Like, is this real?!
Sometimes inspiration comes from unexpected places. For Aldrin Balatinsayo of Rosetown, it came from a TV show about lottery winners and a timely suggestion from his son.
Balatinsayo is celebrating a $100,000 EXTRA prize from the September 18 WESTERN 649 and EXTRA draw. The memorable moment began during a quiet Saturday at home.
“It was so weird… I turned on the TV. Wouldn’t you know it’s a show about lottery winners,” he laughed. “My son said, ‘Scan your tickets, maybe you won big.’”
Balatinsayo decided to do just that: “When I scanned the ticket, I couldn’t believe my eyes,” he said. “I started yelling out with happiness.”
The winner said he never imagined he’d win a prize of this size.
“I wasn’t expecting to win this much,” he explained. “But it’s weird, my wife for the last year kept saying, ‘I feel like something good is going to happen to us.’ We didn’t know what or when… we just can’t believe it!”
When asked about their plans for the prize, the couple is keeping things practical.
“We want to do some renos and take care of house things.”
Despite claiming the prize, Balatinsayo still finds himself looking at the win amount in amazement.
“Like, this is real?” he laughed. “Because I see a lot of zeros on the screen. Winning $50 would make me happy! This is an answered prayer.”
Balatinsayo purchased his winning ticket at the 7-Eleven located at 219 Railway Ave. in Rosetown.