

Noodle Collection. Best Indoor Furniture. 13 Mugna Design Prizes for Exhibition and Product Design 2007

Cebu International Furniture & Furnishings Exhibition | Cebu City, Philippines

2007

Noodle Collection. Best Indoor Furniture. 13 Mugna Design Prizes for Exhibition and Product Design

2007

Rattan's First Virtuoso

Time Magazine

2006

Balou Chair, outdoor. Outstanding Design Prize

2005 High Point Show

2005

Lolah Collection, outdoor. Best Seating. Design Excellence Award

9th Annual IIDA/Hospitality Design Product Competition

2005

Dimple Chair, outdoor. Best Seating. Design Excellence Award

9th Annual IIDA/Hospitality Design Product Competition

2005

Lolah Collection. Design for Asia Awards 2005

Business of Design Week by the Hong Kong Design Centre

2005

Dimple Chair, outdoor. Best Seating. Design Excellence Award

9th Annual IIDA/Hospitality Design Product Competition

2005

Awardee

Ten Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines

2004

C U C Me Screen,Good Design Award,ASEAN Design Collection,Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization

2004

Pigalle Easy Armchair, Kabuki Cabinet, One Night Stand Sofa, C U C Me Screen. Good Design Award 2004 ASEAN Design Collection

2004

Pigalle Easy Armchair, Kabuki Cabinet, One Night Stand Sofa, C U C Me Screen. Good Design Award 2004 ASEAN Design Collection

Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization

2004

2004 Perlas Award for Outstanding Cebuano

2004 Perlas Award

2004

Croissant Collection. First Prize, Open Design Category

Singapore International Furniture Design Competition

2004

Voyage Bed and Yin & Yang Easy Armchair. Good Design Award 2003 ASEAN Design Collection

Japan Industrial Design Promotion Organization

2003

Presidential Citation for Embodying Ideals of Asian Design

Given by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

2002

Golden Shell Award 2002

Given by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

2002

Craftsmanship Award

International Contemporary Furniture Fair

2001

13 Mugna Design Prizes for Exhibition and Product Design

Cebu International Furniture & Furnishings Exhibitions

5 Katha Design Awards for Product Design

Philippine Furniture Industries Foundation

Ten Most Outstanding Alumni

Given on the 50th Year of the Founding of Sacred Heart School for Boys

International Design Yearbook

Several of Kenneth Cobonpue's designs were selected for several editions of the International Design Yearbook.

Other Stories

A Sanctuary of Design: The KENNETHCOBONPUE Manila Showroom Opens in BGC

News

A Sanctuary of Design: The KENNETHCOBONPUE Manila Showroom Opens in BGC

Nestled in the heart of Bonifacio Global City, the KENNETHCOBONPUE Showroom invites you into a reimagined space where art and nature intertwine. Every detail within the showroom is thoughtfully curated—not merely to display furniture, but to tell a story that awakens the senses and stirs the soul.As you step inside, you are transported into a world where organic forms and innovative design exist in perfect harmony. The space reflects KENNETHCOBONPUE’s signature approach—blurring the line between the natural and the crafted. Each piece resonates with the beauty of the outdoors while embodying the elegance of modern living. It is a place where nostalgia meets curiosity, inviting you to explore the quiet luxury that comes from materials transformed by skilled hands.The ambiance encourages you to pause and immerse yourself in the artistry around you. Whether it’s the gentle curve of a rattan frame, the tactile richness of handwoven fibers, or the sculptural silhouettes inspired by nature, each piece tells a story of heritage, innovation, and timeless beauty. More than a showroom, it is an experience—a sanctuary that leaves you with a sense of inspiration, tranquility, and joy that lingers long after you depart.Located at the corner of 8th Avenue and 36th Street in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, the KENNETHCOBONPUE Showroom is open for those seeking to discover the transformative power of design. Step inside. Pause. Breathe. Let the journey begin.
May 14, 2025
A Feast for The Senses

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.
May 14, 2025