REDWOOD CITY, CA, February 6, 2009 - This is the choice that US citizens will have to make when they join the BigAtin Bigay Todo Sweepstakes Grand Draw.
By March 17, five lucky individuals will either be $10,000 richer or will be enjoying a grand vacation to the Philippines, complete with free airfare, accommodations, pocket money and other prizes.
ABS-CBN International, on the 15th anniversary of its flagship product The Filipino Channel (TFC), has been giving away $1,000 to 10 individuals monthly since December 2008. “This is our way of thanking our Kapamilyas who have been supporting TFC through the years. This is also to give back to Filipino Americans who have been helping their families and less fortunate kababayans in the Philippines,” said Chief Operating Officer Raffy Lopez.
James Gomez, an active guard reserve from Bell, California, is one of those who won in the first draw. When asked what he would do with the cash prize, a grinning James said, “I’ll have to ask my boss”. He was referring to his wife, Merlee, a Filipina who has chosen to use the money for a good cause. “I’m going to help my brother in the Philippines or other people there,” said Merlee. She feels fortunate to be able to give to those who are in most need. “Little money or big money is good because it could help other people,” she added.
Another lucky winner, Priscilla Basto of Fort Washington, Maryland prefers to use her $1,000 for a trip back to the Philippines. “Kasi gusto kong umuwi sa Pilipinas kaya ako sumali (I want to return to the Philippines that’s why I joined),” Priscilla said. When Don Jagoda Associates, the agency officiating the sweepstakes, called to inform her that she won, she got so excited: “First time kong manalo! Sa mga lotto, lotto hindi ako nananalo (This is my first time to win! I never win the lotto),” the very lively Priscilla narrated.
Unlike James and Merlee, Priscilla is not a TFC subscriber. She however started using Sarimanok One, the rechargeable phone card of ABS-CBN soon after she won in the sweepstakes. “Sana ituluy-tuloy itong promo na ito (I hope this promo will be sustained),” suggested Priscilla. “Baka magpabalik-balik ako sa Pilipinas ‘pag nagkataon (I could be flying back and forth to the Philippines if I get lucky).”
Meanwhile, Zenaida Garcia, a cashier at the Corry Navy Base commissary in Pensacola, Florida was shocked to learn that the promo is for real. She recalled her reaction: “Oh Daddy, it’s true! We won $1,000! We’re going to Disney World!” Zenaida is one of the latest winners of Bigay Todo who decided to treat her family to a weeklong vacation in Orlando, Florida. For the Garcias, it was a much needed break full of priceless memories.
As of press time, 30 individuals have already won $1,000 each and after finding out how easy it is to join, more and more have decided to send in their entries. ABS-CBN Management is pleased with the results. Lopez said, “We’re so happy that many have joined. This is really intended to support Filipino communities in the U.S. as we have been doing since 1994. We hope that more and more Filipino Americans would take advantage of Bigay Todo, especially during these trying times.”
For more information, please visit www.bigaytodosweepstakes.com.
