Daniel Padilla is all-fired-up when it comes to growing his investments in between his showbiz commitments.
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He and his mother Karla Estrada opened a KFC fast food restaurant in Tacloban in 2022.
He has a stake in J Castles Theme Park in Batangas, which was launched when he turned 29 in May 2024.
He also reportedly co-owns a branch of Spice Grill, a Filipino restaurant in Dubai, U.A.E.
Talking about what he learned about handling a business, Daniel told PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal),”Huwag na natin masyado pakumplikahin because I think marami pa rin ako matututunan.
“But I think the number one rule is being hands-on. Hindi puwedeng pababayaan mo lang.
“Baguhan pa ako sa mundong ito. Kaya sabi ko, gusto ko pa makausap ang mga bossing para maraming puwedeng matutunan, madiskubre. Nandun pa lang ako.”
Addressing a similar question from another reporter, he added, “Siyempre kailangan alam mo yung branding, operations. Yun lang naman.
“Your business kasi, para sa akin, is a reflection of who you are. So, pag wala akong taping, talagang I make time para daanan lahat ng mga nangyayari.”
Coupled with his endorsements and earnings as an actor, Daniel said he’s learning how to manage his finances.
Speaking to PEP, he explained, “Mahalaga iyan dahil di na rin ako bata. I just turned 30, so I have to think about my future.
“Siyempre we have to be wise. Ang pera ay kaibigan natin. Hindi natin kailangan diyusin.”
Is there anything he’s saving for?
Daniel replied, “Personally, wala na akong hihilingin pa. I’m just preparing for my future, for my family.”
PEP and other entertainment reporters interviewed Daniel at the presscon of Don Macchiatos coffee shop chain at Shangri-La BGC in Makati City on June 18, 2025.
It was the first time in a long time that Daniel sat down with the press for an afternoon of catch-up about how he is doing with his life lately.
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DANIEL PADILLA ON WANTING TO BE PRODUCTIVE
Looking fresh in his new haircut, Daniel shared how turning 30 last May has inspired him to be more purposeful about how he spends his time.
Asked to share his morning routine, the Kapamilya actor smiled broadly and said, “Simula tumapak ako ng 30, gising na ako agad ng alas-otso.
“Paggising ko ng umaga, kape na ako. Isip na ako ng mga puwede kong gawin. Unlike before, kaya ko tumambay sa bahay ng buong araw.
“Ngayon parang di ako mapakali na wala akong ginagawa. So lahat ng puwede ko gawin sa araw na 'to, gagawin ko. I want to be productive. Pero kape muna pang-boost, pang-power up lang.”
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HOW HE SPENDS HIS DAY
How he spends his day varies depending on whether he has work or not.
“If I have a free day, mas slow down nang konti. Pag may trabaho, pagkagising, meditate muna and then rock and roll na buong araw.
“Kapag nagsimula kasi ako magtrabaho, hindi ako puwede huminto. Nawawala yung momentum. 'Tapos biglang bumabagsak.
“Pag free day, outside showbiz, sa businesses naman, yun ang kailangan asikasuhin, kailangan bantayan. 'Tsaka siyempre family life. Bisita tayo ng pamilya.”
What is it like to be 30?
“Iba lang ngayon. Pero mas tumibay ang mental [state] ko ngayon kesa dati. Dati medyo mahina ang bata, e. Ngayon medyo mas tumatalas. Ha-ha-ha!"