Magandang gabi sa inyong lahat.
Uunahin ko na po ang pagpapasalamat sa mga naglaan ng panahon para dumalo at samahan ako na ipagdiwang ang ikatlong taon ko ng pagiging senior citizen. Wala naman po samukha ko ang pagiging senior na hindi ba?
On a serious note, I cannot help but be grateful for the countless blessings I and my family have received. Noong nakaraang taon, muli po akong naluklok sa pangalawang pinakamataas saposisyon sa Senado. Hindi ko inaasahan na sa pagbabalik ko saSenado ay muli akong magiging Senate President Pro Tempore na nauna ko nang ginampanan noong taong 2007 hanggang 2013.
Hindi ko naman matatamasa ito kung walang suporta at kumpiyansa ang aking mga kasamahan sa Senado kaya’t nagpapasalamat ako sa kanila.
I also consider the recognition recently bestowed upon my beloved parents as one of the greatest gifts I have received. Bago ang parangal na iginawad ng Senado sa aking ama’t ina, binigyan din ng pagkilala ng Metro Manila Film Festival o MMFF ang aking ama, si former President Joseph Ejercito Estrada, sa kanyang natatanging ambag sa mundo ng pelikulangPilipino. Ang pagkatatag ng MMFF at ang Movie Workers Welfare Foundation Inc. o MOWELFUND.
It is truly heartwarming to witness your parents being honored and recognized by their own peers—those who are often your toughest critics and the best judges of whether you have made a lasting impact in your field.
Kaya nakakataba ng puso nang ipinarating sa aming pamilyaang pagbibigay din ng pagkilala ng mga kasamahan ko saSenado, hindi lang sa aking ama, maging sa aking ina, ang tinaguriang Senadora ng Masa, si Dra. Luisa “Loi” Ejercito Estrada, sa kanilang paglilingkod sa ating bayan.
As their son, I take immense pride in my parents’ achievements and am deeply grateful that their sacrifices and commitment to the Filipino people have been recognized. Their example inspires me to work even harder in fulfilling my responsibilities as a legislator and public servant. I am truly blessed to have them as my parents.
To borrow a quote from a famous American poet and writer Maya Angelou, “I sustain myself with the love of family.” Aside from my parents, my loving wife, Precy and our children, Janella, Jolo, Julian and Jill – their love and support provide me with the strength, comfort, and purpose. Their love helps me navigate life’s challenges and inspires me to thrive. Sila ang pinakamalaking biyaya sa buhay ko.
I also would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to my siblings, Jackie and Jude. Your unwavering support has been invaluable to me, and I am truly grateful for having you both by my side. Thank you for always being there.
Today is not just a personal milestone, not only because I am celebrating another year of life, but also a moment of gratitude because I am surrounded by people who have been with me in my journey – my family, friends, colleagues, and supporters who have been my source of strength and motivation.
Lastly, I thank God for His guidance, my family for their love, my colleagues and staff for their cooperation and hard work, and the Filipino people for their continued trust. Patuloy ko pong pagsusumikapan ang pagseserbisyo sa bayan na may integridad, sipag at dedikasyon tulad ng itinuro sa akin ng aking mgamagulang.
Muli, maraming salamat sa inyong lahat na naririto ngayon. Nawa’y patuloy tayong pagpalain ng Poong Maykapal!