Love is truly in the air for delivery riders after foodpanda grants their wish – to tie the knot with their better half.
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, foodpanda logistics asked their delivery partners to submit their love stories for a chance to be one of the lucky Ka-pandas whose dream wedding will be granted. “What a better gift on the month we celebrate Valentine’s than to make their wish come true – a wedding organized and sponsored by us,” says foodpanda Philippines Operations Director Patricia Jacinto.
Find out how these three Ka-panda riders and their partners from Dasmariñas City, Naga City, and Davao City sealed their “I do’s” against all odds.
A promise kept
Reynard Espedido from Dasmariñas, Cavite has been with his partner, Hanna Rona Vasquez, for 7 years. However, not everything was rainbows and butterflies, particularly when the couple’s first child was born. “Pinangako ko talaga sa biyenan ko na papakasalan ko ‘yung anak niya kaya lang naging sunod-sunod ‘yung pagsubok dahil laging may sakit ‘yung baby namin.” Unfortunately, his mother-in-law passed before he could fulfill his promise. “Dahil sa tulong ni foodpanda, matutupad ko na yung pangakong binitawan ko sa kanya at sa aking partner,” Reynard adds.
“Sobrang tuwa ko na napili ‘yung love story namin. Ang tagal naming inantay ito at sa wakas matutupad na kaya lubos ang pasasalamat ko sa foodpanda” the couple shares.
Love knows no time
Ronald Viñas from Naga City had originally planned to get married in 2024 with his partner, Raquel Lorico, whom he had been with for 9 years. Thanks to foodpanda’s Kasalang Ka-panda initiative, their dream wedding happened sooner than expected. “Dahil mas inuna namin ang pag-invest ng house & lot, medyo kapos pa kami sa budget para sa kasal namin sa 2024. Kaya napakalaking tulong nito para sa amin dahil mangyayari na yung pinapangarap namin na magpakasal,” Ronald shares.
Longtime partners finally say “I do”
Jeffrey Caballero from Aplaya, Davao City has been with his partner, Angelie Orong, for 17 years. When their first baby was born, Jeffrey had already considered marriage, but was unable to make it happen due to financial difficulties. “Nung panahon na ‘yon, wala akong permanenteng trabaho kaya nahirapan ako mag-ipon,” he shares. “Kaya nang malaman ko na ako ‘yung isa sa napili ni foodpanda, sobrang tuwa namin talaga.”
For the three chosen riders and their partners, the ceremony included a civil wedding officiated by a judge, an intimate reception, rings engraved with the official wedding date, and a dinnerware set as a wedding gift.
“The occasion will not be completely successful without some wedding essentials that made the day even more special – the cake for the guests courtesy of Red Ribbon and Silver Works for the wedding rings,” Jacinto mentions.
“These unique love stories prove that true love does exist, and we are more than happy to be part of this memorable day for them. Congratulations and best wishes to the newlyweds,” Jacinto adds.
Watch the romantic ceremony at foodpanda riders Facebook page to witness the couple wed in front of their family and friends.
In addition to fulfilling the wedding wishes of these couples, foodpanda made sure to also extend the love to its delivery riders nationwide. Last February 28, the company had a double tipping initiative, where they matched and doubled the tips made through the app’s rider tipping feature. “In our own way, we want to show our delivery riders gratitude and appreciation, especially during the month we celebrate love. At the same time, it is also an encouraging measure for our app users to tip their assigned riders,” Jacinto announces.