Driven by Love: Mothers Who Go the Distance

This Mother’s Day, we celebrate women whose journeys—on wheels and in life—paved the way to brighter futures for their families. Whether behind the wheel of a car, on a motorcycle, or pedaling through city streets, these Grab driver-and delivery-partners and MOVE IT rider-partners redefine what it means to show up for the people they love

Mothers have always been pillars of care, but modern motherhood looks a little different. Today’s moms aren’t just nurturing—they also actively drive the social mobility of their families and communities, as they work to better their own lives and those they hold dear. For the empowered women community at Grab and MOVE IT, it’s navigating city streets on motorcycles and bicycles, bringing passengers to their destinations, and delivering meals across hundreds of cities in the Philippines.

In partnership with Grab and MOVE IT, we spotlight five women who show us that every route—no matter how unconventional—is still powered by love, sacrifice, and strength.

Hazel Tiongson: Driving Her Family Forward

Driving professionally—especially for a platform like Grab—is often seen as a man’s job. But for Hazel Tiongson, a mom of four and a former accountant, it’s the vehicle she needs in shaping a better future for her family.

“Basta makatulong ko yung asawa ko sa araw-araw,” Hazel says, reflecting on her decision to start driving—a choice made easier by the unwavering support of her husband.

She learned to drive at 17, quickly picking up the road rules and car repair basics. Since joining Grab in 2015, Hazel’s become a master of multitasking: adjusting for passengers’ unexpected stops, setting boundaries, and staying composed under the subtle judgment of skeptical fellow drivers.

“Madalas, one pick-up, one drop-off. Pero ang daming pa-segue minsan,” she laughs.

Still, safety and control are non-negotiable. Grab’s tech features, such as the Women Passengers Preferred toggle, also empower drivers like Hazel to feel safer on the road by prioritizing matches with female passengers— giving her peace of mind while still ensuring the viability of livelihood.

Additionally, for many women drivers like Hazel, the ability to choose their hours is not just a perk, it’s a lifeline that allows them to balance earning income with caregiving responsibilities—duties that often disproportionately fall on women. “Dati, accountant ako, fixed ang oras sa trabaho.

Fixed din ang disbursement ng sahod—every fifteen and thirty—pero bago pa sumahod, naka-abang na ang bayarin! Dito sa Grab, hawak ko ang oras ko,” Hazel highlights.

With a goal to buy her daughter essentials like a laptop for college, Hazel sees every ride as a step toward that milestone.

Analyn Gutierrez: Grace Under Gears

For Analyn Gutierrez, a single mother of two, braving traffic and heat is just part of the job. After all, she’s been behind the wheel since 1999.

“Usually, hinahayaan ko nalang sila [the drivers],” she says with a knowing smile, referring to the drivers who test her patience on the road. “Para di ma-stress yung family ko.” It’s a seasoned response from someone who’s learned to navigate not just Metro Manila’s unforgiving thoroughfares, but also the emotional toll that can come with them.

From buses to GrabCar, Analyn has remained focused and patient, choosing calm over conflict—even when her routes take her as far as Tagaytay, Calamba, or Bulacan.

“Wag kang ma-distract sa cellphone o sa ibang drivers,” she says. “Kasi yung efforts mo, kailangan naka-pokus sa pagtitiis ng traffic at ng init.”

Her earnings sustain her family and allow for occasional treats, but for Analyn, it’s about consistency and grit. Even on Mother’s Day, she’s on the road—grateful for the extra bookings that help her provide and plan for the future.

“Kaya hinihiling ko this Mother’s Day an mahaba ang buhay ko,” she adds quietly. “Para kaya ko pang i-provide ang kailangan ng anak ko sa pamamagitan ng GrabCar.”

Catherine Lorenzo: Driving Gave Her Purpose

When Catherine Lorenzo bought a motorcycle for errands, she never imagined it would become a source of livelihood—and empowerment.

“Nakikita ko na yung future ng pag momotor,” she says, and soon after, joined MOVE IT as a moto-taxi driver.

