Bernadette Azucena, a 42-year-old Filipina resident of Ajman, has won the Dh20 million grand prize in the latest Big Ticket draw, held live in Abu Dhabi.
Ms Azucena was in the Philippines recovering from surgery when the result came in. Her husband, Noriel Azucena, 44, called her with the news around 1am local time. The winning ticket had been bought through a group arrangement, in which members take turns registering tickets under their own names — this time, the winning entry carried Ms Azucena's name.
"This is God's perfect timing," she told her mother after learning of the win.
The couple have played Big Ticket regularly since 2017 and say they plan to keep participating despite the windfall. Their immediate priority is clearing family debts, including nine years remaining on a mortgage on their home in the Philippines and a car loan in the UAE. Part of the prize will also go towards securing their 15-year-old daughter's education and future.
The winning ticket was drawn live by Shaukat Aftab, last month's Dh15 million winner from Pakistan. Following Big Ticket tradition, Ms Azucena is expected to make an appearance at next month's draw.