Kapamilya star Daniel Padilla expressed heartfelt gratitude to the people of Marawi, who warmly welcomed him and the cast during the filming of his action series ‘Incognito’.
Speaking at the renewal of his endorsement deal with Don Macchiatos on Wednesday at Shangri-La The Fort in Taguig City, Padilla recalled the overwhelming hospitality they received on set.
“Araw-araw, hindi kami iniwan. One hundred percent support. Talagang sinuportahan kami. May dinner break, lunch break, binibigyan kami ng pagkain,” he shared. “Gusto ko magpasalamat sa kapatid nating Muslim.”
Reflecting on the experience of shooting in Marawi, Padilla highlighted the community’s resilience. “Iba ‘yung Marawi. It has a sad past or history. Pero ’yung mga tao ay bumabangon… At magre-rebuild sila sa pagmamahal unang-una. Iyon pinakamagandang bahagi doon. Unti-unti, gumaganda na Marawi.”
As ‘Incognito’ approaches its finale, Padilla said his bond with his co-stars — Ian Veneracion, Baron Geisler, Maris Racal, Kaila Estrada, Anthony Jennings, and Richard Gutierrez — has only grown stronger.
“Hindi biro shoots namin. Sa hirap, ginhawa magkasama kami sa lahat. Kami nag-aakbayan pati mahirap na lahat. Kami nagtatawanan. Iba ‘yung nabuo namin na grupo sa show na ito.”
The actor shared that he hopes to continue doing action projects. “I’ll stay with action muna. Enjoy ako sa ginagawa ko now.”
Aside from acting, Padilla is also exploring business ventures as a form of preparation for his future. “Hindi na rin ako bata eh, 30 na ako. So I have to think about my future na and my future plans. Siyempre, we have to be wise.”
He revealed that his partnership with Don Macchiatos — a homegrown coffee brand known for its ₱39 brews — will soon take him to the UAE as part of its international expansion. “Ako na magsasabi pupunta kami at magkikita tayo doon,” he teased.
Don Macchiatos CEO Bethel Jae San Juan credited Padilla for the brand’s rapid growth, especially in Luzon. “Si Daniel, iba talaga ang dating. Malaki ang naitulong niya noong nag-expand kami sa Luzon.”
Marketing head Ariel Aligato added, “We were lucky to get him. His endorsement aligned with our values, and it helped strengthen our reach.”
Padilla, who only started drinking coffee because of early morning tapings, now prefers mocha or americano. Asked to describe his coffee personality, he replied: “Depende sa kasama. Pwedeng strong and bold or creamy and sweet.”
He also appreciated that the brand allowed him to stay true to himself. “Hindi nila binabago kung sino ako. They allow me to stay true to myself, and that makes the work easier.”
As the brand prepares for its Dubai launch, the team hinted at a possible drink inspired by their endorser. “Soon,” said Bethel Jae. “Kung ano ang characteristics nya – medyo barako na medyo sweet.” (with reports from Loyd Pino)
