Former President Joseph "Erap" Estrada had mixed feelings when he was given an advance birthday treat at the Makati Coliseum Sunday night.

He was visibly happy with the advance birthday party thrown by his running mate, Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay. But at the same time he was missing his bosom buddy, the late King of Philippine Movies, Fernando Poe Jr.

It was in the Makati Coliseum where Poe's party did its own tally of the 2004 presidential election result. FPJ lost the election to President Glora Macapagal-Arroyo allegedly because of massive fraud.

"It's my first time here. I remember they did their quick count here," Estrada said referring to the coalition that supported his friend's candidacy, the Koalisyon ng Nagkakaisang Pilipino.

Estrada said, he felt really bad that he was not able to help Poe during the 2004 election as he was then being detained for plunder raps.

"Biro mo hindi ako makaganti ng utang na loob sa kaniya," Estrada lamented during an interview with journalists.

He related how much Poe sacrificed by helping Estrada during election campaigns--from the time Estrada was running for mayor up to the time he was gunning for the highest post of the nation. Poe would stop making movies so he could have time to support Estrada during elections.

"Noong kumandidato akong Presidente, hindi na siya gumawa ng pelikula. Araw-gabi kasama ko siya hanggang doon sa Mindanao," Estrada said.

Estrada was all praises with his best friend who had helped him even when they were still in show business.

"Isang tao na talagang igagalang at mamahalin sapagkat noong nag-artista ako tinulungan ako nun. Siya kasi nauna siyang magproduce eh. Noong kumandidato akong mayor tinulungan ako kahit na house-to-house lahat kasama ko pawis na pawis yun. Kumandidato akong senador, katulong ko iyan kasama ko. Kumandidato akong vice president kasama ako. Noong kumandidato akong presidente, hindi gumawa ng pelikula all the way," Estrada said of Poe.

Poe never asked anything in return, Estrada said.

"I would like to stress this, naging mayor ako, senador, vice president, and President. Hindi ba ang Filipino culture kung sino ang pinakamalakas sa presidente iyun ang nilalapitan ng tao? Iyang si FPJ ang daming kontratistang lumapit diyan. Maraming military, police ang lumapit diyan for promotion, madala lang ang papeles sa Office of the President. Walang hiningi sa akin yan. Yan ang isang taong tumutulong na walang hinahangad na kapalit," Estrada said.

"Pambihirang kaibigan iyan," he added.

"Kaya nung kumakandidato siyang Presidente, sabi ko, kapag nanalo ito hindi ako makakahingi rito kasi wala ring hiningi sa akin," Estrada said.

On hand to greet Estrada  during advance celbaration at the jam-packed coliseum were Binay's family members, and Pwersa ng Masang Pilipino (PMP) senatorial candidates, former solon Apolinario "Jun" Lozada, Jose "Joey" De Venecia III, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, and Rep. Rodolfo "Ompong" Plaza of Agusan del Sur, and former Senator Francisco "Kit" Tatad.

Estrada's sons, re-electionist Senator Jinggoy Estrada and San Juan Mayor JV Ejercito, were also present during the celebration at the Makati coliseum which was teeming with orange, blue and green baloons--PMP's campaign colors. (JC Bello Ruiz)