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| (Image Source: Manila Standard/foodpanda Philippines) |
It’s that time of the year again where we celebrate and honor the hardwork of workers around the world. While we usually tip our hats to traditional workers such as office-based employees, workers in the service sector and the like, there’s another group that has been making waves for a while now: freelance delivery riders. These modern-day delivery heroes do more than just drop-off our orders because they bring smiles, show incredible dedication, and go the extra mile — literally and figuratively. A number of these freelance delivery partners come from diverse backgrounds: some seek extra income, others freelance across various digital platforms, while many rely on it as their primary source of income. And the increasing number of freelance delivery partners has been made possible by the opportunities provided by digital platforms and delivery service providers – one of which is foodpanda logistics.
With their expanding fleet of motorcycle riders, bikers, e-scooters, and walkers, it’s not uncommon to see Ka-pandas who go above and beyond. And with how fast a simple post can reach many, some of these exceptional Ka-pandas have captured the hearts of netizens on social media platforms. Let’s take a look at the stories of kindness and perseverance of these trending Ka-pandas, showing us that hard work can come on two wheels and with a warm smile.
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| Ka-Panda Cherry Mae Tuba (Image Source: Manila Standard/foodpanda Philippines) |
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| Ka-Panda Anghelo Raymundo (Image Source: Manila Standard/foodpanda Philippines) |
Good Samaritan Ka-Pandas
These Ka-Pandas — an honest hero and a generous giver — deliver trust and hope, proving that even small acts of kindness can make a big difference. It was an ordinary day for Cherry Mae Tuba from Davao Del Norte but her life took a turn when she found a lost wallet and returned it to its owner, the renowned Chef Gene Gonzales who is the founder of the Center for Asian Culinary Studies (CACS). “Nung pinost po ako ni Chef Gene sa social media, marami pong nakakilala sakin at natuwa sa ginawa ko. Malaki ang nabago sa buhay ko simula nang nakilala ko si Chef Gene, lalo na nung nag-offer sya na paaralin ako nang libre sa Culinary School. Dahil hawak ko po ang oras ko nakaka-sideline pa rin po ako sa pagde-deliver para may income at nasasabay ko sa pag-aaral,” says Cherry Mae who is still taking sessions as a delivery partner while studying at CACS. Then there’s a Ka-Panda who uses his earnings to cook and distribute meals to fellow Ka-Pandas, street workers, and the homeless in his community. Anghelo Raymundo, raised in Olongapo and a Ka-Panda for over 3 years, also shares his daily routine and good deeds on social media as a vlogger. One of his videos about his charity work went viral, leading more people to know and praise him. It was even made more special when he was honored with the ‘Ka-Panda Kalinga Award’ from Golden Bamboo Awards, foodpanda logistics’ recognition program for outstanding Ka-Panda delivery partners. “Sobrang laking tulong po ni foodpanda logistics sakin nung pandemic hanggang ngayon dahil ito po ang naging source of income ko. Gusto ko pong ibalik yung blessings na natatanggap ko para makatulong din sa iba," said Anghelo.
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| Ka-Panda Michael Grulla (Image Source: Manila Standard/foodpanda Philippines) |
Ready to deliver, rain or shine
Ka-Panda Michael Grulla became a trending topic when a customer posted his resilient action of delivering an order despite the rains and floods. A lot of netizens and influencers reached out to him to commend him and send him gifts. He narrates, “Masarap pala sa pakiramdam yung sinasaluduhan ka ng mga netizens, kaibigan at mahal mo sa buhay. Hindi ko po talaga makakalimutan na nabigyan po ako ng cash at groceries ng foodpanda logistics dahil kahit papano nabawasan din po ang pinagkakautangan ko at nakakain din po ng mga masasarap."
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| Ka-Panda David Joseph Daitol (Image Source: Manila Standard/foodpanda Philippines) |
No barriers
Meet David Joseph Daitol, a delivery partner who defies expectations every day. Despite being born with a disability that affects his mobility, Alex doesn’t let anything hold him back. A fellow Ka-Panda shared a video of him delivering an order that captured the hearts of many who watched. David reveals, “Malaki ang pasasalamat ko sa foodpanda logistics dahil nakapagbigay sila ng opportunity sa katulad ko na person with disability. Nakakatulong ang kinikita ko para sa pang araw-araw naming gastusin at mga bayarin sa bahay. Minsan, may mga customer na nagbibigay ng pagkain at tubig sakin atsaka bumibilib na kahit PWD ako ay lumalaban ako nang patas sa buhay."
Providing livelihood opportunities
“Being trending already speaks for itself — our Ka-Pandas are truly inspiring. They’re not just delivering our meals; they’re delivering joy, kindness, and a whole lot of resilience — so it’s fitting that we pay tribute to them," says foodpanda logistics Philippines Rider Experience Lead Ron Sanders. Sanders mentions how passionate foodpanda logistics is in supporting Ka-pandas with a range of initiatives. These include engaging activities like concerts and parties where they can win prizes, Chubb insurance for road safety while delivering, or pandaPatrol: Hub on Wheels, a support hub for their concerns. Sanders adds, “Whether it’s a worthy recognition for what they did like Anghelo and Michael, or a flexible setup for Cherry Mae, or equal opportunities for the likes of David — there is a place for everyone in our Ka-Panda fleet. Through these efforts, foodpanda logistics aims to create a supportive and rewarding environment for all Ka-Pandas.”
