MANILA, PHILIPPINES — Twenty-two-year-old Josel Sisor carries a lot of responsibility on his shoulders. He works hard as a Shopee Xpress rider, while also striving to achieve his dreams as a student-athlete.
Josel, who is currently a fourth-year scholar, sports science major, and table tennis athlete at San Beda University, began working as a rider right after the pandemic set in a year and a half ago. After hearing about a friend who took up a side gig as a rider, he took the opportunity to earn some extra cash as well.
Though his father, a factory worker, and mother, a messenger, both work hard to provide for the family, Josel wants to lighten their financial burden by becoming more financially independent, especially during uncertain times such as these. Even before the pandemic, he busied himself with other part-time motorcycle delivery gigs to help his parents out. As the eldest in a brood of five, Josel sets an example for his siblings.
Josel wakes up before 6:00 AM each day to pick up a batch of parcels at the nearby Shopee Xpress hub and deliver them to shoppers. At noon, he goes back home for online classes and training. Whenever he has time to spare, he delivers more batches of parcels. Josel initially found it hard to focus with such a packed routine, but eventually found his groove. “Na-aapply ko ‘yung pagiging student-athlete sa pamamagitan ng disiplina at pagbalanse ng oras,” he shares.
He is determined to create a brighter future by graduating and becoming a table tennis coach someday. He also finds motivation from his sukis, fellow riders, and his family. He particularly dedicates his earnings and hard work to his beloved, ailing 78-year-old grandmother, who underwent back surgery last year. “Gusto kong magpasalamat sa lola ko sa lahat ng sakripisyo niya, sa pag-aalaga niya sakin simula nu’ng bata pa ako. Kahit walang-wala siya, lahat binibigay niya pa rin. Ang hiling ko lang, sana gumaling na siya,” he says.
Aside from his grandmother’s improved health, Josel’s only wish is for a new motorcycle. His run-down motorcycle would often break down mid-delivery, and he’d end up finishing work well into the night. After hearing of Josel’s heartening story of dedication, Shopee donated not just a brand-new motor vehicle to Josel, but accessories and groceries as well.
Martin Yu, Director at Shopee Philippines, says, “We are deeply humbled by Josel’s devotion to his work as a Shopee Xpress rider, but most especially to his family and dreams. To the rest of our Shopee Xpress riders, you inspire us all as well. You are indeed the true lifeblood of Shopee.”
Whether as the awesome, reliable kuya at home, the driven student-athlete at school, or the diligent Shopee Xpress rider at work, Josel inspires everyone he meets. He feels grateful for the opportunity to start securing his future and the lessons he has gained along the way from his team leads and fellow riders.
As a Shopee Xpress rider, he finds fulfillment in learning how to stand on his own two feet. He adds, “Gusto kong sabihin sa tropang SPX na kahit araw-araw mahirap ang ginagawa, kalaban natin ang init at ulan, tuluy-tuloy lang. ‘Wag tayong susuko, balang araw tayo rin nasa taas.”
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