A Lalamove delivery rider thanked those who generously tip couriers like him after he graduated college with the help of gratuities.
Oliver Calope, a 23-year-old criminology graduate, went viral on Facebook after he posted a photo of himself wearing his graduation toga, while showcasing his bright orange Lalamove jacket and carrying a delivery backpack. His post was shared more than 6,200 times in one week.
"Mahirap ulan at init ang kalaban pero lahat kinaya para sa pangarap makapagtapos. 'Di tayo susuko magsama naman ulit tayo para makapag-board exam, ipon ulit," he said on Facebook.
Aside from being a delivery rider and a full-time dad to his six-month old baby, he also makes a living as a tricycle driver. How does he do it?
"Minsan habang nasa biyahe at may klase, natabi po muna ako sa gilid para po makapasok sa klase kasi online class naman po. Pagtapos po ng klase biyahe po ulit. Pagkauwi naman po ng bahay, kahit papano po nakakapag-bonding naman po kami ng pamilya ko. Importante po kasi 'yun eh may communication kayo sa isa't isa para 'di nag-aaway-away," he told reportr.
Calope said he planned to continue working as he prepares for the board exam.
"Laking pasasalamat ko din po sa mga taong nagbibigay ng tip, malaki man o maliit, dahil doon nakakabayad ako paunti-unti sa tuition ko."
He was not the only one who benefitted from the tips he receive from customers. At one time, he gave all his tips to an elderly man who was asking for alms.
"Naisip ko po kasi kahit na gaano kahirap sitwasyon ko ay masuwerte pa rin ako kung kumpara sa kanya, tsaka shinare ko lang po 'yung blessings ko... Para kasi akong ginawang instrumento ni God para makatulong nung time na 'yun," he said.
Lalamove congratulated him and fellow graduate and rider, Mike Batis, on its official Facebook page.
"'Di biro ang sipag at determinasyon na inyong ipinamalas para maabot ang inyong mga pangarap. Mabuhay kayo, mga Partner!" it said.
