Erap’s tribute to FPJ

It turned out to be, well, much ado about nothing. I mean the non-controversy unduly stirred up by a Sandiganbayan decision (later reversed) to stop a group of friends paying former President Joseph Estrada a visit in Tanay, Rizal, Tuesday (April 12) last week to greet him an advance Happy Birthday and to witness the opening of El Rey Saloon, a museum of FPJ memorabilia serving as Erap’s tribute to his dear departed buddy.

There was nothing to worry about after all, no need to be afraid of any "shadow."

The group included Susan Roces, Marichu Maceda, Armida Siguion-Reyna and husband (lawyer) Leonardo, Espiridion Laxa, Robert Arevalo and wife Barbara Perez, Rudy Fernandez, Dolphy, Eddie Garcia, Richard Gomez, director Joel Lamangan, director Boots Plata and wife Dolor Guevarra, Niño Muhlach, Erap’s brother Jesse Ejercito, Erap’s son San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito, Rez Cortez and select members of the movie press.

Conspicuously absent were Erap’s wife, Sen. Loi Ejercito, and son Sen. Jinggoy Estrada who were busy with the VAT deliberation at the Senate.

It was a peaceful gathering, contrary to the fears of some people.

The group arrived in Tanay before 4 p.m. in time for the start of the Mass officiated by Fr. Larry Faraon, followed by the opening of the El Rey Saloon (where one of the memorabilia displayed is FPJ’s prized leather saddle, donated by Susan). Then, there was a little salu-salo where, believe it or not, nobody talked politics.

The group left before 8 p.m. (as specified by the Sandiganbayan permit).

And that was it, thank you!

(Postscript: Erap celebrated his 68th birthday yesterday by giving away gifts to the needy.)

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