MANILA, Philippines ? Eight years after his father, former President Joseph Estrada, was forced out of Malacañang, Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada was back in Malacañang Friday for the first time since that fateful day in January 2001.

Estrada was there to represent Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile in a luncheon hosted by President Macapagal-Arroyo for a visiting Chinese delegation.

The delegation was led by Jia Qinglin, who is chair of the National Committee of the Chinese People?s Political Consultative Conference.

Estrada said he exchanged pleasantries with President Arroyo.

?I almost did not recognize you,? he quoted Ms Arroyo as telling him in reference to the fact that he had lost so much weight.

Estrada said he told the President that he had lost 50 pounds.

Stepping inside the Palace grounds which had been the home of his parents since his father rose to power in 1998, Estrada said the surroundings ?looks very familiar? and remarked there were not much changes done.

The luncheon was held in the Ramos room, inside the main Palace building which serves as residence of Ms Arroyo.

It was Estrada who told Senate reporters that he was going to Malacañang for the first time in eight years yesterday.

He even quipped in laughter: ?We hoped to be back in July when we recapture the Palace.?

His father is running for president next year while Estrada is seeking reelection. Christine O. Avendaño