Snooky Serna

Maria Milagros "Snooky" Sumayao Serna (born April 4, 1966) is a Filipino actress. Regarded as the "Eternal Star" by the local media, she is best known for her portrayals in Anak ni Waray, Anak ni Biday, Blusang Itim (1986) and Rosa Mistica (1988).

With a career spanning over five decades, Serna is well respected. At the age of three, she made her debut in the film Wanted: Perfect Mother (1970) and earned recognition as a child actress. Launched as one of the original "Regal Babies," she became one of tinseltown's most bankable leading dramatic actresses in the 1980s. She attained commercial peak after top billing Blusang Itim, a fantasy-romance film which became one of the biggest box-office successes of 80s decade.

Serna has since received countless accolades in local and international scene. She notably won two awards for "Best Actress" and "Jury Award" at the 11th International Film Festival Manhattan in New York City, becoming the first Filipino actor to win two major awards at the film festival. She is also a recipient of three FAMAS Awards and three PMPC Star Awards for Movies, including several nominations from Gawad Urian Awards and FAP Awards.

Early life

Being the daughter of actors Von Serna of Filipinos Spanish Ancestry and Mila Ocampo, she started acting early in life via her 1970 landmark debut Wanted: Perfect Mother, where she immediately captured the hearts of Filipino audience as a cute, sweet and smart-talking four-year-old. That same year she earned her first acting nomination from FAMAS Awards as Best Child Performer for the film My Little Angel.

Trained by acclaimed director and National Artist, Lino Brocka, Snooky showed promise as dramatic actress and later proved to be a fine one. In 1972, she won her first FAMAS Award as Best Child Actress for the film Sana Mahalin Mo Ako.

Career

Serna was tapped by Regal Films to play the lead role in the movie, Katorse in 1980. Since she was not ready for mature roles then, she begged off, which eventually made a big star out of newcomer Dina Bonnevie. In her teens, she was launched as one of the original Regal Babies (a promotional term coined for a group of teen movie stars under contract with Filipino film production giant Regal Films) and groomed as a leading actress in various loveteam-inspired flicks with then heartthrobs Gabby Concepcion and Albert Martinez. She also starred in more daring films like Bata Pa si Sabel (1981), Strangers in Paradise (1983), Experience(1984), Teenage Marriage (1984) and Lilac (1985).

She starred in numerous films in the 1980s like Underage, Schoolgirls, Story of Three Loves and Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday, among others. In February 1986, she was cast in the lead role of the IBC television series Mansyon, which was the most expensive television production at the time. In the same month, she was given her first solo film project, an adaptation of the comic book serial Blusang Itim, which became a box office success. She was also the host of the television shows Always Snooky and Regal Drama Presents: Snooky on ABS-CBN.

As an actress, she tackled roles that earned acting nominations from various award-giving bodies. She was also in Kapag Napagod ang Puso (1988) with Christopher de Leon and Inagaw Mo ang Lahat sa Akin (Harvest Home - official Philippine entry to the 1995 Oscars) but unfortunately was snubbed during the awards night. Her other major films include Aabot Hanggang Sukdulan (1990), Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow (1986), Hahamakin ang Lahat (1990) with Vilma Santos, the fantasy films Rosa Mistica (1988), and Madonna: Ang Babaing Ahas (1991). It was with Koronang Itim (1994), that she finally won Best Lead Actress from FAMAS and Cebu Archdiocese Media Awards. She has starred in over 80 films from 1970 to 2004.

Serna was prodded to concentrate on family and motherhood in the late 1990s. Upon her comeback, her work mostly concentrated on TV. Initially, she had a short stint as a newscaster of IBC Express Balita and as a host for IBC-13's magazine show Travel and Trade.

