It's Me, Gracee: Miguel Tanfelix

City Cafe Besties Over Coffee: Gen Z Friends Darren Espanto, Cassy Legaspi, and Miguel Tanfelix Share their Go-To Coffee Orders

7 Eleven City Cafe Tuesday, March 24, 2026

For Gen Z besties Darren Espanto, Cassy Legaspi, and Miguel Tanfelix, coffee plays various roles in their routines - but it’s one thing they all have in common; whether they’re powering through packed schedules or taking a moment to slow down. As the trio works with City Cafe to empower the youth through meaningful moments and real connection with coffee at the center, it’s also worth asking how the Next Gen Besties like their coffee.

The besties and their coffee orders

Energetic and always on the go, Darren keeps his coffee order strong and straightforward: “No creamer and no sugar for maximum caffeine!” he exclaimed. “I keep my coffee order straight to the point since I need a lot of energy to keep me fueled throughout the day. But when I’m not working, I try to slow down and keep my coffee order a little milder – I might try a French Vanilla on my days off.”

Cassy keeps it sweet and creamy with a latte. “I need something mild and friendly to my tummy as I usually drink a few cups a day. Of course, I experiment with other coffee orders, but right now my hyperfixation is a latte. For me, coffee is not just a drink, but an experience you should savor, so I try to slow down and really appreciate the warm cup in my hands as I sip my coffee.”

Ever the adventurer, Miguel likes his coffee like the sun shining on his face: waking him up and getting him ready to conquer the day. “I’m a certified iced coffee lover! I like it iced, so I can just grab one quickly and get on with my day. As soon as my iced coffee hits my mouth, I feel energized and excited to face the day: busy shoot day man ‘yan or a casual hangout with my friends and family.”

Despite their different coffee preferences - from bold, black coffee to creamy lattes and iced picks - their coffee choice reflects how coffee today is less about a fixed routine and more about flexibility, adapting to different moods, routines, and lifestyles.

Coffee that fits into everyday

As more Filipinos look for convenient yet quality coffee options, City Cafe has become an everyday go-to for coffee runs. Available in thousands of stores nationwide, it offers an easy way to grab a freshly brewed cup without disrupting the flow of a busy day.

“City Cafe offers both value and convenience to our customers. We've taken the time to source high-quality 100% Arabica beans, roast them, and deliver them so the peak flavors reach our customers just in time,” said Armi Cagasan, Strategic Merchandise Division Head. “We want the Filipino youth to feel empowered in the small and big moments of their day—and by taking inspiration from Darren, Cassy, and Miguel, who have been each other’s support system, we hope the youth see City Cafe as their everyday coffee companion.”

That sense of relatability is exactly what defines a City Cafe Next Gen Bestie.

“Darren already embodies that connection with our Coffee Besties. Cassy and Miguel were natural additions because they bring a fresh and youthful dynamic that complements Darren well,” shares Valerie Gayle Uy-Timan, Marketing Communications Division Head. “They are also real-life besties, which makes their chemistry feel natural and authentic. Together, they represent City Cafe Next Gen Besties that enjoy coffee as part of their daily lifestyle.”

With a wide range of coffee options—from bold brewed coffee to flavored favorites like French Vanilla, Mochaccino, and Hershey’s Dark Chocolate with Flavored Syrups, Caramel, and Hazelnut—City Cafe continues to cater to different tastes and routines. Seasonal offerings like Banana Latte and Matcha Latte are coming soon for City Cafe which will also give coffee drinkers something new to look forward to.

As more Filipinos embrace coffee as part of their daily routine, City Cafe’s Next Gen Besties campaign highlights what makes these moments meaningful—simple, shared, and easy to fit into everyday life. Whether it’s a strong cup to start the day, an iced coffee on the go, or a quick pause in between commitments, drinking coffee today is less about slowing down completely and more about the moments in between.

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Miguel Tanfelix and Bianca Umali to launch “Pass-A-Book ni BiGuel” project

Bianca Umali Thursday, August 20, 2015

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GMA Bloggers Style Camp: Where the most Creative Reigns Supreme

Bianca Umali Sunday, July 19, 2015

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Alexa Ilacad is the Newest BUM Brand Ambassador

Alexa Ilacad Wednesday, June 03, 2015

Not long ago when we saw Alexa Ilacad as one of those adorable kids who made us laugh in Goin' Bulilit. She was a mainstay of the said kiddie show for 5 years and now that she grew up to be a very fine lady, she's been receiving projects here and there and we couldn't get enough of her.

