P207M Super Lotto fever hits Iloilo
The world welcomes today yet another millionaire or set of millionaires, thanks to last night's Super Lotto of the government's Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO).
In Iloilo, the Super Lotto fever hit it big with big hopefuls coming from a diverse community of wanna-be millionaires.
Called Super Lotto 6/49, a total of six numbers from 1 to 49 comprised each ticket entry sold at P20 in hundreds of lotto ticket centers all over Iloilo.People from all walks of life lined up as early as 7am while regular bettors had the 12 o'clock noontime habit and others opted for the last-minute buy.
All six winning numbers get the jackpot estimated at least P207 million with the amount expected to increase as last night's 8:30 pm deadline was reached.
Nobody from the numerous bettors reached by this writer cared to get the consolation prizes due to ticket holders with 5 of the 6 winning numbers, or 4 of the 6 winning numbers and finally, the last consolation prize for 3 of 6 winning numbers.
And what do Ilonggo millionaires want or plan to do with their millions? Here's a taste of that fine Ilonggo living.
Broadcast journalist Roger Gencianeo, senior anchorman of Bombo Radyo Iloilo had a patriotic plan with his first millions – "I will donate it to the Capitol."Then so quickly changed his mind – "Nah… I might as well help all my relatives with that money."
Journalist Nereo Lujan for his part had this to say, "I will buy another lotto ticket."
Another journalist-friend who apparently has been married way too long jokingly quipped, "with that much money, can I get a new wife?"In hindsight, he admitted, his wife probably has the same answer – to get a new husband with the P207 million.
Gina Hablero-Celebria, sportswriter-journalist is not far behind with her plans – "I will build a Church, put up a foundation for derelict journalists then disappear.Your share (referring to this writer) will be deposited to a special Swiss account."
Same Church plans albeit more elaborate for Marichel Teves-Magalona, TNT Corporate Secretary.
"I would build a Church in a place where there is none and put up a Trust Fund to make sure that every week mass will be said there," she promised.
Laywer-journalist Cornelio "Kune" Panes opted to take his time in sharing his answer saying he will have to compose it first and email back his reply.This was what he had to say:
"If I win today's largest lotto prize - I bought 18 number combinations for the 6/49 lotto draw's biggest prize ever. If I win it, I'll put P200M in a trust account that is income-generating. The trust will fund concerns in Iloilo in the following areas: (a) children suffering from cancer; (b) legal protection and rehabilitation of children who are victims of all forms of abuses; (c) home for abandoned and neglected children; and (d) home for unwed would-be mothers or unwed mothers who are below 21 years old.
Conservatively, if you put P200M in time deposit, that would earn about P12M more or less annually. I think that would be enough to support my intended projects. I'll take the rest of the prize for myself, go into retirement and work on these projects. A person can only have enough for himself."
Sentiments echoed by these beautifully-laid plans of society columnist Nonoi Ybiernas.
"Provide free medicines and food especially rice to the poor and the hungry, send poor but deserving students to school to improve their families' standard of living.Donate dialysis machines to hospitals for free use to those who can not afford."
Texas-based journalist, businessman and family man Rufino "Pinoy" Gonzales for his part shared "I will go to God and give thanks first."
ABS-CBN Iloilo's Gemma Villanueva has well-thought plans too – world tour with this writer while adding, "so who else you want to take with us?"A considerable part of yesterday morning was spent listing common friends both she and this writer want to take.
And true Christian that she is, she stressed though that before the world tour, she will have to feed the hungry and the poor of Iloilo.
More food on the table as well for the needy Ilonggo families as planned by Maya Carillo-Hibionada. And a "serious plan" at that too, she stressed alongside the lesser serious afterthought of – "then bring the whole family for a vacation in all the places of Lifestyles' Top 10 Vacation Hot Spots frequented by Hollywood celebrities."
Three well-laid plans for law student Donel Trasporto of Tigbauan, Iloilo.
"I will spend the money in 3 ways – 1. Public service by putting up a scholarship program, building a school for the poor, a private school as a form of investment to sustain my community outreach program. 2. For my family and friends, I'll purchase parcels of land for my parents, my brother and sister and build new houses for each of them. I will host a huge party-blow-out with unlimited rice and unlimited drinks. 3. For myself, I'll shop without looking at the price tags, tour the Philippines and travel abroad and put up my own law firm and my own talent agency."
The talent agency is a back-up plan in case the law practice fails.
Returning longtime Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) Jeana Parreño-Fullon had this in mind – "Send my brother to the United States for further diagnosis.Buy 5 franchises of McDonalds and Jollibee.Give donation to the Church.A condominium unit for Florence (yes, this writer – ED) Build an apartment for rent.European tour for family and friends."And wait.There' is more as sent in another text message.
"Additional business for my husband's family, P50,000 for all my godchildren, 10 units of jeepney for Papa and let my sister go back to the Philippines to manage a school for special children."
Jeana's brother has been seeking medical help for decades now.Her sister had to relocate in the United States with her family to seek greener pastures.McDonalds and Jollibee are intrinsic part of her diet while godchildren through the years must have accumulated to at least 30.
More hopes too for Basinette Noderama, another writer who is battling cancer.She had this planned, "I'll say a thanksgiving prayer, secure the winning ticket, go to Manila to claim the prize, stay at St. Luke's Hospital before making any major decision. I have to pray unceasingly to live long enough to claim the prize money.For one who is dying like me, wealth, fame and power are no longer top priorities. I will give away most of the money because I'm more concerned with eternal salvation at present."