Known as the largest convenience store chain in the world, 7-Eleven has become a staple in the lives of many Filipinos. You can find their stores every few blocks across the country, cementing their role as the people’s trusted kapitbahays (neighbors) who serve and support their everyday needs.

7-Eleven’s in-house coffee brand, City Café (CC), is a testament to that commitment, providing every Filipino with their favorite coffee fix to get them through their hectic daily schedules. Last Mar. 26, the brand launched an exciting new era as they welcomed a new member to their family, who will help them in ushering in new and exciting things to your coffee experience.

“More than just an establishment, what we really want to be is a companion wherever, whenever. If 7-Eleven is your trusted neighbor, then City Café is your bestie, your reliable go-to that’s always there to keep you fueled day and night,” said Valerie Uy, Marketing Communications Division Head of 7-Eleven Philippines. “Over the years, we’ve seen coffee culture evolve in amazing ways, especially here in the Philippines. We’ve seen more young people embrace coffee, experiment with flavors, and make it a central part of their lifestyle. We’re so excited to introduce something new today, and we are sure that you’re going to love what we have in store for you this year.”

City Café plays a key part in how 7-Eleven builds brand love, and this year, they’re giving you more reasons to enjoy coffee at the most affordable price and premium quality alongside their newest ambassador, Darren Espanto. The singer and actor stepped up on stage and officially revealed himself as CC’s newest bestie in a launch event at 7-Eleven’s 4,000th store located in Newport Circle, Pasay City. The event was filled with DARRENatics, 7-Eleven executives, and friends from the media as they welcomed the charismatic singer to the CC family.

In line with the celebration, City Café also announced a special promo. Coffee lovers can enjoy any small City Café drink (hot or iced) for only P30 until Apr. 1!

“I feel like I drink coffee so much that I’ve manifested a project like this,” Darren said when asked how he felt after being chosen as the new brand ambassador. “Everything happens so fast, and I just feel so grateful!”

The actor also shared how he always started his day with coffee and was an avid drinker, relying on the beverage to keep him energized through his busy schedules.

“At the start of my day, coffee po agad (I have coffee first thing)! I usually enjoy it iced. When the days are long because of work, I try to pace my coffee drinking if I need to get energized again. Usually before showtime, or if I have stuff to do afterward.”

As part of the celebrations, Darren also got to play Barista for the day and made coffee for some of his supportive fans.

For those who live an active lifestyle like Darren, City Café provides a variety of blends that can keep you fueled throughout the day or night. These include Americano, French Vanilla Cappuccino, Mochaccino, and Spanish Latte, which you can enjoy iced or hot. For the hot beverages, you can also get a shot of espresso, a Classic Brewed Coffee, or their Signature Hot Chocolate. Iced beverages have standard regular sizes and are priced at P49 (P47 for Americano), while hot drinks can be as low as P30 (small), P45 (medium), and P55 (large) per cup. You can get your coffee from their shiny self-service coffee machines. Just grab a cup, tap your coffee of choice on the screen, and let it brew! Afterward, just pay at the counter, and you’re good to go. It’s that simple!

When asked how the coffee selection was curated, CC executives replied that it was all based on consumer preferences.

“At 7-Eleven, delighting the customers is at the heart of what we do, and for the CC team, it means actively listening to what the consumers want and keeping up with the trends, ensuring that we deliver high-quality products,” said Sette Bañez, Marketing Communications Section Manager of 7-Eleven Philippines.

“This has been the brand’s approach over the years. The strongest testament to that commitment was the launch of City Café’s Iced Coffee, which was driven by the insight that more and more consumers, especially Gen Zs, prefer their coffee iced. So whatever we do, rest assured it will be guided by and shaped by the consumer’s preferences — from new product launches to exciting promotions.”

Darren also encouraged everyone to try out City Café, because not only is it affordable, it's also premiumcoffee made from 100% Arabica beans. He shared that although a simple black Americano is his go-to coffee drink, he holds an exception for CC’s Spanish Latte and French Vanilla Cappuccino, which he said are his preferred pick-me-up drinks.

“Aside from the taste, it’s a different flavor. Nakaka-happy siya (It makes me happy),” he said.

From classic brews to trendy new twists, coffee has become more than just a drink but an experience that many people enjoy and look forward to, and CC has much to offer in the next few months with this collaboration.

Charlene Harn, Section manager for Cup Drinks at 7-Eleven Philippines, passionately told us about the projects their coffee brand has launched and how they intend to push the boundaries of Filipinos’ coffee experience further in the coming weeks.

“Starting today until Apr. 1, we are offering as much as a P7 discount on any small City Café drink. On the sustainability side of things, our campaign ‘Good Coffee, Good Habits’ allows you to avail a P5 discount when you bring your tumbler or reusable cup for your coffee,” she said. “But what is next for City Café? We are not here for nothing, we can only go bigger, bolder, stronger, and better! The sky is the limit for City Café. We don’t want to spoil the surprises, but one thing is for sure: with Darren, your kapitbahays, and coffee besties in tow, leveling up your bean-to-cup experience with City Café will always be our priority. Whenever, wherever.”

To get the latest updates and all the exciting brews to come, follow 7-Eleven Philippines on Facebook,  Instagram, and TikTok.