Aside from doing commercials, and a top rating teleserye "Bagito" with Nash Aguas, blessings just kept pouring in for Alexa as this year, she was formally announced as the newest teen ambassador for BUM Equipment and their Black 2 School campaign held last May 28 held at the Sequoia Hotel in Quezon City. During the said event, Nash Aguas surprised Alexa and paid her a visit with matching flowers.

Although Alexa has different projects, she makes it sure that she never a miss a thing with school. She is an incoming fourth year high school student at the Christian Legacy home school program this coming semester. According to Alexa, Education is very important to her and she wants to be an a Business woman someday which is why she wants to take up Business and Accounting.

This 15-year-old fashionista proves to be a perfect fit for the brand because she’s the adventurous type whose style can go from girly-girl to hip and rugged. Alexa said that she's been a big fan of BUM and it was a big blessing to be part of such an iconic brand. She added that she loves all their design. Before the photo shoot, she even practiced how to the pose like what the other BUM endorses do. She added that she's friends with all of the endorsers and it was fun working with them.

“Super happy ako to be a BUM endorser kasi I can show my versatility through BUM. Sobrangastig ng mgadamitnila. Kahit lagi akong pa-girly in colorful and bright outfits, favorite ko din ’yung dark colors kasi mahilig ako sa rock eh;minsan nga feeling ko rakista ako eh! With the clothes from BUM, I can enjoy and show the best of both worlds,”

Alexa says.

That said, her favorite #OOTD-worthy BUM pieces likewise vary from the colorful girly dresses to the rocker-chic hoodies and skull-print tees to the comfy and stretchable jeans—all useful in the various roles she plays as an actress, student and normal teenager.

Alexa’s first campaign shoot with BUM is for the “Black2School” collection, wherein she got to work with the brand’s other ambassadors, which include Nash, her onscreen partner and the other half of “NLex” love team.

Since it was her first time to shoot an edgy and fierce campaign, Alexa shared that Nash helped calm her nerves as he tried to make the shoot feel lighter and more fun for her. She shares, “Masaya mag-work ’pagmeronkangka-close. Si Nash, nakatulong talaga siya sa akin sa shoot kasi naging mas masaya ang first shoot ko with BUM.”

With the recent success of Nash and Alexa’s last TV show, Bagito, the NLex love team (which started in Goin' Bulilit) has gained more fans, who cannot wait until the two’s next project. In the meantime,fans can look forward to the couple tees soon to be launched by BUM, whose campaign will star this cute duo.A sneak peek of the collection of cute his-and-hers matching tops by BUM, with cool rib cage, skull and graphic prints, was seen in the brand's last "Black2School" collection; the campaign showed Nash in a blue roundneck statement tee that says "I Stole Her Heart" and Alexa clad in a matching pink roundneck statement tee whose print reads "So I am Stealing His Heart."

It hasn’t been long since Alexa did her first BUM campaign shoot, and now she’s already looking forward to the next. While that is in the works, Alexa has taken it upon herself to give her fellow young girls a bunch of style inspirations by posting occasional #OOTDs on her Instagram account (which currently has about 272,000 followers). “Ang dami ko na ngang #OOTD na naka-BUM. Excited na akoi-post,” she quips. Now, girls, that’s something worth double tapping!BUM’s “Black2School” is available at BUM boutiques and leading department stores nationwide.

BUM has always been the brand of choice of both up-and-coming and most sought-after teen celebrities, like ABS-CBN’s Nash Aguas, Ella Cruz and Jane Oineza, and GMA-7’s Bianca Umali and Miguel Tanfelix (who are collectively known as the “Black Army”).

Fashion can be a form of self-expression and a representation of one’s personality, more so for today’s teens who are brimming with youthful enthusiasm and are in the process of discovering themselves.

Ella Cruz and Jane Oineza

Miguel Tanfelix and Bianca Umali

A clothing brand known for catering to the young segment of fashionistas, BUM keeps up with their market’s ever-evolving tastes and preferences not only by launching trendy casual garbs but by also providing them with new role models and style icons they can take cues from.

