How Ninja Van Riders Embody the Bayanihan Spirit

PHOTO: Neil Patrick Menor

Riders Juvy, Neil, Chesterson, and Johnell share how teamwork, empathy, and friendship fuel their hustle.

The spirit of bayanihan is the longstanding Filipino value of banding together for the common good of a community. Throughout our culture, bayanihan has taken many forms, from people shouldering the load of moving a bahay kubo to organizing donation and relief efforts for communities hit hard by natural disasters. 

Today, bayanihan remains alive and well, and even shapes the ways in which many businesses work. Ninja Van Philippines, a tech-enabled express logistics company, takes pride in cultivating the bayanihan spirit among its ranks, empowering riders on their mission to provide hassle-free deliveries for shippers and shoppers nationwide. 

As many continue to enjoy the convenience of online shopping, delivery riders and drivers are among the unsung heroes of the logistics industry. From setting “game plan” meetings to sharing tips and tricks in navigating challenging delivery routes, these Ninja Van riders share how the bayanihan spirit goes into their hustle – one delightful delivery at a time. 

The value of teamwork 

Juvy Aldos has been a Ninja Van rider for the past three years. As one of the pioneer riders of the company’s Pagudpud hub in Ilocos Norte, his workmates describe him as someone with an agimat because of how fast he accomplishes his deliveries. However, when asked about how he thinks his peers would see him, Juvy shared the real amulet that enables his success is their team’s compassion for each other.  “Meron akong malasakit sa aking mga kasama. Kami ng mga kapwa kong rider, nagbibigayan kami at nagtutulungan. Teamwork kami lagi”. 

This team-first approach is apparent in the way that the Pagudpud hub team works. During daily huddles, riders communicate openly. They share easier routes to take, give parcels to riders more familiar with certain areas, and create plans to make work more efficient.

Similarly, teamwork was the response shared by Neil Patrick Menor when asked what he loves most about working at Ninja Van. Known as the bunso of Team Zambales North and loved by co-workers and consignees alike for his nice character, Neil has been a Ninja Van rider for over two years. “Lahat po kami ay may pagkakaisa. Nagtutulungan kami para mapabilis ang trabaho namin at suportado rin kami ng mga officers namin”. 

The knack for cooperation has translated to a high success rate for the Zambales North team, as well as a year-end recognition for Neil. However, despite the individual accolade, Neil quickly pointed out the vital role the team played in his own achievements. “Hindi ko ito makakamit kung hindi dahil sa teammates ko. Ang award na natanggap ko ay para sa aming lahat sa Team Zambales North”. 

The power of friendship and support 

Chesterson Cababat has been a Ninja Van rider with the Baltan hub in Puerto Princesa for more than three years. Asked what he likes about working at Ninja Van, Chesterson shared that it was the ease of building friendships within the team he belongs to. For Chesterson, relationship building is an essential component in his line of work. “May pakikisama at nagkakaunawaan kami sa team. Kasama ng tiyaga, kailangan ang mga ‘yan pagdating sa trabaho namin.”

The close-knit nature of team members was echoed by Johnell Magallanes, a Ninja Van rider in Mandaluyong. With almost five years of tenure in Ninja Van, Magallanes is seen by many of his fellow riders and co-workers as a father figure for their team. 

“Tatay ang tawag nila sakin. Lagi ko po silang binibigyan ng advice, spiritually at emotionally. We have to lift each other up. Ang tingin ko sa team namin, parang walis tingting. Stronger together, kaya kailangan laging intact”.   

Recognizing the dedication of its employees, Ninja Van Philippines continues to celebrate riders such as Juvy, Neil, Chesterson, and Johnell who make quick and hassle-free deliveries happen while being sources of inspiration to their respective teams.