For most Filipinos, Christmas isn’t really Christmas without family. It’s the season of reunions, shared meals, and finally being in the same room after months (sometimes years) apart. But for many hardworking Filipinos, the holidays also mean long days on the road, missed celebrations, and sacrifices made quietly for the people they love.

This Christmas, Grab and MOVE IT found a way to give one rider the gift he’s been wishing for the most: a special bonding moment with his family.

Meet MOVE IT rider Dennis Verunque

Dennis Atizon Verunque moved from Leyte to Manila to find better work and support his family back home. These days, he completes around 20 rides a day as a MOVE IT rider, braving traffic and long hours to make sure his wife and child have everything they need.

Like many breadwinners, Dennis had a simple Christmas wish: to have a special bonding moment with his family, even just for a short while. Busy schedules don’t always make it easy—but this year, something unexpected was about to happen.

An “interview” that turned into a surprise

On the day of the surprise reunion, Dennis thought he was headed to a regular interview with Grab and MOVE IT. What he didn’t know was that his family was on their way to see him.

His wife, Felicia Ramirez, and their child, Baby Zion, were picked up by the 8List.ph team using GrabCar Group Ride, a feature that lets families and groups of friends travel together—even with multiple stops—without the usual holiday stress. Their final drop-off is right where Dennis was waiting.

Dennis’ family shares how they appreciate all his hard work

While waiting for the big surprise, Felicia shared how proud she is of her husband. “Nagagawa niya po lahat bilang ama saka nag-p-provide po samin. Nabibigay niya po lahat ng gusto namin at saka yung pangangailangan namin,” she told 8List.ph.

When asked about her Christmas wish, she didn’t hesitate: “[Gusto ko] matupad po yung wish niya, yung mga pangarap po niya.”

Dennis, meanwhile, shared how his family keeps him going even on the hardest days. “May mga moments po na napapagod na ‘ko pero iniisip ko lang po yung pamilya ko kung makakakain kaya laban lang po ako.”

A reunion to remember

When Dennis finally saw his family, he smiled in disbelief. The room instantly filled with hugs, tears, and joy that didn’t need words. It was one of those heartfelt moments that remind you what Christmas is really about.

The family sat down for an early Noche Buena made extra easy with GrabFood Party Platters—ready-to-share meals from favorite restaurants, perfect for stress-free celebrations. Grab also treated the whole family to an overnight stay and whole-day passes to an amusement park, turning their reunion into a full-on Christmas memory.

Overwhelmed and grateful, Dennis and Felicia thanked Grab and MOVE IT for making the surprise and their Christmas possible.

Grab Philippines Head for Driver Engagement Dane Fajardo shared: “ Ang Make a Wish Program ay isang initiative ng Driver Engagement teams ng Grab at MOVE IT, isang makabuluhang paraan para kilalanin ang pangarap at pagsusumikap ng ating driver-partners.

Simula nung October, regular kaming pumipili ng mga grant recipients, na may iba’t ibang wishes, mula tech gadgets hanggang pampering packages. Pero ngayong Pasko, bilang bahagi ng Grab Buo ang Pasko, tatlong driver ang pinarangalan dahil ang hiling nila ay hindi lamang materyal: isang kumpletong Christmas bonding moment kasama ang pamilya.

Nawa’y ang kwento ni Dennis ay magpaalala sa lahat na sa likod ng bawat biyahe, may taong masipag na nangangarap para sa pamilya. At dahil sa kanila, mas marami ring Pilipino ang nakakabuo ng sariling Pasko. Sa aming mga rider-, driver, at delivery partenrs, saludo po kami sa inyo.”

Buo ang Pasko, with Grab

Dennis’ story is a reminder that behind every ride and every delivery is a real person working hard for their family. It also shows how a little help—whether it’s getting everyone together through GrabCar Group Ride or setting the table with GrabFood Party Platters—can make the holidays feel lighter and more complete. Because at the end of the day, Christmas is better when you’re home, together. And with Grab, “buo ang Pasko” really means making space for what matters most.

Watch Dennis, Felicia, and Baby Zion’s reunion here:

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