Filipino hits jackpot; wins 5-kilo gold at DSF

John Francis Angel never imagined that shopping for his mother’s birthday gift would win him the jackpot at the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF).

“I first thought it was some kind of joke,” he says, after winning 5-kilo of gold at the big DSF draw. “It is when I heard the loud cheering in the background that I knew it was real.”

But, John waited for the second call that confirmed his win, before calling his sister and sharing the good news. “She didn’t believe it first either. She kept saying that it was a scam!”

He had bought his mother a gold chain, which is a part of the world’s longest gold chain, and earrings, for her 70th birthday.

“She’s my lucky charm. I’m just so happy.”

Five-kilo gold is worth approximately Dh765,000.

John says he plans to use part of the money to invest in a home in Philippines and put aside some money towards charity. “I also want to share some with my family.”

Youngest of seven children, John has been living with his sister in Deira for a year now.

He currently works as an admin officer for a company located in business bay area.

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