A Filipino expatriate in Dubai is celebrating a life-changing windfall of $1 million (Dh3.67 million) after hitting the jackpot in the Dubai Duty Free Millennium Millionaire draw on Wednesday.
The winner, identified only as Erwin D., 46, secured his prize with the ticket number 0739, purchased online on August 13. Interestingly, the ticket number is derived from his staff number, 739, at his place of employment. Erwin works for a retail company specializing in home and tech products in the United Arab Emirates.
"This win will definitely change my life big time," said an elated Erwin, who is a father of two and has been a resident of Dubai for the past 20 years.
Erwin had been participating in the Millennium Millionaire draw regularly for the last five years before luck finally shined on him. When asked about how he intends to use the winnings, Erwin said he plans to cover the cost of his mother's dialysis treatment and contribute to his children's education in Dubai. He also hopes to build his dream home in the Philippines.
This victory makes Erwin the 14th Filipino to win $1 million since the inception of the Millennium Millionaire promotion in 1999.