MANILA, Philippines - Up to the last minute, actress Snooky Serna showed the whole world her love and affection for her dear mom, former Miss Press Photography of the Philippines Mila Ocampo, who died of emphysema at her home at The Fort at around 10:30 Wednesday morning.

During and after Ocampo’s confinement at the Makati Medical Center, Serna never skipped paying her a visit, most of the time, staying long hours to attend to her.

Three days before Ocampo succumbed to her lingering illness, Serna spent all days and nights at her mother’s bedside.

She only went home to change her clothes and look after the needs of her 2 daughters, Samantha and Sachie, by actor Ricardo Cepeda. As of posting time, Serna and her entire family wasn't entertaining phone calls because of grief and memorial preparations.

But according to one of Kookie’s (Snooky’s pet name) household helpers, the actress was always a loving and obedient daughter to Ocampo.

“Hindi na nga po natutulog si Ma’am sa pagbabantay at pag-aalaga sa kanyang Mommy. Lagi rin siyang umiiyak,” said the household helper.

Ocampo’s health deteriorated when she accidentally slipped in her bathroom some years ago.

In a past interview with Serna, she said that when her mom fell on the floor, her back was greatly affected.
Her mother, she added, had always back pains that later turned to complications of her other vital organs, mainly the respiratory system.

Ocampo was later diagnosed with COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease) or emphysema.

Late last year, Kookie was very happy that her mom was recovering from her illness, until she was rushed to a hospital again. She was later discharged so that she could be taken care of at home.

Ocampo had spanned more than 50 years of an acting career when she was launched in the film “Romansa sa Nayon” directed by Susana de Guzman in 1952.

She was married to actor Von Serna and got 2 kids, namely Snooky and Anton Serna.