For 22-year-old student John Carlos Moya, working as a foodpanda partner rider did not stop him from achieving his dreams.
Moya finally reaped the fruits of his labor when he graduated as cum laude in his class with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Entrepreneurship from Bicol University in Albay.
Moya had several part-time jobs while he was still in school, including working as a service crew in a fast-food restaurant and staff in their local municipality. He also took summer jobs to earn money for his school allowance.
John Carlos also shared that it was in March 2021 when he finally decided to become a food delivery partner. According to him, he needed additional money to cover the expenses for his father’s eye operation. “Mas malaki ang kita sa pagiging isang rider kaysa sa dati kong trabaho, kaya naisipan kong pumasok dito. Kailangan ng dagdag kita para may pang-gastos para sa pamilya. “
He said that juggling work and school is quite difficult — making deliveries day and night, all while ensuring he meets his school requirements. But he’s still grateful because being a partner rider of foodpanda made it easier for him to manage his time accordingly. “Kahit may online classes ako nakakapag-shift pa rin dahil kaya naman habang nag-aantay pa ko ng booking.”
“May times din naman na nahihirapan ako sa classes dahil mahina ang signal sa lugar na pupuntahan ko para sa delivery. Nadi-disconnect ako minsan sa google meet schedules. Pero tiyaga lang, basta pursigido ka sa goal mo,” he shares.
Independent hardworker
Meanwhile, the almost two-year Ka-panda partner rider student from Batangas Dan Cedrick Ronie also had his fair share of sacrifices just to achieve his dream to get a degree. For Ronie, the world of food delivery was not new to him since his father also works as foodpanda’s partner rider.
“Pandemic yung nagbukas ng opportunity sakin para maging isang rider. Parehas kaming Ka-panda ng Papa ko kaya pumayag naman sya kasi kaya ko naman daw,” he recalls.
According to him, being a working student — more so as a foodpanda partner rider — made it possible for him to support his family and at the same time, still pursue his education. “Dahil online classes naman kami at flexible ang time sa pagiging foodpanda partner rider, pwede ako mag klase sa umaga at mag biyahe sa hapon. Kung wala naman akong class for the day, dun ako nakakapag-duty nang buong araw.”
Since he’s been a delivery rider, he no longer asks for allowance from his parents. Sometimes, he also gets to share some of his earnings and tips with them.
As John Carlos and Dan start a new chapter in their careers after graduation, they will never forget how foodpanda provided them with the opportunity to reach their goals and dreams.
“The unparalleled perseverance of these three Ka-pandas is truly inspirational. We hope that their tales of hardwork will serve as a motivation to their fellow delivery riders,” says Patricia Jacinto, Operations Director of foodpanda Philippines.
Aside from recognizing their efforts, foodpanda prepared a special event for the rider graduates where both their families and friends were invited. They will also receive some exclusive foodpanda merchandise items. “With this celebratory party, we are showing not only our support and appreciation for the Graduating Ka-panda Riders but we are also giving them the recognition that they deserve.”
“As for the other partner riders with similar aspirations, we will continue to support them to help them get to their dreams,” she added.
The stories of these strong-willed and resilient Ka-panda partner riders proved that there is no real shortcut to success — and sometimes, it is the roughest roads that lead to the heights of greatness.