Lotlot de Leon (left) and Superstar Nora Aunor. Image: INQUIRER.net/Jessica Ann Evangelista

Lotlot de Leon’s eulogy for her late mother, Superstar Nora Aunor, drew tears from attendees on the last day of the wake on Monday, April 21, at Heritage Park in Taguig City, as the former revealed the last text message she received from the latter.

De Leon read aloud her mother’s final text message sent just days before her passing, in which Aunor told her daughter not to worry about her, seemingly hiding her true health status.

“Pinakamamahal kong Lotlot. Kausap ko si Doktora Lua. Magkausap daw kayong dalawa at tinatanong mo raw sa kanya kung anong sakit ko. Sabi ko kay Doktora na sabihin sa iyo na okay ako. Wala ka o kayong dapat ipag-alala. Dating sakit ko lang ito at na-trigger lang nung nagkaroon ako ng ubo at sipon. Nagpapasalamat ako sa iyong pag-aalala. Pero ‘wag, kaya ko,” the celebrity daughter tearfully read.

(My dearest Lotlot. I was talking to my doctor, Dr. Lua. She said you talked to her and asked her what my illness is. I told the doctor to tell you that I am okay. You have nothing to worry about. I used to have this illness and it was only triggered when I had a cough and cold. I appreciate your concern. But don’t worry, I can handle it.)

De Leon went on to read the latter part of the message, which seemed to subtly convey her mother’s “habilin” or last wishes.

“Wala kayong dapat ikabahala. ‘Pag oras na ng isang tao, wala na tayong magagawa. May sarili na kayong pamumuhay at masaya ako dahil maganda ang inyong naging buhay. Lalo na buhay ng mga anak mo at ikaw. Napakabuti niyong mga anak sa mata ng tao at sa mata ng Diyos. Ano man ang mangyari mahal na mahal ko kayong lahat na magkakapatid. Mag-iingat kayo lagi. Lalo na mga anak mo, ‘wag mo huwag mong papabayaan. ‘Yan ang kayamanan mo, ang mga anak mo, ang pamilya mo,” she continued.

(You have nothing to worry about. When someone’s time comes, there’s nothing we can do. You have your own life and I’m happy because you’ve had a good life. Especially the lives of your children and you. You, my children are very good before the eyes of the people and the eyes of God. No matter what happens, I love you all my children very much. Please take care always. Especially your children, don’t neglect them. That’s your treasure, your children, your family.)

Silent battle with COPD

De Leon also revealed that the late National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts had been silently battling Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

“Matagal din po nagkaroon ng kondisyon ang mommy (Mommy had the condition for a long time). Matagal naming itinago sa lahat (We hid it from everyone for a long time). She’s been suffering with COPD for a long time. At kinakaya niya (And she was coping). Dahil ayaw niya may nag-aalala sa kaniya (Because she didn’t want anyone worrying about her),” she shared.

Mayo Clinic describes COPD as a lung condition caused by damage to the lungs, resulting in swelling and irritation inside the airways that limit airflow into and out of the lungs. Symptoms include trouble breathing, a daily cough that brings up mucus and a tight, whistling sound in the lungs called wheezing.

This is also the same illness that befell the King of Comedy, Dolphy in 2012.

De Leon underscored that her mother fought to the end, despite flatlining twice following her medical procedure before her death. She also disclosed that the late Superstar was in the intensive care unit (ICU) two years ago, where she also flatlined.

“I whispered in her ears, I said, Ma, it’s okay. Okay lang kami (We’re okay). Ako nang bahala sa mga kapatid ko (I will take care of my siblings) […] I’m sharing this with all of you because I want all of you to know the truth,” she said.

De Leon emphasized that Aunor will always be a Superstar to her fans but will forever be a mother to her and her siblings, Ian, Matet, Kiko and Kenneth.

“Our relationship as a family is not perfect. Our mom is a Superstar for all of you. But for us, nanay namin siya (she’s our mother). Mommy. Iba po ang relasyon niya sa inyong lahat (Your relationship with her is different). Iba ang relasyon niya saming mga anak (Her relationship with us her children is different),” expressed the celebrity daughter.