A rider in CDO looks back on a surprising turn of events, while two others express their gratitude working for the on-demand food delivery service
One of the biggest drivers of success of foodpanda as the country’s on-demand food delivery service is its, well, drivers, or motorcycle and bicycle riders. All the user-friendly features of the app, top-quality service, and unmatched promos and discounts wouldn’t mean as much if the delivery kuyas and ates were not warm and friendly.
Apple Villiavicencio
For rider Apple Villiavicencio, who always performs her delivery duties with a heart, customers are friends. One time, she was surprised to see her ideology turn from philosophical to literal.
“I would never forget the time when I delivered food to my customer who happened to be my friend!” she said. “She was shocked to see that it was me who delivered her food.”
Villavicencio is just starting out in her foodpanda career in Cagayan de Oro (CDO). Aside from the surprise of delivering to a friend, Villavicencio did not expect how fun and rewarding her new job would be. She prepared to simply earn money for handing food to people, but what she gets is so much more.
“The best part of being a foodpanda rider is when you meet different kinds of people,” she says. “Seeing them smile after we deliver their food on time is very heartwarming.”
Villavicencio also does what she can to ensure that her co-riders feel the same way. She tries to help those in need of guidance and encouragement by promoting good vibes. Sometimes, it’s as simple as talking to co-riders she encounters on the streets to ask them how their day is going.
“Even if we have bad days, we still have to spread positive vibes, not just to our co-riders but also to our customers,” she says. “What I always do is give everyone a big smile. Also, I never argue with people and I always say ‘thank you.’”
Noel Mabaning II
Another foodpanda rider in CDO who operates on the power of good vibes is Noel Mabaning II. He always wears a smile and maintains a positive mindset, knowing that he gets to make a living for his family by going places and helping people.
“We have a great job,” he says, adding that foodpanda provides them, our modern heroes, with everything they need, and then some.
The company covers the accident insurance of its delivery personnel through partnerships with Manulife and Cebuana Lhuillier. Riders also get exclusive deals to save up on data consumption and communications expenses, thanks to foodpanda’s tie-ups with Globe, PLDT-Smart, and Cherry Prepaid. What’s more, as a matter of policy, riders never have to shoulder the costs of canceled orders.
“I always tell my co-riders to just believe in themselves and work hard because their future depends on it,” Mabaning says.
Eduaro Salcedo
Equally thankful for the opportunity is rider Eduardo Salcedo. He was accepted into the foodpanda family on March 13, which he considers as the luckiest day of his life.
Salcedo is a senior citizen. He was mocked at first for getting a job in food delivery service. But a week later, when his critics found out about his income, the laughter turned into questions about how to apply.
“The first person who really believed in me is my younger brother. He’s also a rider now,” he says. “I always encourage him and my other co-riders to think positively. I remind them that we cannot find another employer like foodpanda.”
Aside from the perks and salary, foodpanda takes care of the little things for its riders. The group provides everything from raincoats to thermal bags and face masks. Also, safety measures are part of riders’ Protocol Intensive Training, a prerequisite that ensures all riders know what to do to help keep themselves and their customers safe.
The next time you order from foodpanda, remember that the delivery kuya or ate is either someone who considers you as a friend, or is extremely happy to be part of the foodpanda family. Or maybe even both.
