Filipina OFW Wins AED 30M Big Ticket Jackpot in UAE

A Filipina overseas Filipino worker (OFW) is welcoming 2026 with a life-changing milestone after winning AED 30 million in the renowned Big Ticket draw in the United Arab Emirates.

After almost 15 years of working in the UAE, Anna Lee Gayongan, a senior account executive based in Dubai, was announced as the grand prize winner of Big Ticket Series 282, instantly becoming a multimillionaire. The massive win—equivalent to roughly PHP 484 million—left her stunned, especially when she initially thought the phone call informing her of the prize might have been a scam.

Gayongan shared that she only sensed something unusual after seeing multiple missed calls. When she finally returned the call, she still had no idea she had won. Adding to the surprise, her husband was unaware that she had even purchased a ticket, making the revelation even more emotional for their family.

The victory followed years of perseverance and sacrifice. Gayongan recalled her daily commute from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, describing it as physically and emotionally exhausting. Winning the jackpot, she said, lifted a tremendous burden from her shoulders. In a lighthearted moment, she joked that she could finally give up her long bus rides. “I can now be a Disney Princess,” she said with a laugh, adding that she would opt for a car lift instead.

Despite the staggering amount, Gayongan and her family remain practical and grounded. While no final decisions have been made, they are already exploring property purchases and long-term investments to secure their future.

For years, Gayongan joined Big Ticket draws—sometimes with friends, later on her own—holding on to the belief that her time would come. Ironically, it was not a ticket she paid for that sealed her fate. The winning entry, ticket number 074090, came from Big Ticket’s “Buy 2 Get 1 Free” promotion, proving that luck can strike in the most unexpected ways.

When asked if she would continue buying Big Ticket entries, Gayongan said she would rather give others the chance to experience the same blessing. She encouraged fellow OFWs to keep believing, noting that life-changing opportunities often arrive when least expected.

Her journey reflects the hope, resilience, and determination shared by many overseas Filipino workers—an inspiring reminder that years of hard work can one day be rewarded beyond imagination.