This March, in celebration of International Women's Day on March 8, and  Women’s Month in the Philippines, two of Manila’s most celebrated female chefs, Chef Miko Calo of Taqueria Franco and Chef Sonja Ocampo of Cupcakes By Sonja and By Sonja, are coming together for an exciting limited-edition treat. 

For the latest installment of #FRIENDSOfFRANCOandFRIENDS, these two culinary powerhouses have created the Haute Chocolate Cupcake, a bold and decadent dessert that blends their signature styles.

The Haute Chocolate Cupcake | Photo: Cupcakes by Sonja

A perfect fusion of flavors, the Haute Chocolate Cupcake is a red velvet-based cupcake filled with a spiced Auro Chocolate ganache, topped with a spiced Auro Chocolate icing and pink peppercorns—an adventurous take on chocolate indulgence. This special collaboration will be available at Taqueria Franco, By Sonja, and all Cupcakes by Sonja stores from March 8 to March 31, making it a must-try for dessert lovers and chocolate enthusiasts alike.

Look at those luscious layers within | Photo: Taqueria Franco

For Chef Miko, this partnership was a natural choice. “I’ve always been a fan of her work and everything she’s doing. I love her café, and I thought it would be interesting to try something beyond just tacos. We wanted something fun, something that still had our signature flavors—and it’s even better since I get to work with a friend,” she shares. She emphasizes that the collaboration is more than just a one-off project — it’s a creative exchange between two chefs who share a love for bold flavors and innovation. “You know how it is when you collaborate: you share ideas, you blend creative energies, and you end up with something new and delicious. That’s the essence of our friendship and of Franco: collaborating with friends in the industry.”

Sonja Ocampo | Photo: Cupcakes by Sonja

For Chef Sonja, the decision to join forces was an easy one. “I’ve always been a fan of Miko—she’s incredibly talented, and her experience speaks for itself. Her food has always been exceptional, from Taqueria Franco to Metronome, which I miss so much,” she says. More than just a collaboration, it was also an opportunity to celebrate women in the industry. “She’s all about uplifting women, and I love that. She truly champions women, creating opportunities and fostering support.”

Sonja Ocampo and Miko Calo | Photo: Taqueria Franco

The idea for the cupcake stemmed from a shared appreciation for rich, complex flavors. “I absolutely love their signature hot chocolate tart,” says Chef Sonja. “So we took inspiration from that and reimagined it with our Red Velvet Vixen. The goal was to keep its essence while staying true to what makes our cupcakes special. It was all about balancing richness and warmth to create something familiar yet new, bringing both of our worlds together in one bite.”

Chef Miko echoes the sentiment, adding that collaborations like this are what make the culinary industry so exciting. “It’s really in the spirit of collaboration. We took what each of us already does well, put it together, and made something new,” she explains. “And it also happens to coincide nicely with Women’s Month. I wanted to share the spotlight with another woman who’s built a strong career in this industry.”

This limited edition cupcake is available only until March 31 | Photo: Cupcakes by Sonja

Beyond the flavors and creativity, this collaboration is a tribute to female chefs and entrepreneurs who continue to break barriers in the food industry. Chef Miko and Chef Sonja both believe in fostering a community where women uplift each other and create opportunities together. With the Haute Chocolate Cupcake, they’ve done just that—melding their signature styles into a one-of-a-kind creation that represents the best of what collaboration, friendship, and passion can bring.

Treat yourself to a taste of this special Women’s Month collaboration. The Haute Chocolate Cupcake will be available from March 8 to 31, 2025 at Taqueria Franco, By Sonja, and all Cupcakes by Sonja stores.