Drama roles on television More recently, she's been in various top-rating soap operas in rival stations GMA Network and ABS-CBN, notably Marina, Captain Barbell and Habang Kapiling Ka where she again was awarded the best actress trophy for TV drama performance from PMPC in 2003. Her recent films include Anak Ka ng Tatay Mo, Captain Barbell, and the still unreleased Bituin, Buwan at Araw with Nora Aunor.

Serna made a career turnaround during the late 90s when she concentrated on television and became a host of a tele-magazine show over IBC-13. She also became a newsreader over the same network delivering the mid- and early evening news. She also entered the corporate world by accepting the position of AVP for Megaworld Properties, Inc., and even started a film school in Cabanatuan City. But all endeavors were short-lived.

She is seen mostly on GMA Network and ABS-CBN.

Villainous roles on television In 1997, Serna played the minor and anti-heroine role of Criselda V. Pereira in the ABS-CBN Primetime series Mula sa Puso, an accomplice sister of Selena (played by Princess Punzalan) who tries to convince her to take care of Magda's (played by Jaclyn Jose) daughter and keeps them separate, until she dies of cancer in the series, and the 2002, she played the anti-heroine role of Maida Ventaspejo in Kay Tagal Kang Hinintay in a special participation of their series.

In 2015, Serna is known for her antagonist roles in the GMA Drama series, since she played Mercedes Dela Paz in My Faithful Husband (2015) a mother of Emman (played by Dennis Trillo) who loathes her son from the product of rape and despises his wife, Mel (played by Jennylyn Mercado) to make her life miserable.

In both 2016, she played the main antagonist role as Deborah Villon in Poor Señorita (2016), a snobbish and rich woman as a mother of Piper (played by Valeen Montenegro and Edison (played by Elyson de Dios) who makes her niece Rita's (played by Regine Velasquez) life miserable to get whatever she wants to be more wealthiness, and she played the anti-heroine role of Laura Caraca-Labasat in Hahamakin ang Lahat (2016–2017) a loving and vengeful mother of Junjun (played by Kristofer Martin) to opposite with Joyce Ching, Ariel Rivera and Eula Valdez.

In 2019, she played the main antagonist role as Salida Saklang-Calliste in Sahaya (2019), a domineering and villainous mother of the late son's (played by Benjamin Alves) death that she was sworn her revenge against the poor badjao, Sahaya (played by Bianca Umali) and Manisan (played by Mylene Dizon) by making them alive in living hell.

In 2020, she played the good character role of Amelia "Amy" Malatamban, a loving mother of Ginalyn (played by Barbie Forteza in the remake television series Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday who is previous one of the four main characters, Susie along with her Underage co-star, the Diamond Star Ms. Maricel Soriano.

In both 2023, she played the new character of Velda Alcantara-Gatchalian, a cunning, ambitious, manipulative, and vengeful rich woman who makes the Serrano sisters' life miserable as she avenges her second son Leo's (played by Nikki Co) death in the remake television series, Underage who is previous one of the three leading roles, Corazon as the youngest of three sisters in the 1980 film at her age of 14, and she went back to ABS-CBN via Pira-Pirasong Paraiso to play another antagonist role Hon. Jacinda Sebastian, a corrupt judge that will make the Paraiso sisters life miserable, she's also reunited with her Underage co-star, the Diamond Star Ms. Maricel Soriano.

Personal life Serna was married to actor/model Ricardo Cepeda for over 12 years, with their marriage ending in annulment in January 2006. They have two daughters, Sam and Sachi. In 2024, Cepeda was released from the Cagayan Provincial Jail, in Tuguegarao after posting bail for estafa case. Her second husband was Nino Mendoza (artist and vocalist of a Filipino Rock band the Blue Jean Junkies) but they have been separated.

Serna has been a member of the religion, Iglesia ni Cristo, since 2011. Her parents Von and Mila are Roman Catholic and former Born-again Christians.

