JOY ‘Jojo’ Ebcas, a single father and foodpanda delivery rider, walked away with a P300,000 grand prize at the company’s “Pau-tastic” party held here on December 7.
The event, which served as the Mindanao leg of foodpanda Logistics’ year-end celebration, drew hundreds of riders from Iligan, Malaybalay, and Valencia.
Ebcas, who has served as a delivery rider for three years, secured the victory during the “Pera o Panda Bag” game segment by boldly opting for the mystery bag over a cash buyout offer. In addition to the cash prize, he also received a brand-new motorcycle.
Overcome with emotion, Ebcas vowed to share a portion of his winnings with fellow riders, citing his primary responsibility to care for his mother, who recently suffered a mild stroke.
“I was grateful for whatever outcome,” Ebcas said. “Any prize would be more than enough to support my family.”
Other major winners included Jade Moreno, who took home P100,000—his first-ever raffle prize.
“I couldn’t believe it,” Moreno said.
foodpanda Logistics Operations Manager Ruben Mariano emphasized that the event was organized to honor the riders’ hard work.
“Tonight is for you, Ka-pandas, for your dedication all year,” Mariano said.
According to Paulo Bautista of foodpanda Logistics, the company hosted similar celebrations in Pampanga and funded community gatherings for riders unable to attend the regional parties.
Launched in the Philippines in June 2014, foodpanda expanded rapidly amid the Covid-19 pandemic, relying on thousands of delivery riders to serve customers nationwide.