For more information about BUM’s “Black2School”, visit www.bumequipment.com.ph or

Like their Facebook page via: https://www.facebook.com/officialbumph

@officialbumph” on Twitter, Instagram or Facebook.

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Don't Miss the Final Week of Once Upon a Kiss via GMA Telebabad

Bianca Umali Sunday, April 26, 2015

Once Upon a Kiss premiered last January 2015 and after four months of its wonderful airing, they will be showing their last two weeks and I'm sure Miguel Tanfelix and Bianca Umali's fans will be a sad about this news especially those who grew fond of their characters as Señorito Prince Pelaez-Almario and Mariella "Ella" Servando-Rodrigo.

We were able to witness how they work during our set visit at Once Upon a Kiss and it was really intense especially when Mylene Dizon is around. She's like one of my favorite actress and I can feel the intensity of her lines while watching her in flesh. As for Miguel Tanfelix, he has grown into a more mature actor. Doing scenes with the prime actors around them, Bianca and Miguel has improve more than ever. They can really give out their best whether it may be drama or comedy since they are also part of GMA Network's sitcom Ismol Family.

Cai Cortez was also present during our set visit and I really like her. She's bubbly and she can portray any role given to her. She plays the role of Yaya Fiona Allegre.

Also present during the set visit were Mariel Pamintuan as Athena Pelaez-Almario and Miggy Jimenez as Mickey Abueva. Both were from GMA Artist Center. They're both studying and it's nice how they can balance school with studies. Both executed really good acting skills in this teleserye and we hope to see more of them soon.

Ms. Nova Villa plays Adelaida 'Adela' Servando-Rodrigo in Once Upon a Kiss.

They shot most of the scenes at Hacienda Isabella, Tagaytay and it's really a beautiful place.

According to Bianca, this teleserye has a special place in her heart because she have worked with the best actors and actress in this soap plus it was also directed by no less than Bb. Joyce Bernal. Bianca added that she learned a lot of things from Direk Joyce and on top of that list is being professional is this line of work. She had fun working with her and she is also not that strict with them.

Check out her interview here:

Don't miss the last few weeks of Once Upon a Kiss via GMA Telebabad Primetime block weekdays.

For more details:

https://www.facebook.com/7OnceUponAKiss

www.gmanetwork.com

https://www.facebook.com/GMANetwork

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BUM’s Black Summer Collection: An Alternative Inspiration

Bianca Umali Monday, March 02, 2015

BUM, a leading teen generation's clothing brand will showcase something really exciting this summer season that will help them have more options because let's face it, youth of today are more empowered and more enthusiastic to make things happen.

After BUM’s successful campaign on “Unleash Your RealiTee”, comes another unconventional attempt to provide an alternative inspiration for today’s youth in clothing—the Black Summer Collection. Contrary to the usual choice of hues for tropical summer setting—floral designs, neon or pastels are the most likely preference for get ups. BUM takes on a different route and still aligned to its thrust of motivating the Filipino youth to be ‘stylish’, ‘adventurous’, ‘liberating’, and ‘tactful’ at the same time.

BUM known for its atypical concept in sense and style, it has successfully put together teen stars in Philippine entertainment industry; dominated by two of the largest television networks—the Kapamilya and Kapuso stations—Ella Cruz, Nash Aguas, Jane Oineza, Miguel Tanfelix and Bianca Umali were chosen to represent the brand. These five young stars best reflect how the common youth want to be identified, accepted, and respected as individuals and as groups.

Nash Aguas & Ella Cruz

Bianca Umali & Miguel Tanfelix

Bianca Umali, Jane Oineza & Ella Cruz

Black Summer Collection offers a unique blend of designs and hues matched with its overarching black theme.It creates varied physical and psychological effects for its intended market—the Filipino youth. Black is being capitalized by BUM because it reflects and communicates—glamour, sophistication, and exclusivity altogether.

In March this year, BUM’s Black Summer Collection debunks the idea of black as conventional, conservative and serious since it is presented in a youthful manner with a refreshing twist in fashion sensibility.

Black Summer Collections is available in all of BUM’s boutiques and leading department stores nationwide.