Kapamilya actor Daniel Padilla is embracing a new chapter in his life as he officially steps into his 30s — and he’s doing so with a clearer sense of purpose, balance, and self-awareness.
At a media event held at Shangri-La The Fort on June 18, 2025, for the renewal of his endorsement contract with Don Macchiatos, the actor candidly opened up about the personal and professional changes he’s undergone as he leaves his twenties behind.
“Siyempre, hindi ko naman maiisa-isa ang pagbabago… we just grow with all the experiences that we’ve been through. I could say na I have more wisdom and composure siguro,” Daniel shared, reflecting on his growth.
Once known as the “Teen King” of Philippine showbiz, Daniel now chooses to live with intention. When asked if he feels happier these days, he replied, “To be happy is… very subjective iyon. Mas may purpose po ako ngayon sa buhay.”
He added, “Araw-araw akong gumigising na may purpose ako. Araw-araw yun. Hindi ako naliligaw sa ano ang gusto kong mangyari sa akin.”
And when pressed on what that purpose is, he smiled and teased: “Secret!” before seriously adding, “Panginoon lang. Panginoon lang.”
Daniel acknowledged that the pressures and pace of his 20s were different. Now, things have slowed down just enough to help him make space for what matters most.
“It’s just the balance. Number one yun para sa akin. Pangalawa, I just think it’s the timing. Kasi before, talagang sobrang busy, kinikilala mo pa ang sarili mo. And now, siguro mas kilala ko na ang sarili ko ngayon.”
The actor is now enjoying the simple things: camping trips, bonfires, cooking with his hands, motorbiking, and swimming — experiences that allow him to disconnect and reconnect with real life.
He also admitted to developing a new habit — coffee — thanks to 4 a.m. tapings for Incognito, his hit action series that is now nearing its finale.
“Actually natuto akong magkape noong magsimula itong ‘Incognito’… Dahil ang mga kasama ko, lalo si Tito Ian (Veneracion), yun talaga ay magpaka-coffee person, tinuruan niya akong magkape sa umaga. Nakakakuha ako ng energy.”
Asked what his “coffee personality” is, Daniel laughed, “Depende sa kasama. Pwedeng strong and bold or creamy and sweet.”
Now a self-proclaimed early riser, Daniel starts his day with meditation and coffee, followed by doing “as much as I can” within the day.
“Hindi ako mapakali na wala akong ginagawa. So lahat ng pwede kong gawin sa araw na ito, ginagawa ko na. I want to be productive.”
He even joked that he feels restless when idle — a far cry from his more laid-back younger years.
Daniel’s renewal with Don Macchiatos is more than just a commercial agreement — it’s a testament to mutual respect.
“It’s the relationship. That’s the most important thing for me now. What I’ve learned is: You don’t just treat each other as colleagues but also friends. Mahalagang mahalaga na sa akin yun.”
He praised the brand for letting him stay true to himself. “They didn’t try to change that for their own (benefit)… I’m just grateful they let me be me.”
Don Macchiatos, a Cebu-based brand offering ₱39 coffee made from locally sourced ingredients, has expanded to 850 branches nationwide, thanks in part to Daniel’s influence. The company is now preparing for its first international branch in Dubai, where Daniel is expected to join the launch.
While he has no confirmed projects after Incognito, Daniel said he’s open to doing more action in the future.
“I’ll stay with action muna. Enjoy ako sa ginagawa ko now.”
