On the afternoon of Sept. 11, 2025, alias Andeng, a private employee from Barangay Pasong Tamo in Quezon City, bought a Scratchit ticket from a neighborhood Scratchit outlet on her way home. It was a casual purchase, something she only did during her spare time or when she had a little extra money.
“I plan on using some of the money to start a business and also to ensure the needs of my family are met.”
Her life was typically defined by the routine demands of her job and the constant need to budget her household carefully. Like many Filipinos, she earns just enough to get by, so she looks forward to Christmas with both excitement and dread. For one, she was already feeling the low-grade stress of the approaching holiday season and its associated expenses.
But that day, her routine stop at a familiar route would change everything, turning an ordinary day into the most significant one of her life.
After paying P50 for the ticket, she scratched the gold coatings almost absentmindedly. One by one, the symbols aligned, and her movements became even more rushed. To her stunned disbelief, she realized that she just won the P500,000 jackpot.
While she had imagined how she might have felt if she won, she confessed that nothing can really prepare you for that moment. A wave of shock washed over her, so strong that she suddenly felt dizzy. Then euphoria replaced shock, especially since she realized how much the money could solve a lot of her problems.
Visions of worrying whether the 13th-month pay would stretch enough to buy aguinaldos for the kids or prepare a proper Noche Buena vanished. With the prize money, this year’s holiday celebration is likely the grandest yet.
Once the initial excitement died down, however, Andeng’s pragmatic side took over. “I plan on using some of the money to start a business and also to ensure the needs of my family are met,” she said, adding that her income as a private employee is barely enough to cover their daily expenses.
When asked for her advice to fellow Scratchit buyers, Andeng said, “Good luck. I am living proof that Scratchit is legit.”
“However,” she cautioned, her tone turning sober, “Make sure only to bet what you can afford.”
