Lalamove honors partner drivers through short film fest
What does it mean to be a hero on the road? For Lalamove, the on-demand delivery platform, the answer lies in the everyday journeys of its partner drivers.On Sept. 24, the company brought those stories to the big screen in Heroes Behind the Wheel, a film festival that turned real-life experiences of riders from Manila, Pampanga, and Cebu into short films.
The campaign began in June with the Search for the Next Lalamove Hero, an online contest that drew more than 500 submissions from drivers eager to share their stories of perseverance and sacrifice. From that pool, five were selected to be developed into films, with the drivers themselves stepping into the role of both storytellers and actors.
“Through these films, we’re not just telling stories of Lalamove partner drivers, we are amplifying their voices. By sharing their stories, we hope to foster a deeper appreciation for their role as unsung heroes and inspire more people to acknowledge and celebrate them,” said Djon Nacario, managing director of Lalamove Philippines.The lineup highlighted a range of experiences from five Lalamove partner drivers. Mark Shervin Ohoy’s Love is Blind injects humor into a rain-soaked delivery that turned into an unlikely relationship drama.
Deogratias Gadil’s Kaagapay shows how a routine day on the road can quickly turn into an act of compassion when a fellow rider needs help. In Serbisyo, former soldier Michell Culang finds a new way to serve others through a delivery that made the difference in a life-or-death situation. Student rider Jozel Opeña’s Diploma chronicles his determination to finish his studies while working full-time on two wheels.
Jerome Fugado’s Valentine’s Day illustrated the perseverance and patience it takes to deliver love—and flowers—during one of the busiest seasons of the year.For the drivers, seeing their lives on screen was both humbling and surreal.“When I found out they chose my story, I couldn’t believe it.
It’s very touching. I’m grateful Lalamove made it even more inspiring on film,” said Opeña, who juggles full-time studies with deliveries.Fugado, who has been with Lalamove for almost four years while raising a family and running a small business, echoed the sentiment.“Sometimes we think deliveries are just small things, but they’re not. When you’re motivated by your family, no job feels too hard,” he shared.The celebration ended with an intimate screening and awards ceremony attended by the drivers and their families.
Ohoy received the Best Actor award (Director’s Choice), while Opeña swept three categories—Media’s Choice, DICT’s Choice, and People’s Choice through online voting—taking home P11,000 in cash prizes and trophies. All five honorees received gifts from sponsors, including fuel vouchers from Caltex and smartwatches from MemoXpress.Apart from recognition, the campaign underscored Lalamove’s continuing effort to support its drivers through Panalomove Benefits, which provide discounts, insurance, and vehicle maintenance assistance.The films serve as a reminder that what may seem like routine deliveries often hold stories of sacrifice, determination, and love far beyond the road.
