Jake brings daughter Ellie to Dad Erap’s 80th B-day bash

MANILA, Philippines - Days before the 80th birthday dinner of Pres./Mayor Joseph “Erap” Estrada, there were reports that Jake Ejercito, the celebrator’s son with former actress Laarni Enriquez, was attending but…would he, or could he, bring along his daughter Ellie with ex-girlfriend Andi Eigenmann? Would Andi give him the go-signal?

You see, the child, a carbon copy of her mom, is the bone of contention between her feuding parents, with Jake filing a case for joint custody against Andi who has found a new love in a non-showbiz guy (said to be treating Ellie like his own daughter).

So when Jake quietly walked into the Fiesta Pavilion of the Manila Hotel Wednesday night, April 19, with Ellie in tow, all eyes turned to them. Father and daughter proved to be such a beautiful couple, with Ellie dressed like a little princess. (On social media, Jake describes Ellie as “my princess.”) A middle-aged woman, presumed to be Ellie’s nanny, was with them.

Graduating from a university in Singapore this year with a degree in Marketing, Jake came home purposely to attend his dad’s birthday. He arrived two days earlier and is going back to Singapore on Monday, April 24.

“I’m here to enjoy my dad’s birthday party,” said Jake who politely refused to answer personal questions from a movie writer. “I’m not going to talk about anything personal. I just like to enjoy quality time with my daughter.”

Contrary to speculation, Andi graciously allowed father and daughter to be together, which is precious time for Jake who takes a break from school only every now and then. He said that Ellie had been with him for a few days.

“She slept over in my place,” added Jake.

Although a bit shy, Ellie said she was excited to dedicate the song When You Wish Upon a Star to her Lolo Erap.

“I rehearsed the song twice and then they recorded it,” said Ellie who is turning five years old in November.