Serna's parents are Anthonio B. Serna "Von Serna" (1939–1994) of Filipino-Spanish Ancestry and Mila Ocampo or Milagros S. Serna, with grandparents Antonio Bon V. Serna and Maria Victoria S. Mercado. Her sibling is Anton Serna. She once lived with her aunt Eden at childhood. Since 2022, Serna was engaged to Ramon ‘Mon’ Villarama. Serna's parent's grave (Anthonio B. Serna (Von Serna)-Mila Ocampo).

Filmography Film Year Title Role 1970 Wanted: Perfect Mother Neneng Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star My Little Angel Sweethearts Snooky The Living Doll Little Romeo and Juliet 1971 I Love Mama, I Love Papa My Heart Belongs to Daddy The Wonderful World of Music The Golden Child 1972 Isinilang Ang Anak ng Ibang Babae Mahalin Mo Sana Ako 1973 Lalaki... Kasalanan Mo Gigi Little Solomon and Sheba 1977 Tahan Na, Empoy, Tahan (Stop Crying Little Boy) 1980 Underage Corazon 1981 Bata Pa si Sabel Isabelita "Sabel" Campos Age Doesn't Matter First Love First Kiss 1982 My Heart Belongs to Daddy Mother Dear Schoolgirls Santa Claus Is Coming to Town! 1983 To Mama with Love Daddy Knows Best Hello, Young Lovers Paula Ledesma Stranger in Paradise Experience Jing-Jing 1984 Daddy's Little Darling Don't Cry for Me Papa Dear Mama Teenage Marriage Anak ni Waray, Anak ni Biday Miracle of Love Boystown Where Love Has Gone Minsan May Isang Mahal 1985 Ride on Baby Zuma Galema Summer Love Mga Kwento ni Lola Basyang 1986 Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow Vicky Blusang Itim Jessa Escrito Payaso The Graduates Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita Story of Three Loves Summer Holiday 1987 Forward March Kristie Bakit Iisa ang Pag-Ibig? Anak ni Zuma 1988 Fly Me to the Moon Stupid Cupid Rosa Mistica Rosalie Leynes/Rosanna Cabuyao/Rosario Karakol Nakausap Ko ang Birhen Mary Kapag Napagod ang Puso Lord, Bakit Ako Pa? Merriam Sa Puso Ko Hahalik ang Mundo Bukas Sisikat Din ang Araw Lilac, Bulaklak ng Magdamag 1989 Mga Kuwento ng Pag-Ibig Abot Hanggang Sukdulan Agnes Basag ang Pula Once Upon a Time Kontrobersyal 1990 Kahit Isumpa Mo Ako Angela Hahamakin ang Lahat Theresa 1991 Madonna, ang Babaeng Ahas Melinda/Madonna Joey Boy Munti, 15 Anyos Ka sa Muntilupa Stella 1992 Yakapin Mo Ako Muli Helen Lacson, Batas ng Navotas The Cornelia Ramos Story Cornelia Ramos 1993 Nasaan Ka Nang Kailangan Kita? Kailan Dalawa ang Mahal 1994 Machete 2 Lai Koronang Itim Adana De Guia Mancao 1995 Inagaw Mo ang Lahat sa Akin (Harvest Home) Clarita 1997 Paano Kung Wala Ka Na 2001 Marital Rape 2003 Captain Barbell Belen 2004 Anak Ka ng Tatay Mo 2008 Crossroads Lucinda Querubin Paupahan Eskandalo 2009 Booking Selya Bente Jenny Fidel Sister Lourdes Dukot Hellphone Sagrada Familia 2012 Shake, Rattle and Roll Fourteen: The Invasion Rosalda 2013 The Bride and the Lover Gloria Albino 2015 You're Still The One Melissa Felix Manalo Pilar Manalo Danao 2018 The Significant Other 2019 Last Fool Show Sonya 2020 In the Name of the Mother Carmen 2021 Princess DayaReese Tita Sharon

