Estrada 'not that excited' about new grandson

The thrill is gone.

After being a grandfather for the fourth time recently, President Estrada said he is no longer as excited as he used to be.

The President became a grandfather again last week with the birth of model Patty Betita's son, Jose Emilio, named after the Ejercito patriarch. The new baby boy's father is Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito, Mr. Estrada's only child with former movie actress Guia Gomez.

"Of course I am happy, but I'm not that excited anymore because I have so many grandchildren already," said the President, whose three other grandchildren are by his eldest son San Juan Mayor Jinggoy Estrada and wife Precy.

In his weekly radio program "Itawag Mo Kay Erap" over dzRH yesterday, the President said he was "happy" to learn that Betita gave birth in the United States and that the boy would be named after his (Mr. Estrada's) father.

At 62, though, the President had admitted earlier that he hates to be called "Lolo," and that the birth of yet another grandchild only indicated that he was getting on in years.

But even as the novelty of such experience has worn off, the President said he and First Lady Luisa Ejercito were actually excited over the pregnancy of daughter Jackie.

Jackie, now Mrs. Manolo "Beaver" Lopez, is due to give birth in June.

"Nasisiyahan ako diyan, magiging lolo na naman tayo (I'm happy with that, I'll be a grandfather again)," he said.

There's a saying, he said, that the offspring of one's daughter is sure to be one's grandchild. He did not elaborate.

He was quick to douse suggestions that he will soon be availing himself of senior citizen discounts, as he said that even Jinggoy's children refer to him as "Daddy-Lo."

"Medyo kalahati lang ... at least nandoon pa ang Daddy (It's only half ... at least the Dad part is still there)," he said.

The President is expecting two more additions to the growing Ejercito clan this year, as the presidential family contributes to the country's galloping population, enough to make "Daddy-Lo" age faster than he wants to. --