Filipino shopper in Dubai plans to buy house following raffle win

Dubai - He won the gold as part of the popular Dubai Summer Surprises

A lucky Dubai shopper who managed to bag himself a 1kg gold bar worth Dh150,000, has said it has been a "life changer" for him.
Edmundo Catangay from the Philippines was the grand prize winner at City Centre Deira and won the gold as part of the popular Dubai Summer Surprises, which recently drew to a close for 2017.
Still in shock from his win, the 2-year Filipino resident said he has already sent the money back to his home country.
Speaking to Khaleej Times on Monday, Catangay said this is the first time he has ever won something so big.
"I've been here for two years and I often enter these raffle draws in mall for a potential win, but I never thought it would happen."
Shoppers who spent Dh200 at any of the mall's stores until August 12 had an opportunity to win big.
But luckily for Catangay, it was an investment purchase at a jewelery store which saw him come out on top.
"I brought a gold bracelet in Malabar on July 28 for Dh1,700. That's when I was automatically entered into the draw."
More than a month after buying that lucky gold bracelet, it was an anonymous phone call which changed his life.
"I received calls, like five times on Tuesday, August 15. I thought they were prank call as I didn't even remember entering in a draw. But last Sunday, on August 20, it was finally confirmed that I really won the prize. I was very happy," he said.
Since then, Catangay has already made big plans with the winners in a bid to secure a better future for his family in the Philippines.
Read: Want to become a millionaire in UAE? Follow our guide
"I've already cashed in the gold bar and I sent the money, about Dh150,000, back home. We're planning to buy a house and a plot of land. This is my future set now."
During the festival, a giant gold bar was displayed at the mall for shoppers to visualise and share what they could win.
Visitors who shopped for Dh400 at any fashion outlet in the mall also had the opportunity to win two return tickets to Oman, Jordan, India, Sri Lanka or Lebanon on flydubai every day.
kelly@khaleejtimes.com
 

• Dubai