A LionhearTV correspondent experienced firsthand the daily struggles of delivery partners after joining a GrabFood walker for a day in Bonifacio Global City (BGC).
Correspondent Lau Balocos spent a day on the road with Marilyn Delos Reyes, 44, a Grab cyclist who has been working with the platform for over a year (since April 2024). Balocos’ goal was to understand the realities behind every food delivery that customers often take for granted.
Over nearly three hours of walking around BGC, the two received only one order, earning just around ₱54. The time spent waiting for bookings and the physical toll of walking several kilometers provided Balocos with an unfiltered view of the challenges riders endure daily.
Balocos said the experience was physically tiring but even more eye-opening, adding that it reinforced the need for deeper appreciation of delivery riders. “Behind every order is hard work, patience, and dedication,” she shared in Filipino after completing the walk.
As Balocos navigated the GrabFood driver app, Delos Reyes explained the tools that guide riders through their shifts. One key feature is the heat map, which shows areas with high booking demand. The app also displays net earnings, payment modes, pick-up and drop-off points, and service types—designed to help riders manage their time and routes more efficiently.
Balocos noted that the platform remains one of the most accessible entry points into the gig economy, with no educational requirements and simple in-app navigation suited even for first-time digital workers.
Grab’s system also relies heavily on customer feedback. Each completed delivery allows customers to rate their experience, helping identify areas for improvement and encouraging riders to maintain high service standards. These ratings influence incentives, as delivery partners earn gems per delivery, which can be converted into cash or vouchers.
Grab Philippines has previously stated that it aims for its delivery partners’ earnings to reach a “family wage,” equivalent to two to three times the minimum wage in urban areas.
The assignment, Balocos said, underscored how demanding the job truly is. “Grab Walk taught me one thing: delivering food isn’t easy. It’s patience, hustle, and heart,” she said. “Big respect to all riders out there.”
