News about the lone bettor who won P104-M in the Superlotto quickly became viral with netizens expressing interest to join the next lotto draw in hopes of becoming an instant millionaire as well.
While most stories of lotto winners imbibe positivity, there are also tales of lost chances and regrets. Here are some of them:
Pera na, naging bato pa
Antonio Mendoza inserted his lotto ticket within the pages of a thick Bible that lay at the side of his bed in 2014. Every night, he prayed. He wished to become the newest superlotto winner.
One day, his wish was granted, only to be taken away from him. Based on the October 2, 2014 draw, Mendoza won P12-M. The jobless man from Calaca in Batangas rejoiced but was taken aback when, upon looking for his ticket, his family just kept silent. His grandchild gave him a piece of burnt thermal paper –the remains of his winning lotto ticket.
“Pera na nga, naging bato pa,” Mendoza, a former OFW, said in an interview with TV Patrol.
Based on the PCSO’s rules, “prizes will not be paid if the ticket is altered, defaced, torn, damaged or has failed any of the validation tests by PCSO”.
Ubos-biyaya
There are also stories about lotto winners who failed to do good with their winnings. Take the story of Dionie Reyes as an example.
Reyes, a utility worker, became an overnight millionaire after winning the lotto in 2008. His total winnings… P14 million.
“System 7, lucky pick, kaya lahat ng kategoryang ‘yon hawak ko. Sabi ko, ‘Lord, thank you po, sana ako na iyon.’ Pero hindi ko po tinitingnan ticket ko,” Reyes said.
Three days passed and upon inspection, Reyes found out that he had indeed won P14 million.
“Sabi ko sa manager ng bangko, magwi-withdraw ako ng P1 million para ma-experience ko makahawak ng P1 million. At saka issue-han niyo ako ng tseke, bibili ako ng Fortuner,” Reyes added.
The next thing he bought was a house for his family worth P4 million. The rest of his money he spent on his vices: women and gambling.
“Kaka-sabong nga po. Siyempre nangungutang ako na dapat bayaran kaya napapabenta,” Reyes said.
After losing his prize money, Reyes went to work as a utility man again. He admitted that he had learnt his lesson the hard way and advised others to always be mindful of their actions because blessings and opportunities may not knock again on our doors.
A case of bad luck
Winning the lottery entails a dose of luck and a pinch of timing. Christian Tongol, a resident of Pampanga, felt he was the luckiest man after winning P82-M in the lotto back in 2004.
But his luck quickly ran out. After winning, he was able to buy 6 houses, three vehicles and some businesses. He even had money to help those who need monetary assistance. However, misfortunes befell him and his family.
His father, and his wife’s father and sibling were hospitalized for a long time. Expenses piled up and even after extensive medical treatments, the three family members died.
Now, Tongol only has a small house and a fishpond business which does little to sustain their daily needs.
Takeaways
Be thankful for your blessings and do your best to make good use of your blessings.
Any thoughts? Share them in the comments section.
