OFW in Dubai wins P13.28-m raffle draw

An overseas Filipino worker (OFW) from Cebu who works as a sales associate at a gym in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates, has won 1 million dirhams (P13.28 million) in a raffle, GMA News reported Sunday.

Antonio (not his real name), said portions of his prize will be set aside for a dream wedding, a nephew's studies abroad, and charity.

The OFW said he has been participating in the live weekly raffle draw organized by Mahzooz, using a number combination of special dates like birthdays, since last year – but his winning numbers were “auto-generated.”

Antonio, who has been working in Dubai for the past three years, is currently engaged.

“This money is such a blessing for us and our whole family,” he said.

“My fiancée and I can finally have our dream wedding and set ourselves up for the future,” he added.

Antonio is the second Filipino and 11th overall Mahzooz millionaire of 2021. Earlier this month, “Roland,” an OFW working at a bakeshop in Abu Dhabi as a delivery van driver, also won AED1 million.

Over 17,000 Filipinos have won since the weekly draws started in November last year, according to Mahzooz, taking home a cumulative total of over AED6.5 million (P85.9 million) in cash prizes ranging from AED35 (about P460), the minimum amount spent to participate, to AED1 million.

Entrants can participate in Mahzooz by registering via www.mahzooz.ae and purchasing a bottle of water. Each bottle of water purchased (for AED 35) provides eligibility for one line in the draw and the donation is channeled through Mahzooz’s community partners to hydrate those in need.