She recalls the doubts she faced: passengers questioning her ability to handle the ride. “Most of the time ang tanong sa amin… kaya mo ba ako?” Though challenges like traffic and ride cancellations come with the job, Catherine admits it’s the gender-based bias that can cut the deepest. But she pressed on. With more time for her kids and managing her own daily earnings, Catherine likens herself to an entrepreneur running a small business. “Para kang may negosyo.”

Beyond driving, Catherine is a volunteer firefighter, using part of her earnings to support her passion for service. She remembers helping during a nearby store fire—an emotionally heavy moment—but one that reminded her why she keeps going.

“Mas natuto ako lumabas sa comfort zone ko,” she says. “Mas nakita ko yung sarili ko na kaya [ko] yung trabaho.” For women like Catherine, livelihood platforms like Grab and MOVE IT don’t just offer income—they ignite purpose, empowering them to go further and turn personal strength into community impact.

Her plans for Mother’s Day? A simple meal at the fire station with her children. “May plano kami to go sa headquarters para doon na lang kami magpakain,” she says. Because for Catherine, time spent together—no matter the place—is what makes the day special.

Nelia Magada: Biking for Her Family’s Future

With Metro Manila’s traffic as her backdrop, cyclist Nelia Magada pedals her way through long days delivering food and goods for Grab. But for her, nothing is too tiring when it’s for her daughters, Briana Faye and Hannah Mhae.

“Ang time management na ginagawa ko ay sa umaga, bumibiyahe na ako tapos magrecharge ako saglit,” she says. Those brief moments are also when she checks on her girls—something she couldn’t do in a more rigid job.

She values the freedom to take days off when needed and the security of daily earnings. “Everyday, meron tayong budget,” Nelia says. “Sobrang naging stable young buhay namin.”

A community leader among Grab cyclists, Nelia helps distribute essential gear and actively advocates for road safety. For Nelia, having a strong support system—especially among fellow female riders and cyclist community at large—makes all the difference; it’s what gives them the courage to take on the roads, knowing they’re never riding alone.

“Natutunan ko na matatag pala ako compare sa inaakala ko,” she says, beaming.

As for Mother’s Day? Nelia will likely still be biking, but she’ll celebrate the day after with her family.

Jacqueline Frejoles: Every Drive Is For Her Daughter

Jacqueline “Jacq” Frejoles, a MOVE IT rider-partner, starts every ride with one thing in mind: her 2-year-old daughter, Jaline Mae.

Like many women in the field, she’s faced skepticism from passengers. “Minsan,tinatanong kung safe ba ako kasama,” she shares. But that hasn’t stopped her. Instead, she silences self-doubt by mastering the road—thanks to MOVE IT’s training tailored for women driver-partners and a tight-knit community of strong, supportive women who always have each other’s backs.

Driving gave Jacq not just income, but time—something she sorely lacked when working a traditional job. “Nabibigyan ko siya ng oras,” she says. “Kahit mahirap young trabaho araw-araw… kinakaya ko para sa pamilya.” And for mothers like her, time isn’t just precious—it’s everything, especially when you’re raising a child who’s growing up fast.

Her dream? To be there for every milestone, even as she works hard to provide. “Siguro, makikita ko yung mga challenges pag lumaki na ang anak ko,” she says. “Doon ko makikita yung pagiging supportive ko bilang isang ina.”

And what’s the biggest lesson from the road so far? “Kailangan mo pa rin lumaban, kasi wala ka namang ibang aasahan kundi ang sarili mo.”

Want to read the cover stories?

Janella Salvador And Elisse Joson: Moms Of This Generation
Marian Rivera and Dingdong Dantes: On Top of the World
Jodi, Dennis, Ian, Iza, and Dimples: The Role of a Lifetime

To read the full article, grab a copy of Modern Parenting’s special Mother’s Day and Father’s Day 2025 Print Edition—available on sarisari.shopping. Download the e-magazine from Readly or Press Reader for more exclusive features and stories.