Actor Daniel Padilla has renewed his endorsement contract with Don Macchiatos, a homegrown Cebu-based coffee brand, at a formal signing event held Wednesday at Shangri-La The Fort in Bonifacio Global City. Present at the event were Don Macchiatos CEO Bethel Jae San Juan and COO Marc Anthony Abangan, who both expressed appreciation for Padilla’s continued support.
“Si Daniel, iba talaga ang dating. Malaki ang naitulong niya noong nag-expand kami sa Luzon,” said Bethel Jae, noting that the partnership significantly boosted brand visibility across the country.
Don Macchiatos, known for its ₱39 coffee offerings made with locally sourced ingredients, began in Cebu with a single iced caramel macchiato flavor. The brand has since expanded nationwide, and according to the founders, Daniel’s endorsement played a key role in that growth.
Marketing head Ariel Aligato shared that after bringing Daniel on board a year after the brand launched, they saw a spike in franchise inquiries. “We were lucky to get him. His endorsement aligned with our values, and it helped strengthen our reach,” he said.
The company is now preparing for international expansion, with its first overseas flagship branch set to open in Dubai. “We chose Dubai because of the strong Filipino presence there,” Marc Anthony explained.
Daniel cited several reasons for renewing his contract with the brand, including the team’s professionalism and the company’s advocacy of supporting local farmers. “Madali silang katrabaho, at gusto ko talaga ’yung support nila sa local beans. That matters to me,” he said.
He also emphasized the importance of mutual respect in brand partnerships. “Hindi nila binabago kung sino ako. They allow me to stay true to myself, and that makes the work easier.”
Although Daniel was not originally a coffee drinker, he shared that he developed the habit during early-morning shoots for top-rating action-adventure series on Netflix, “Incognito.” “Natutunan ko talaga mag-kape dahil sa mga taping na nagsisimula ng alas kuwatro ng umaga,” he said. Mocha or Americano are his preferred drinks and he incorporates coffee into his daily routine.
When asked about his coffee personality, Daniel answered: “Depende sa kasama. Pwedeng strong and bold or creamy and sweet.”
Asked about changes in his life as he turned 30, Daniel said he now focuses on balance and productivity. “Mas kilala ko na ang sarili ko. Mas nababalanse ko na ang mga bagay,” he said.
Daniel’s recent project, the action series “Incognito,” is in its final weeks. He thanked viewers for their support and described the experience of filming in Marawi as memorable. “Napaka-welcoming ng mga tao roon. The community’s support made a big difference,” he said.
As for upcoming projects, the actor said he has no new commitments yet but expects to return to action roles when the right opportunity arises.
Don Macchiatos, for its part, plans to continue growing its market both locally and abroad. The team emphasized their commitment to affordable, quality coffee and their openness to future franchise partners.
“Hindi kasi kami laking sa yaman. Ako, gusto namin makapag-provide, lalo na sa students, parang yun din aura ni Daniel. Pangmasa. Nakakatindi sa masa. Sya ang first choice kasi aura pa lang, charm at influence sa tao,” Bethel Jae explained.
“Mabilis ‘yung pag-expand namin dito sa Manila because of Daniel” she continued “Naka 600 na kami sa Visayas and Mindanao tapos nung kinuha siya, ang bilis nung growth dito sa Luzon.”
With Daniel on board, they now have 850 branches nationwide. Do they plan to come up with a drink inspired by their suave endorser?
“Soon,” she said, “kung ano ang characteristics nya – medyo barako na medyo sweet.”
