No need to deny that I am one of the many who, every time the cash prize of the lotto draws administered by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSP) reaches astronomical figures, queue patiently and join the many hopefuls in line, with my bunch of number combinations in mind and some, written on paper, fueled by an ardent wish to be the next millionaire.

All sorts of Pinoys take their chance since there is no sure science to calculate what are the winning number combinations.It has always been a matter of luck and timing, and perhaps, the holding fiercely to the saying that “prayers can move mountains and even part a sea.”

Just recently, two Filipinos are now part of PCSO’s millionaires’ club. There were two lone winners during the 31 December and 1 January draws — best gifts for the year that was and onset of a new season. Whoever are these lucky ones, their dreams and desires are made into realities by the life-changing experience.

It is a no-brainer why many want to become winners in the games of chance of the PCSO. Just look around, observe and as one iconic song lyrics says, the perfect answer to the why: “The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind.”

Big channel shift

To get more people to the Sweepstakes’ public services while providing more Filipinos with the opportunity to follow their favorite lotto games anytime, anywhere, the PCSO Lottery Draw now airs on IBC-13 and D8TV, which officially started during the last day of the previous year, 31 December.

This joint venture by the PCSO, the Intercontinental Broadcasting Corporation, and Digital 8 TV, the PCSO Lottery Draw will feature all the popular lotto games such as Ultra Lotto 6/58, Grand Lotto 6/55, Super Lotto 6/49, Mega Lotto 6/45, Lotto 6/42, and will carry as well the 6D, 4D, 3D, and 2D Lotto. The draws are broadcasted live, from Monday to Sunday, in three time slots: 2 p.m., 5 p.m. and 9 p.m.

This is a historic first for the lotto draws started airing on TV decades ago. Now, viewers and bettors can view the program by tuning in to both the analog and digital IBC-13, D8TV and IBC DWAN 1206AM channels.

What makes this big shift all the more progressive and in tune with the current times is that livestreams of the draws are ready for viewing on the official online platforms, including the websites, Facebook pages and YouTube channels of PCSO, IBC-13 and DWAN 1206.

“IBC-13 brings to this partnership a fast-growing digital network, evidenced by the launch of its new digital terrestrial TV (DTT) transmitters in Baguio, covering Northern Luzon, and in Davao, serving Southeastern Mindanao,” said IBC-13 president and CEO Jimmie Policarpio. “They join the DTT stations in Iloilo and Cebu, which broadcast to the Visayas, and will be followed by the digitalization of Laoag and Cagayan de Oro, and the rise of new original (OG) digital stations in Leyte; Samar; Surigao; Naga; Masbate; Legaspi; Catanduanes; GenSan; Agusan; Puerto Princesa; Coron; Pagadian; Tuguegarao; Cauayan; Batangas; Bulacan; and Zamboanga.”

Apart from programs bringing the Executive and Legislature closer to the people, Policarpio also said: “IBC-13 joins the foray into infotainment programming with its roster of new shows set to launch in the first quarter of 2025. Some of the programs we are truly proud of are Cooltura, Legally Speaking, Sayanista, Kalye Sining and Barangay Trese.”

He added: “Of course, the always-in, ever-relevant Congress TV has also found a new home in IBC Digital.”

Jay Ruiz, president of Digital 8, Inc. said: “The D8TV’s state-of-the-art field record and broadcast facilities represent advanced media production capability, combining cutting-edge technology, flexibility and reliability, to deliver clearer, more colorful, more energetic action, on time.”

He said: “Utilizing modern mobile control rooms, that D8TV can create high-quality content, employing IP-based fiber optic and satellite transmission modes.”

Furthermore, the two gentlemen Policarpio and Ruiz also said that IBC and D8TV both participated in public bidding posted on PhilGeps to win the contract for broadcasting the PCSO lottery, as confirmed by PCSO assistant general manager Atty. Lauro Patiag.

This collaboration, artistic and production partnership between PCSO, IBC-13 and D8TV serves as an important step and relevant undertaking in not only providing entertainment to Filipino viewer.

Atty. Lauro Patiag PCSO assistant general manager concluded, who was also a special guest during the press conference: “What we are doing here is not only necessary but important, most especially in driving the campaign to raise funds for health programs, medical assistance and other charitable efforts to aid Filipinos in need, the mandate which PCSO continues to prioritize.”

As announced and broadcasted by the PCSO lotto draw in IBC 13, yet anothe5r dreamer has been added to the millionaire’s club as solo winner of the grand 6/58 draw. Indeed, the dreaming continues and lives on.