Albert Bautista, a 42-year-old resident of Barangay Socorro, Murphy, Quezon City, is still finding it hard to believe that he is now a millionaire after winning the ₱1 million grand prize in the Swerte sa Palengke 2026 nationwide promo.
Bautista said he was completely shocked when he heard his name announced as the grand-prize winner on Saturday afternoon, September 5.
“Actually, talagang shocked na shocked pa rin ako. Hindi talaga ako makapaniwala. Ako ba talaga ‘to? Pagkarinig ko sa radyo… galing ako sa simbahan nun. [Naghahanda kami] para sa birthday ni Mama Mary. Umuwi na nga ako, pahinga ng konti, nakinig na ko ng radyo dahil alas tres na. Hindi ko po inisip na mananalo ako ng 1 million eh. Talagang nilaban ko lang. Excited na kinakabahan [ako noon]. Grand Draw na to. Nationwide na ‘to eh, tapos ako pa ang mapipili,” he said.
Bautista’s winning entry came from a Puregold receipt, one of several proofs of purchase he submitted throughout the promo. He also collected and submitted proofs of purchase from other participating brands, including San Miguel Pale Pilsen, Bioderm Germicidal Soap, Syngenta, Efficascent Oil, Omega Pain Killer, Gardenia Loaf Bread, Orocan, Holiday by Sunpride, and Sarsaya.
According to Bautista, he submitted more than 300 entries throughout the promo period, which ran from June 28 to September 5. He also regularly participated in the promo’s weekly market activations, submitting entries in various locations including Sta. Cruz in Manila, Valenzuela, Pasay, Navotas, Antipolo, Divisoria in Manila, and Pasig.
His persistence comes from more than a decade of joining Bombo Radyo Philippines’ promos. Bautista has been sending entries through 102.7 Star FM Manila since 2012 and said he joins every promo each year, including Buena Mano Salvo and One Two Panalo.
Even the recent flooding in Quezon City did not stop him from pursuing his chance to win. While Bautista said their area was not severely affected, their roof was damaged, and water began coming into their home.
Still, he continued sending entries.
“Kahit magpupuyat, sige lang po. Tuloy-tuloy po kahit bumabagyo po.”
The ₱1 million cash prize is expected to make a significant difference in Bautista’s life. He plans to use part of his winnings to have their house in Montalban, Rizal, repaired and to start a business that could provide an additional source of income for his family.
Bautista is currently single and helps support his mother and the four children of his siblings. He works as a helper for a small company.
His winning entry was drawn from millions of entries received from 31 Bombo Radyo and Star FM stations nationwide, making him the latest member of the Bombo Millionaires Club.
Meanwhile, guaranteed cash prizes of ₱25,000, ₱15,000, and ₱10,000 were also given away in each of the 25 areas covered by the network.
Bautista said he is truly grateful to the Lord for the blessing, as well as to Bombo Radyo and Star FM for giving him and other loyal listeners the chance to be part of its promos throughout the years.
Over the weekend, Star FM Manila also received messages from listeners who said Bautista’s story inspired them and gave them hope that they, too, could become millionaires someday.
For Bautista, the lesson from his own experience is simple: never give up.
“Never give up lang po. Huwag lang po kayong bumitaw. Kung para sa’yo, talagang para sa’yo. Nilaban ko lang po ito. Tuloy-tuloy lang sa pagsali. Kahit bumabagyo, pupunta ka pa rin para makapaghulog ka. Malay niyo, sa susunod na promo, kayo na ang manalo. Hindi ako gumive up eh. Manalo matalo, nakasuporta pa rin ako sa [Bombo Radyo Philippines].”
Bautista is now the 82nd Bombo Millionaire and the grand-prize winner of Swerte sa Palengke 2026, which awarded a total of ₱9 million in prizes nationwide.
Swerte sa Palengke 2026 coincides with the 60th anniversary of Bombo Radyo Philippines, giving back to its loyal listeners and viewers across the country.
As the saying goes, “winners never quit, and quitters never win”. After more than a decade of joining Bombo Radyo Philippines’ promos, Albert Bautista is living proof that persistence can indeed pay off.
Congratulations, Albert Bautista of Quezon City, and welcome to the Bombo Millionaires Club!