From delivering food on the streets to rewriting Philippine cycling history, grit, sacrifice, and an unwavering dream have fueled Zedric Ivan Honorica’s rise.
The former Ka-panda rider and working student stunned the local cycling scene after clocking 10.865 seconds in the men’s elite flying 200-meter sprint in the Asian Championships last month in Tagaytay City Velodrome, breaking a two-decade-old Philippine record despite competing on a modest bike setup compared to the expensive equipment used by many international rivals.
What made the achievement even more remarkable was the story behind the bike.
Honorica painstakingly upgraded his bicycle using earnings from his food delivery work, balancing long hours on the road with training and studies. The same bike eventually carried him to one of the biggest breakthroughs in Philippine cycling.
But his journey has never been easy.
After his breakthrough performances, Honorica suffered a heartbreaking setback after losing his bike to theft — a devastating blow for an athlete who had invested years of hard work and savings into his equipment. Instead of surrendering to the setback, he pushed harder, using the experience as motivation to continue chasing his dream.
His determination eventually caught the attention of foodpanda Philippines, which has now stepped in to support his growing career.
Foodpanda is extending financial assistance, one year’s worth of pandamart groceries, and cycling gear and equipment to help Honorica focus on training and future competitions as he builds on his historic achievement.
“Zedric’s story is a powerful example of the talent and determination within our rider community. At foodpanda, we create opportunities for our Ka-panda riders to go beyond the road and pursue what matters most,” said Patricia Jacinto, Growth and Marketing Director at foodpanda Philippines.
“We’re excited for what more he can accomplish with upgraded equipment and continuous training,” she added.
For Honorica, the support comes at a crucial time as he continues balancing life as a student-athlete while preparing for bigger competitions abroad.
“Being a working student-athlete isn’t easy, so support like this means a lot. I appreciate that foodpanda values riders like us who are also chasing bigger goals. This will help me focus more on training and give my best in the competitions ahead,” said Honorica.
Beyond track cycling, the young Filipino standout is also looking toward a future in road racing as part of his long-term development. He is set to compete in more road races to build endurance and international experience, with hopes of representing the Philippines again in major events, including the Southeast Asian Games.
From surviving personal setbacks and financial struggles to becoming a national record holder, Honorica’s journey continues to inspire — proving that resilience can carry an athlete farther than even the fastest bike.
About foodpanda:
foodpanda Philippines currently operates in 192 cities and municipalities across the Philippines and is continuously expanding. foodpanda is a subsidiary under Delivery Hero, a worldwide leader of the food delivery industry. For more information, visit www.foodpanda.ph.
Through the foodpanda website or via the new iOS and Android apps, customers can enter their address and view a curated list of restaurants and shops serving their neighborhood. Once they have found their choice, they can place an order in the comfort of their home or office, paying online through foodpanda’s secure platform or via cash-on-delivery The order is then carefully prepared by the restaurant or shop, picked up by the foodpanda rider and delivered straight to their doorstep.
