Sampaguita - 1978 - Sampaguita

The queen of filipino rock: Tessy Alfonso alias Sampaguita! Born in Java, Indonesia, she moved to Philippines when she was only six. Sampaguita started out as a model under then-First Lady Imelda Romualdez-Marcos’ Bagong Anyo. She was discovered by her then-husband Nilo Santos. Her stage name was coined by the percussionist Nick Boogie, after the species of jasmine locally known as sampaguita, which is also the national flower. Her first performance was at the New Moon Concert in 1977 at the Folk Arts Theater in Pasay, Metro Manila. The magnetic personality and inimitable talent of the prodigious youth, amazed Maverick producer Nilo N. Santos of Nilson Productions who thought it interesting to have her record an album. It took considerable time and tenacity to convince the reluctant young woman, but as fate would have it, Sampaguita, "the Rocker" was destined to bloom.

By this time the pioneering efforts of rock station DZRJ FM to rev up the local rock scene was climbing to an imminent realization. Sampaguita of course, led the fray, earning the critics` nod in her first ever performance -- an opening slot in a concert titled, "New Moon Rock Concert." This led to the eventual pairing with talented guitarist-songwriter Gary Perez of the rock band Anak Bayan. Their first hit, the celebratory "Bonggahan", became her signature piece. Soon the partnership bore more hits like "Tao", "Laguna", "Sayawan", "Sa Diyos Lamang"... all of which became anthems for their generation. All these pieces are included in the omonimous first album of 1978. The album is a mix of Glam, Psychedlic Rock and Pinoy Rock.

Her colorful attire, which blended psychedelic aesthetics with "rock and roll" theatrics, brought glamour to the Pinoy rockers scene. In fact, it remains one of the more vivid images of 70`s Pinoy pop culture. As her fame grew, the demand to see her perform was amplified. She was the choice opener for international artists who came to visit the country. These include, to name a few, Chuck Berry, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Paul Williams, Eric Clapton and Canned Heat. Her arduous three-year stint at the legendary 100% rock club in Subic Naval Base, Olongapo, performing for American service men, further fortified her rock queen persona that, after three decades still remains.

After a self-imposed hibernation, Sampaguita came out strongly again in 1989 with an expected hit "Nosi Ba Lasi." Once she was was asked why there was such a long gap between her albums, and Sam`s reply was simple; "To do an album just to remain in the scene is not my style. It is an art form and inspirations don`t come easy. For me a song without a message is just "sound", just like a flower with no scent." Currently she is quite content being a mother to her three beautiful children: Dolly, Cowboy, and Jacinta. She is also into pottery, painting and a lot of other hobbies and crafts. At the moment, her musical legacy is now carried on through her son Cowboy, a gutarist of interest who is wowing audiences on the currently Pinoy rock scene.

Sampaguita`s contribution to Filipino music industry`s lavish tapestry and Pinoy rock in particular is one to be cherished. She is an icon and a veritable pillar that the curent breed of musicians continues to look up to. And rightly so, for Pinoy will not be what we know and enjoy it to be, had Sampaguita not taken her birthright as the one and only "Queen of Pinoy Rock and Roll.

(source: pinoyclassicfolkrock.blogspot.com.)

TRACKLIST:

A1 - Bonggahan

Written-By – Gary Perez

A2 - Easy Pare

Written-By – Nilsan

A3 - Sampaguita Theme

Written-By – Gary Perez

A4 - Kinabukasan

Written By – R. Carillo,  Sampaguita

A5 - Rock N' Roll Medley

cover

B1 - Sayawan

Written-By – Gary Perez

B2 - Tao

Written-By – Gary Perez

B3 - Kumadre

Written-By – Gary Perez, Sampaguita

B4 - Sa Diyos Lamang

Written-By – Gary Perez