Television / Digital Series Karelasyon: Biglang Yaman Magpakailanman: The Kim Domingo Story Filipina Domingo 2018 The One That Got Away Fatima "Patty" Makalintal Dear Uge: Something Strange in the Neighborhood Magpakailanman: Ang Babae Sa Likod ng Blusang Itim Herself Pamilya Roces Camilla Vera-Austria 2019 Sahaya Salida Saklang-Calliste Dear Uge: Monito Monita Mona 2020–2021 Anak ni Waray vs. Anak ni Biday Amelia "Amy" Malatamban 2021 Stories From The Heart: Never Say Goodbye Susan Kintanar 2023 Magpakailanman: Reyna ng Tahanan Chanda Underage Velda Alcantara-Gatchalian (formerly Guerrero) Magpakailanman: Ronda ng Kalsada Chanda Magpakailanman: When I Fall in Laugh Jessica 2023–2024 Pira-Pirasong Paraiso Judge Jacinda Sebastian-La Madrid/ Hon. Jacinda Sebastian 2023 TiktoClock Herself 2025 Wish Ko Lang! My Father's Wife Luzviminda "Minda" Rodriguez 2026 House of Lies Evelyn Castillo

Awards INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL MANHATTAN, NEW YORK, U. S. A. (SPRING 2021) Best Performance By The Festival Grand Prize Winner In The Name Of The Mother

Best Actress In The Name Of The Mother

Year Film or TV Title Award Category Media 1972 Sana Mahalin Mo Ako FAMAS Best Child Actress Film 1990 Hahamakin Ang Lahat PMPC Star Awards for Movies Best Supporting Actress Film 1994 Koronang Itim Cebu Archdiocese Mass Media Awards Best Performance by Lead Actress Film 1994 Koronang Itim FAMAS Best Performance by Lead Actress Film 2003 Habang Kapiling Ka (TV) PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Drama Actress in a TV series TV 2008 Paupahan (film) FAMAS and PMPC Star Award Best Supporting Actress Film

Nominations Film Year Film Body Nomination Remark 1970 My Little Angel FAMAS Child Performer loss to Roderick Paulate 1972 Sana Mahalin Mo Ako FAMAS Child Performer WON 1973 Gigi FAMAS Child Performer loss to Jingle 1986 Yesterday, Today & Tomorrow ??? Supporting Actress - 1987 Paano Kung Wala Ka Na? FAMAS Best Supporting Actress - 1988 Kapag Napagod Ang Puso Urian; PMPC Star; FAMAS; FAP Lead Actress - 1989 Aabot Hanggang Sukdulan FAMAS Lead Actress - 1990 Hahamakin Ang Lahat PMPC Star Awards, FAMAS Supporting Actress WON at Star Awards 1991 Madonna, Ang Babaing Ahas ??? Lead Actress - 1994 Koronang Itim FAMAS Lead Actress WON 1995 Inagaw Mo Ang Lahat Sa Akin (Harvest Home) Film Academy of the Phil.; FAMAS; People's Choice Lead Actress loss to Nora Aunor 2003 Captain Barbell Metro Manila Film Festival Supporting Actress - 2004 Anak Ka Ng Tatay Mo Manila Film Festival Lead Actress loss to Nora Aunor (Naglalayag)

Television Year TV show Body Nomination Remark 1987 Always, Snooky PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Musical Variety Show Host loss to Vilma Santos and Nora Aunor 1988 Always, Snooky PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Musical Variety Show Host loss to Vilma Santos 1989 Regal Drama Presents: Snooky PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Drama Actress in a TV series or anthology 1990 Regal Drama Presents: Snooky PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Drama Actress in a TV series or anthology 2003 Habang Kapiling Ka PMPC Star Awards for TV Best Drama Actress in a TV series won

Awards and nominations Year Category Award Result 1988 Best Supporting Actress FAMAS Award 1989 Best Actress FAMAS Award 1989 Best Actress Gawad Urian Award 1989 Best Actress FAP