This International Women's Month, foodpanda Celebrates the Women Behind Your Orders

In celebration of International Women's Month, foodpanda shares the stories and experiences of their bold and brave female riders at the top of their game in a male-dominated industry. The inspiring stories reveal a common thread among the female riders of foodpanda, woven with pure dedication, love and commitment to their families. Meet some of the women behind your orders from foodpanda...

The global pandemic hit everyone hard, particularly women supporting their families and loved ones. During the long days of the quarantine experience, food deliveries significantly increased at the height of the series of lockdowns. foodpanda riders, including female rider partners filled the growing demand for deliveries all over the country. For Julie Ann David, the pandemic forced the closure of the canteen where she worked to provide for her two children. When the world we knew stopped, Julie Ann worried about her family's future with no job and source of income. Through a sibling, she learned of the foodpanda rider program, and since then, made her rounds throughout the metro. Her advice? "Wag susuko agad. Hindi naman dahilan na sumuko dahil walang katuwang." 

A single mother of three, Maria Teresa Manalili has an equally inspiring story. A long stint as a bar manager for over 17 years came to an abrupt end with the onset of the pandemic. Back at square one with three children to care for, she boldly took the plunge despite her age as a foodpanda rider and is now recognized as the "Nanay" of Angeles City's foodpanda riders. Throughout her journey, she's learned one lesson that she'd like to share to the next generation. "Ang gagawin ay magtutulungan. Lalo na sa hirap sa buhay, kailangan tulungan talaga."

A single mother of two and proud member of the Igorot tribe, Sherry Ann Velasquez left her job overseas due to health issues in 2019 and when asked to return, the pandemic hit. Like many of us, we were all caught flatfooted with the long and lingering pandemic. But that didn't stop her from seeking other ways to support her family. She heard of foodpanda's pandaTODA program and applied for it. Today, she's able to be with her family while finding enjoyment in the day-to-day challenges. "Para lang ako nagjojoyride sa araw-araw," she says with a smile.

She recalls many occasions when the customer expressed surprise in discovering that their delivery rider was a woman. "Uy, babae si ate. Kaya niya," shared Sherry Anne Velasquez on the countless comments that goes her way in her daily routine. "Hindi kumo babae ka, parang idodoubt mo sarili mo na may limitasyon ang kaya mong gawin. As long as kaya mo at kaya ng katawan mo, go" adds Sherry Ann. 

Hard working, committed, brave. These are the faces, stories and inspiration of the women behind your orders at foodpanda. And these are the women we honor this International Women's Month.  

These stories are just some of the many inspiring layers that make up the colorful tapestry in the fleet of foodpanda riders. It's also a reminder of the many obstacles women face in this new normal. Yet hearing stories of ordinary women overcoming challenges widens your perspective with a deeper appreciation of how everyone can succeed even when it seems impossible. 

And that's why celebrating International Women's Month is special. And ladies, you're in for a treat as foodpanda celebrates your month with cool deals and vouchers. Now you can celebrate International Women's Month the foodpanda way. First, download the app to get started.

In honor of all women, foodpanda enjoins everyone to celebrate with the help of voucher codes available throughout the month. And yes, you absolutely deserve it. Scroll down the list of exclusive offers just for International Women's Month, after all, this is your month.

Use the code: RELAX (from March 4 & 5)

P 80 OFF/P 399 MOV

Use the code: FREEDOM (March 9 & 10)

P 80 OFF/P 399 MOV

Use the code: NURTURE (March 14 & 15)

P 100 OFF/P 499 MOV

Use the code: ACTIVE (March 30 & 31)

P 100 OFF/P 499 MOV

Use the code: GIRLPOWER 

10% OFF/P 599 MOV (P 100 Maximum Discount)

Use the code: CONFIDENT 

P 80 OFF/P 499 MOV

Use the code: BEAUTIFUL

P 130 OFF/P 1,099 MOV

Use the code: INDEPENDENT

P 200 OFF/P 1,599 MOV

And there's more. Celebrate hassle-free this International Women's Month with pandamart! Enjoy special deals with Alcoholic Beverages, Personal Care Items, Frozen Goods, Korean Goods and more!

March 8: Flash Sale on Personal Care items

MARPAYDAY15: P 200 OFF/P 699 MOV

MARPAYDAY30: P 200 OFF/P 699 MOV 

So start clicking and tapping on your mobile device and celebrate your month with foodpanda.

As you eagerly wait for your orders to arrive from foodpanda, have a chat with your rider. Underneath that helmet may be a woman traversing the metro all for the love of her family. Why not give her some love as well by thanking her this International Women's Month. It's their month, and they truly deserve all the recognition and appreciation.