As the daughter of former Philippine president Joseph Ejercito Estrada and actress Laarni Enriquez, Jerika Ejercito has felt the weight of public scrutiny since childhood. When her father was impeached and imprisoned, it all got worse.
Ejercito—who already felt insecure and lost inside a complicated family life—had been sexually abused at age 13. When the corruption allegations against her father led to his ousting, public outrage swelled and the 16-year-old Ejercito became so depressed that she attempted suicide more than once.
Over two decades later, Ejercito is still a public figure. But now, it’s of her choosing. At 27, Ejercity became a Christian. Today, as a mother of five, she’s a women’s ministry leader and life coach with a sizable Instagram presence. She’s passionate about helping others process the difficulties of life that she once faced.
“I am a product of God’s grace—nothing more, nothing less,” Ejercito told CT in a recent interview.
Whether we find ourselves in seasons of desperation or delight, may we remember that we worship a God who trades beauty for ashes.
