‘Early Christmas gift’: Filipina expat in UAE wins Dh100,000 in UAE Lottery

Christmas has come early for Josephine Aldave Orina – a long-time Filipina expat in the UAE whose quiet resilience finally met a stroke of luck.

After 16 years of building a life in the Emirates, Josephine never imagined that a simple decision to try her luck would bring her a Dh100,000 win in the UAE Lottery’s Lucky Chance category.

“There is no harm in trying and just claim it,” she said at the UAE Lottery studio, her voice filled with gratitude.
“If it’s for you, it’s for you. It’s God’s blessing, it’s everyone’s blessing.”

Josephine spoke with the gentle wisdom of someone who has weathered life with faith.

“What you do will come back to you,” she noted, reflecting on the years she has spent working hard, helping family and holding on to hope.

But the sweetest moment came when she was together with her husband. She recalled calling out to her husband, excitement trembling in her voice.
“I was telling my husband, and he said: ‘It happened to you?’ He couldn’t believe it.”

For Josephine, the win isn’t just money – it’s a sign, a gift wrapped in divine timing.

“It’s an early Christmas gift, actually,” she said, smiling through the emotion. “Thank you so much. I am so blessed.”