Karla Estrada hopes son Daniel Padilla learns from his ‘mistakes,’ be a better person

Karla Estrada said she will always stand by her son Daniel Padilla even as she hoped that he would learn from his mistakes and the challenges that would come his way.

In a sit-down interview with broadcast journalist Bernadette Sembrano on Saturday, May 11, Estrada said that while challenges are part of life, it wouldn’t stop her from guiding Padilla and offering him a listening ear.

“‘Yung anak ko, pinagusapan ng buong daigdig. I always pray he will be okay but at the end of the day, ‘yung question na kamusta si Daniel, si Daniel lang ang tanging makakasagot nang buo n’un,” she said. “As a mother, I always pray for the best for my son [at] para sa mga anak ko. Hindi lang kay Daniel and I always pray na maging better sila.”

(My son was talked about by the whole world. I always pray he will be okay but at the end of the day, the question of how Daniel is, only Daniel can answer fully. As a mother, I always pray for the best for my son and children. Not only Daniel but also to my children to be better.)

“Sana kapag dumadaan sila ng mga pagsubok, sana maganda ang lesson. Kailangan mong magkamali para may matutunan ka, at para maging mas maayos ka at mabuting tao. Nandito lang ako lagi sa likod ni DJ if ever tawagan niya ako, gusto niya akong makausap,” she said, addressing her son using his nickname.

(I hope it will serve as a good lesson for them when they undergo challenges. You need to make mistakes to learn from them and be a better person. I’m here for DJ whenever he needs me and someone to talk to.)

Touching on the topic of mistakes, Estrada considers it an “exercise” for her children while pointing out that it’s a reminder for them to “keep going” because life goes on. She also hoped they would learn how to forgive.

“Tinuro ko sa mga anak ko, pwede kayong madapa and then just learn kasi hindi pwedeng tumigil ang buhay,” she said. “Bago ka matulog, magpatawad ka at humingi ka ng tawad. Ipagdasal mo ‘yung mga taong nagagalit sa’yo. Every time may pagsubok ‘yung mga anak ko, I make sure na ako ‘yung pader na pwede nilang sandalan.”

(I taught my children that it’s okay to fall since it reminds you to learn. Life doesn’t stop. Before sleeping, forgive and ask for forgiveness. Pray for those who are angry at you. Every time my children go through hard times, I make sure they can rely on me.)

Estrada stated during Padilla’s contract renewal with ABS-CBN’s Star Magic in February 2024 that she will always root for him in “whatever path [he’ll] take” and dedicate his endeavors to God.