Joseph Estrada’s forgiving nature

Avoiding a shooting war with China is not a cowardly act but a practical one.

There is no way we can defeat China, a military superpower. If we fight China, we’re like an ant being trampled on by an elephant.

We are lucky President Noy is not a hothead.

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Former President Joseph “Erap” Estrada celebrates his 75th birthday today, and politicians of all stripes are expected to attend.

Even those who have hurt him, among them Ilocos Sur Gov. Luis “Chavit” Singson, have been invited to the celebration, a source in Erap’s circle said.

Erap has a forgiving nature and doesn’t hold a grudge.

During my birthday party last year, Erap and Chavit met. The two talked like nothing happened between them.

Erap also shook hands with another former enemy, retired police general Rey Berroya, at the party.

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I’ll bet Erap will live up to a hundred years. A psychologist-friend once told me those who hold no grudge against others live longer.

The secret to a long life, according to the psychologist, is to forgive people who have hurt you.

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During the birthday of businessman Sebastian Chua two years ago, Erap asked me: “Mon, have you forgiven your enemies?”

I thought he was trying to be funny, and my reply was: “Have you?”

I realized later he wasn’t joking when, at my birthday party, he had an animated conversation with Chavit, who was responsible for his early departure from Malacañang.

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Erap doesn’t want to admit it yet, but he’s running for mayor of Manila in the coming elections.

According to his close friend, restaurateur Rod Ongpauco, Erap confided to him his plan to run for Manila mayor.

If Erap runs against reelectionist Mayor Fred Lim, it is likely that the latter will not make it. Erap was second to President Noy in the 2010 presidential race.

Noynoy Aquino’s victory was because of   the public’s outpouring of sympathy over the death of his mother, former President Cory.

Without the Cory factor, Erap would have won, and that would have made him an elected president twice.

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The Philippine Red Cross (PRC)—no longer called Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC)—marked  its 65th anniversary recently.

The PRC has been the nation’s trustworthy partner in times of calamity for 65 years, especially with former Sen. Richard “Dick” Gordon at the helm.

Gordon and his Red Cross volunteers are almost always first at the scenes of disaster.

While he was campaigning for senator in a Nueva Ecija town several years ago, Gordon chanced upon a burning public market.

He got down from his car to manage the firefighters and left only after the fire was contained.

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The 4th Ramon Tulfo Cup (invitational shootfest) will be held April 28-29 at Armscor Firing Range in Marikina City, hosted by Manila Rifle and Pistol Sports Club Inc. headed by Gerry Lazaro.

Proceeds from the shooting competition will go to the Ramon Tulfo Good Samaritan Foundation.