MANILA, PHILIPPINES — As 2021 draws to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on how the year has undeniably remained to be a challenge for us, as we continued to bear the effects of the pandemic.
But nearly two years after being thrust into the new normal and with pandemic restrictions gradually decreasing, many have been able to find ways to reconnect with loved ones and bring back gatherings that have been missed, especially during the Christmas season.
And throughout the year that was, our progress would never have been possible without the efforts of our modern-day heroes, our frontliners. To show its appreciation, Grab surprised the frontliners of the Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital in Manila in not just one, but two ways to help make Christmas this year one of their most memorable ones yet.
The Parade of Lights
On the evening of November 30, 50 Grab 2-wheel and 4-wheel riders lit up the streets of Manila with a vibrant lights parade to ring in the holiday season. With their trademark green insulated bags decorated with colorful and bright LED lights, the fleet of riders drove a route starting from Fugoso Street in Sta. Cruz, Manila and wove their way to Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital.
Upon arriving, the hospital’s frontliners were surprised with their own noche buena packages from Grab.
Bringing back the Christmas spirit
When asked about the struggles faced by frontliners this year, Soleil Rose Ricafort, a pediatric nurse who works at the hospital, said, “Isa po sa mga nami-miss ko during Christmas time is yung pag-salu-salo namin ng co-employees ko nang wala pangangamba na mahahawa po kami ng kahit anong sakit.”
But with this surprise brought to them by Grab, Dr. Sabrina Sarte, an OB resident of Dr. Jose Fabella Memorial Hospital shared that they were filled with happiness as they felt Grab’s appreciation for them and how the superapp continues to help them feel Christmas.
“With this surprise, we feel appreciated kasi feeling namin dito sa hospital pagod kami lagi and with simple events like this na-appreciate namin kasi we feel na na-vavalue yung work na ginagawa namin. Simple man, pero nakakagaan ng loob. We also appreciate na naeenjoy pa din namin yung mga celebrations thanks to Grab na nagdedeliver samin, so kahit papaano naeenjoy pa din namin yung holidays,” shared Dr. Sarte.
The Grab riders who took part in visiting the frontliners participated in the Christmas surprise also shared their thoughts about being a part of Grab’s tribute to our modern-day heroes.
“Ang paborito kong bahagi ng buong araw na ito ay ang pagbibigay mismo ng gift para sa mga frontliners natin – makikita mo sa mata nila ‘yung pagod; then, nung nakita na nila ‘yung binigay namin, nakita ko sa kanila ‘yung kasiyahan na may mga tao pa ring nagbibigay at nakakaalala sa kanila,” says Paolo Espinosa Argao, one of the Grab riders who took part in the surprise.
Argao adds that, through giving back to frontliners who have been untiringly putting in effort throughout the year, he was happy to be a part of the surprise and make them feel the Christmas spirit once more.
Throughout 2021, Grab has always been committed to connecting Filipinos to their everyday essentials, from food, to groceries, to urgent deliveries. Now with the Christmas season around the corner, Grab aims to take their services one step further – this time, allowing families to once again feel and experience their nakasanayang Pasko, one delivery at a time.
“All of our progress in terms of helping Filipinos through the pandemic this year would undoubtedly be impossible without the untiring efforts and help of those who have helped us fight it from the very beginning – our frontliners. We hope this little surprise of bringing the Padalove to them this holiday season has not only helped make them feel once more the unique Filipino Christmas magic, but that it inspires many more to share the love with their family and friends,” says Grace Vera Cruz, Grab Philippines Country Head.
Make Christmas this year all the more meaningful and Padalove your well-wishes, be it through food and gifts, with Grab today. Be sure to regularly check the Grab app to see its offers in store this holiday, and be sure to visit Grab Philippines’ Facebook and Instagram for more updates.
