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Watch: Filipino expat from a humble background breaks down in tears after winning Dh30 million
For countless expatriates who arrive in the UAE carrying hopes for a better future, a Dh30 million prize feels far beyond imagination.
Anna Lee Gayongan, a Filipino expatriate, recently became one of those whose lives changed overnight after winning Dh30 million in the Big Ticket draw just days after the new year began. In an interview with insider18, she shared that she had prayed for the year to bring blessings, never expecting such a swift and life-altering response.
“If something is truly meant for you, it will find its way,” she said, stressing that her priorities have always centred on supporting her family as their main provider.
A childhood shaped by hardship
Gayongan, the eldest among six siblings, spoke candidly about her early struggles during a conversation with Big Ticket officials following the winning announcement. She recalled growing up in difficult circumstances and striving to become the first in her family to complete higher education.
Aspiring to advance her career in accounting, she once hoped to take a professional board examination. However, financial limitations stood in the way. When she approached her mother about it, she was told there simply wasn’t enough money.
“We come from a very poor family,” Gayongan said emotionally, pausing to wipe away tears as she remembered her mother’s sacrifices.
Her mother worked tirelessly as a street vendor, selling whatever goods she could manage to earn an income, from fruit to fish and other items. Even today, Gayongan explained, her family does not own a home in the Philippines and has spent years living in rented accommodation.
Now, with her unexpected fortune, she has pledged to give back to her family, underlining the strong bond she shares with her siblings and how they have always supported one another through tough times.
Lives transformed by chance
While Gayongan’s story has deeply touched many, it is not an isolated case. Lottery and raffle wins have repeatedly reshaped the futures of expatriates across the UAE.
Such windfalls have enabled winners to clear long-standing debts, purchase homes, and invest in their children’s education. A Dh50 million winner from 2021 previously told insider18 that the prize allowed him to eliminate financial burdens, move into a better residence, and invest wisely to create sustainable income.
Above all, these victories often bring a sense of financial independence, offering winners relief from years of hardship and opening the door to new possibilities.
A renewed sense of purpose
Beyond the immediate financial relief, Gayongan said the win has given her a renewed sense of purpose and responsibility. She explained that sudden wealth is not just about comfort, but about making thoughtful decisions that can secure long-term stability. She plans to consult financial advisers before making major commitments, ensuring the money is managed wisely. Her priority is to support her parents and siblings, help them achieve educational and professional goals, and finally give them a sense of security they never had growing up. “This is not just my blessing,” she said. “It belongs to my whole family.”
Dreams postponed, now revived
For years, Gayongan admitted, many personal dreams had been placed on hold due to financial pressure. Like many overseas workers, she focused on survival rather than ambition, sending money home and limiting her own expenses. With the prize money, she hopes to revisit those postponed goals, including further studies and potential business ventures that could generate sustainable income. She also expressed interest in supporting small community projects back home, particularly those that help children from underprivileged backgrounds access education. “I know what it feels like to want more but not have the means,” she said.
A message of hope for expats
Gayongan’s journey has resonated strongly within the expatriate community, especially among those working long hours far from home. Her story serves as a reminder that perseverance and faith can sometimes lead to unexpected outcomes. While she acknowledges that such wins are rare, she believes her experience offers hope to others striving for a better life. “We all come here with dreams,” she said. “Even if success comes in different forms, what matters is not giving up.” For many expats, her story symbolises resilience, sacrifice, and the possibility of change.
