Dubai: Filipino expat wins Dh1 million in Mahzooz draw

Saman Haziq

A 33-year-old gym employee recently bagged Dh1 million in Dubai’s Mahzooz millionaire draw.

Antonio is the second Filipino and the 11th overall Mahzooz millionaire this year after he won the second prize in the 30th weekly draw after matching 5 out of 6 numbers.

Antonio, who works in the sales department of a health club, said perseverance and consistency, which have helped him throughout his life, played a big part in this win.

“I have always believed in working hard and never giving up. I have been participating in the Mahzooz draw for so weeks, but never won anything. However, I kept trying. This week I was caught up with work and couldn’t check the weekly draw which I would regularly do, otherwise,” he said.

The Filipino was pleasantly surprised when he received a call from the Mahzooz team to inform him about the win.

“I couldn’t believe my ears when they informed me about the win. Winning such a huge amount always seemed like dream to me. I truly feel blessed and grateful to God and the Mahzooz team for bringing about such a positive change in my life,” said the overwhelmed winner.

Calling it a life-changing win, Antonio, who recently got engaged, said he has been in Dubai for three years and has been working hard to have his dream wedding with the love of his life.

“This money is such a blessing for us and our whole family…My Fiancée and I can finally have our dream wedding and start our new life together.”

Looking to pay it forward, Antonio said he will use part of the money to help his friends and relatives who are facing tough circumstances due to the onslaught of Covid-19.

“I have a nephew who was dreaming of studying abroad, and I plan on helping him pay for that,” said Antonio.

“Also, my friend works in a church in Dubai and I know a lot of people in the community who have been hit hard during the pandemic. I will donate some of my winnings to the church to help those in need,” he said.

Giving out a message of hope to all, an optimistic Antonio said: “Life won’t always be easy, but Mahzooz is there to help. Always look at the brighter side of life no matter what you go through, and you will notice there are countless blessings to thank for.”

To date, Mahzooz has seen more than 17 thousand Filipino winners take home over Dh6.5 million in cash prizes. Mahzooz crowned its first Filipino millionaire in the 27th draw which took place on May 29, 2021, where Abu Dhabi resident and delivery driver Roland bagged Dh1 million.

For those who missed out on last week’s live draw, entrants can participate in Mahzooz by registering via www.mahzooz.ae and purchasing a bottle of water. Each bottle of water purchased (for Dh35) provides eligibility for one line in the draw and the donation is channeled through Mahzooz’s community partners to hydrate those in need.

The next draw will be held as scheduled on Saturday (June 26) at 9pm UAE time. Mahzooz is inclusive to all who are eligible.

saman@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai