What started as a simple craving for noodles turned into an extraordinary stroke of luck for local builder Taien John, who has won K20,000 through Nestlé’s Maggi Noodles Golden Ticket promotion.

The story began on a Friday morning when Taien’s five-year-old son begged for a quick snack of 2-minute Maggie noodles.

“I was about to go to work, but when I heard my son crying, I felt sad. I had K5 in my pocket and wanted to get him noodles,” Taien recalled.

Taien first looked for noodles from small markets nearby, but none were available. He then walked to Rainbow Supermarket in Madang Town, where he finally bought a single packet.

“When I came home, my son insisted I cook it immediately,” he said. In a rush, Taien opened the noodles and to his surprise he found the K20,000 golden ticket inside.

At first unsure of his good fortune so Taien returned to the supermarket to find that outside, Nestlé staff were putting up posters for the promotion.

“When I asked about it, they said, ‘Bro, you are the lucky one! We heard Madang will be next and here you are winning,’” he said.

Unlike many winners who may buy multiple packets, Taien’s luck came from just one noodle packet, which he had casually chosen as the “special one.”

Taien, a professional carpenter, has worked with several companies and recently begun taking on private projects. He plans to use the prize money to start his own small building and maintenance contractor company.

“This win will help me finally start my own business and also some will go to my lucky son, because if it wasn’t for his craving I wouldn’t be the lucky one,” he said.

Before ending the interview with PNG Haus Bung Taien expressed heartfelt gratitude to Nestlé, saying, “I want to thank Nestlé for this amazing promotion it has really changed my life.”

The story of Taien John highlights how a simple act of kindness as father responding to his child’s noodle craving can lead to an extraordinary turn of events.