This weekend’s Emirates Loto will have a first prize of Dh50 million after nobody won the jackpot last week. Three UAE residents split the lesser Dh1m win between them after matching five out of the six numbers. Two of the winners spoke about their plans on how to spend their windfall of Dh333,000 each. Remedios Bombon, a 53-year-old bus supervisor living in Abu Dhabi, said she was going to use the money to open her own business. “I am going to open my own business in the Philippines while continuing to support my family and their studies,” said the mother-of-three. “I am also going to look into charities at home to help.” Rodel Pangan Punzalan, 42, a fellow winner, said he planned on using the money to make a donation to a church in his native Phillippines, as well as sharing the cash with his wife and children. “To win during the time of a pandemic is certainly unusual, and it has made me feel blessed and grateful for a once in a lifetime opportunity,” he said. “God is good.” The third winner, from India, asked for his details to be kept anonymous. “Last week’s winners plan to help their loved-ones and donate to charities and non-profit [organisations],” said Paul Sebestyen, chief executive of Emirates Loto. “This generosity is a true reflection of what we stand for - changing the lives of others.” The next live draw will take place at 10pm on Saturday. May 23, and can be watched live on Emirates Loto’s website and social media platforms.
