Cafe Ysabel bids farewell with Chef Gene Gonzalez exhibit
MANILA, Philippines – Chef Gene Gonzalez has always been known as a multi-talented artist. Aside from being an award-winning chef and restaurateur who founded the timeless Café Ysabel and the prestigious Center for Asian Culinary Studies (CACS), he is a painter and a metal sculptor who has done six one-man painting shows and a seventh show featuring metal sculptures.
Three years ago, he started on yet another form of art — glass sculptures. Inspired by renowned glass artist Ramon Orlina, he began his new artistic journey, backed by his knowledge on construction and the arts. He indulged in the craft for long hours using abrasive discs and polishing pads and cerium oxide powders, on molten discards a friend provided him from the factory. His first piece was called "Harmony of Flavors," which was dedicated to his work as a chef, culinary instructor, and restaurateur.
While admitting that his materials were “very basic and primitive” and his first pieces “crude and rough,” Chef Gene never lost his passion for glass art. He pushed on, allowing himself to build objects of art based on his freewheeling style, and kept improving as he went along.
“I have discovered how beautiful glass is. It changes from time of day as light changes. It changes the way it looks from the angle where you view it. It changes form when your mood changes, as it can be a vehicle for contemplation,” Chef Gene said.
This newfound love for glass has led Chef Gene to stage "Glass by Gene: An Exhibition of Glass Sculptures" at Café Ysabel on July 23, 2026. It was a special one-day exhibit that marked the final day of Café Ysabel at its present location, 175 M. Paterno St., San Juan City.
Carrying a significance beyond art, the event gave visitors a chance to be part of the closing chapter of one of San Juan’s beloved cultural and culinary spaces while experiencing an extraordinary collection that would never be repeated.
"Glass by Gene" presented a very personal collection of original optical glass sculptures that reflect years of artistic exploration and expression. Long recognized for his contributions to culinary arts, Chef Gene showed yet another side of his creative journey through works that explored themes of memory, transformation, hope, relationships, and time. The collection featured 20 original optical glass sculptures born from a process of experimentation, patience, and artistic reflection.
Chef Gene pointed out that visitors who attended the exhibit not only experienced an exclusive artistic debut but also participated in a historic farewell — where two stories intersect: the unveiling of a singular art collection and the closing of a place that has shaped memories for generations.
Café Ysabel, though, will be back before the year ends.
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