This Beloved Coffee Shop Celebrates Women in Every Way Possible

More than just a caffeine fix, Starbucks Philippines is turning every cup into a celebration of women, art, and empowerment this International Women’s Month

Words Mika Reyes
Photos courtesy of Starbucks
March 6, 2025

Coffee and women have long shared a quiet kinship—both strong, complex, and essential in ways we often overlook. Women, as much as men, have been fueling their days with coffee, but we never quite considered how their relationship could run deeper than a simple morning brew. That is, until Starbucks showed us. This International Women’s Month, Starbucks Philippines is proving that coffee is more than just a beverage; it’s a canvas for creativity, a catalyst for change, and a vessel for empowerment.

In the heart of Manila, a beloved café is stirring up more than espresso shots. Starbucks Philippines is transforming its stores into creative sanctuaries—blending the aroma of freshly brewed coffee with the essence of art and empowerment. Through its #StrongLikeCoffee campaign, the coffee giant is not only championing women in the arts but also fostering the next generation of creatives.

At the Starbucks Abad Santos Tondo Community Store, a recent fireside chat set the stage for meaningful conversations. Filipino artists, whose works have long adorned Starbucks locations, gathered to share their journeys—stories of perseverance, passion, and the unwavering strength of women in the creative industry. The conversation was about the men who advocate for women, the youth who look up to them, and the communities they uplift.

In true Starbucks fashion, the celebration extends beyond conversation. Beginning February 28, exclusive #StrongLikeCoffee notecards, each designed by one of the featured artists, will be available at select Starbucks Community Stores. A portion of the proceeds will support youth education, reinforcing the company’s commitment to nurturing future talents.

The Artists Who Pour Creativity into Every Cup

Starbucks Philippines has long been a patron of local artists, transforming its spaces into galleries of Filipino creativity. This year, four remarkable talents have lent their artistry to the #StrongLikeCoffee initiative, each infusing their unique perspective into limited-edition notecards.

Anina Rubio

A multi-disciplinary artist and environmental advocate, Anina Rubio’s work is a testament to resilience and growth. Her notecard, Flourish with Grace, mirrors nature’s quiet strength, a metaphor for the women who bloom despite adversity. A glimpse of her past work—a mural of lush flora and fauna at Starbucks Abad Santos Tondo—reveals the same vibrant energy that she brings to this campaign.

Aze Ong

Known for her fiber art, Aze Ong’s hands have spun intricate narratives of history, culture, and community. Her featured piece, Light of Beings, uses crocheted leaves to symbolize the diversity of individuals who find common ground over a shared cup of coffee. It’s an artistic ode to unity, much like her current installation at Starbucks Hiraya in Tagaytay.

Tara Soriano

Blending her background in interior architecture with an imaginative approach to art, Tara Soriano crafts visual experiences that leave lasting impressions. Her contribution, Peacock’s Paradise, is a tribute to a dear friend—vibrant, confident, and radiant, much like the women who inspire her. Her past work at the Starbucks Maysilo Circle Community Store reimagines the power of books and coffee, turning the space into a haven of creativity.

Alab Pagarigan

Sculptor Alab Pagarigan takes an unconventional approach to storytelling through form and structure. His #StrongLikeCoffee notecard, Roots, presents an inverted coffee tree—an artistic reflection of the journey from farm to cup. Beyond coffee, it symbolizes the love and labor poured into every stage of creation, whether in art or in life. His first Starbucks collaboration, showcased at Shangri-La The Fort, speaks volumes about his ability to reimagine resilience through sculpture.

Brewing a Future of Empowerment

“This International Women’s Month, we celebrate those who uplift and inspire,” says Jamie Silva, Senior Marketing Manager at Starbucks Philippines. “By bringing together talented Filipino artists and youth from our Community Store nonprofit partners, we’ve created a space for dialogue and empowerment. We believe that art, like coffee, connects us, sparks creativity, and inspires positive change.”

The #StrongLikeCoffee Conversations will continue beyond the fireside chats, extending into youth art workshops that offer aspiring creatives the mentorship and resources they need to thrive. With each brushstroke and every cup served, Starbucks Philippines is proving that coffee isn’t just about caffeine—it’s about community, creativity, and championing those who dare to dream.