MANILA, Philippines – “Lumalaban nang patas!”
Netizens were moved by a heartfelt Facebook post from Jeanyang Decena Pellegas of Parañaque, who shared her encounter with an elderly delivery rider on October 2.
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| Photo courtesy: Jeanyang Decena Pellegas/Facebook |
According to Jeanyang, it was late in the evening and she was already exhausted when she decided to order food for delivery. What she expected to take just 15 to 20 minutes stretched into over an hour and a half. When her food finally arrived, she was met by Tatay Roberto, a senior citizen rider—sweating, breathless, and visibly tired.
"Then the rider finally arrived, it was tatay, sweating and out of breath. He asked, 'Ma’am, matagal ba ako?' I said, 'Medyo tay.' He replied 'Nasira kasi bike ko maam kaya mdyo natagalan at nilakad ko nalang, pasensya ka na,’” she recalled.
That simple exchange broke Jeanyang’s heart. At an age when most should be resting, Tatay Roberto was still working tirelessly through the night, pushing forward despite fatigue to earn an honest living.
“My heart broke. At his age, he’s still working this hard late at night, while corrupt government officials and contractors steal money so easily without caring about those struggling below," she said.
"Saludo sa lahat ng lumalaban nang patas! Saludo sa 'yo, tatay Roberto!” she added.
Ordered food late at night ‘cause I was hungry and too tired to go out. Estimated delivery was supposed to be 15–20...
Posted by Jeanyang Decena Pellegas on Wednesday, October 1, 2025
The post quickly went viral, resonating with thousands online. Donations poured in for the hardworking rider, eventually amounting to over ₱60,000, which Jeanyang immediately turned over to him.
On Friday, October 3, Jeanyang shared that she was able to meet Tatay Roberto again—this time not just to thank him for delivering her meal, but to hand over the overwhelming support and generosity of strangers who were touched by his perseverance.
In an exclusive interview with The Summit Express, Jeanyang said that netizens continue to send help for Tatay Roberto Subito, as reflected in her latest update as of Saturday, October 4.
"Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng nagpaabot ng tulong at malasakit. Maraming salamat din po sa bawat isa na nagtiwala, nagbigay, at nakiisa,” she said.
"Sana po ipagpatuloy natin ang pagtulong sa kapwa, lalo na sa mga taong lubos na nangangailangan. Maliit man o malaki, basta galing sa puso malayo ang mararating."
In today’s society, individuals who tirelessly work just to put food on the table through honest means, and who continue to persevere in life, are often overlooked. So this is a fresh breath of air and truly inspiring. Bayanihan is still alive!
— Noel Ed Richards, The Summit Express