Beyond rides and deliveries: A look at how these Filipinos succeed in life with the help of Grab
GRAB, for many Filipino consumers, is a safe, reliable and cost-effective online marketplace that connects them with vital aspects of their everyday life — may it be in transportation, on-demand deliveries and financial services.
Having established a strong presence in the Philippines for over a decade, Grab has developed a deep understanding of the dynamic needs of the local market, enabling it to introduce hyperlocal solutions that uplift the lives of its Filipino users.
Consequent to this, Filipinos have increased their reliance on and appreciation of super apps such as Grab, witnessing how this technology is making their lives more seamless with just a few taps on their smartphones.
Today, Grab remains at the forefront of shaping digital mobility and on-demand deliveries in the Philippines as it offers its suite of services in more than a hundred cities across the country. The super app experience, founded on Grab’s key services GrabCar, GrabTaxi, GrabFood, GrabMart and GrabExpress, has allowed the leading super app to redefine the modern Filipino lifestyle in a digital first, post pandemic era.
Grab continues to serve the evolving needs of its consumers, and it becomes more indispensable in the lives of many Filipinos. This allows Grab to gain a strategic advantage in providing programs, initiatives and solutions to empower its growing community of partners in the Philippines.
Grab recognizes the strong linkage between the quality of service it renders to its consumers and the welfare and social mobility of its partners. This continuously inspires Grab to leverage its growth, leadership and tech expertise to be an effective vehicle of economic progress and an enabler of livelihood for every kuya (elder brother) and ate (elder sister) Grab.
This is demonstrated by the success stories of partners like GrabCar driver Erlita Lebosada, GrabFood delivery-partner Christofer Maglinao and GrabFood cyclist Sarah Aguja.
Erlita Lebosada: A mother’s drive toward success
Erlita Lebosada, a dedicated GrabCar driver-partner, has been a valuable member of the Grab driver community for over 8 years.
Lebosada says in Filipino: “Grab is the main source of income for me and my three children. As a single mother, its important to have a stable income to make sure that we can survive every day and live comfortably.”
After years of dedication and hard work, Erlita has finally achieved her dream of owning a six-seater Toyota Innova. Passengers, who have the pleasure of riding with Erlita, are in for a delightful experience, as she proudly operates her vehicle as a Hello Kitty-themed GrabCar — marrying her love for driving and the global feline icon by adorning her vehicle with her personal collectibles.
Lebosada states in Filipino: “It’s also important to keep our passengers happy aside from safe driving and quality service. It makes my passengers smile when they see Hello Kitty in my car, that’s why I’m happy to give them a comfortable means of transport along with my collectibles. Of course, I’m also elated that I can use my passion as a means to earn.”
Lebosada, a single mother, emphasizes the significance of the work flexibility provided by Grab. This flexibility allows her to manage her time effectively, prioritizing her responsibilities as a mother above all else. She appreciates the autonomy Grab offers, stating in Filipino:
“With Grab, I have my time at my own hands. I can take care of my children without compromising my livelihood.”
Christofer Maglinao: Dreams achieved one delivery at a time
In an Asian Development Bank study in 2023, it is revealed that the average daily income of GrabFood delivery-partners is approximately double the minimum wage, allowing them to effectively enjoy above-par earnings on the platform.
This optimal earnings potential continues to attract Filipinos aspiring for a better life for themselves and their families.
Among them is former ice cream agent and ukay-ukay (thrift clothes) seller Christofer Maglinao, who is now a GrabFood delivery-partner.
Maglinao says in Filipino: “I earn enough money from my previous jobs, but as a GrabFood rider, I have been able to provide more for my family, especially my parents’ maintenance medicines.”
Maglinao serves as his family’s primary provider. Now in his 4th year as a delivery-partner, Maglinao looks back at key milestones he has been able to achieve thanks to his dedication to his livelihood. Among those that he takes most pride in is sending his siblings to school and being able to sustain his family’s day-to-day essentials.
As a proud owner of his motorcycle, Maglinao now plies the road more confidently as he inches closer to his dreams one delivery at a time with his next stop being buying his family’s very own home.
Sarah Aguja: A champion peddling through the metro
Sarah Francesca Aguja, a dedicated GrabFood delivery-partner since June 22, 2019, has transitioned from the corporate world to prioritize her mental well-being.
She appreciates the flexible schedule Grab offers, allowing her to enjoy hobbies and time with loved ones. Sarah’s main goal is to support her parents: her mother with chronic diseases and her retired father.
Her role at GrabFood not only covers their daily needs, but also allows her to save for emergencies and leisure activities. As a member of the Grab cycling group, she enjoys special incentives and welfare programs such as insurance packages, empowering her to brave the roads of the metro with an extra layer of safety and protection.
Aguja has recently been honored with the prestigious title of Padyak Champion by The Mobility Awards. This accolade is exclusively bestowed upon the most exceptional cyclist messengers and delivery riders who are involved in on-demand and parcel delivery services.
This accomplishment serves as a powerful endorsement of their extraordinary dedication and superior performance in the delivery industry; all while upholding sustainable transportation methods.
Aguja proudly shares in Filipino: “I am deeply grateful to Grab as a GrabFood Cyclist. Because of this job, I was able to support my family. I have also had chances to travel, which is one of my hobbies.
Just like Grab, I never stop in learning and looking for ways to improve my livelihood. Through my delivery services, I have been able to invest in businesses and stocks.”
A viable livelihood for kuya and ate Grab
The aspirations of Grab partners revolve around a central theme: to attain a brighter future for themselves and those that they hold dear in life. This reality serves as a polestar for Grab in growing and sustaining a robust marketplace that is best positioned to provide a viable livelihood to every partner.
Grab Philippines Country Head Grace Vera Cruz says: “It is a common view that Grab is a towering figure in the Philippine tech and mobility industry, and this stature transcends mere business figures for us — it is a meaningful quest to lift as many more Filipinos with us as we sustain our ecosystem’s growth. This is why Grab is committed to striving each day to be the best super app for the everyday Filipino because thousands of individuals such as Erlita, Christofer and Sarah depend on us to lead the way.”