Sampaguita, poster girl of Pinoy Rock, is Tessie Alfonso in real life. “I started as a model for Bagong Anyo,” she says. “Colegiala ako who challenged the norm. Naging rocker. Naghahanap sila ng female counterpart ni Mike nang mag-hit ang ‘Jefrox’. Pina-record sa’kin ang ‘Bonggahan’. E, hindi naman talaga ko singer. Nire-reject ng radio stations ang kanta. Sabi ng Vicor, you have to see her in person. Pag nakita nila ang whole package, gusto na nila. The song became such a big hit. First time kasing may nag-swardspeak. Naka-identify ang mga bading. ‘Hindi ko say na magwala ka, ang say ko lang ay magpabongga ka.’ But I didn’t use my real name kasi takot ako baka mag-flop. Ginamit ko ang Sampaguita at dun ako nakilala.”
She’s now 63 years old. “My eldest, a girl, is now in her 40s. She’s in Hawaii with two of my grandchildren. Yung sumunod, si Cowboy, is 38. My youngest is Jacinta, 26. Tapos ng masscomm, pero mascom fortable sa bahay. We manufacture perfumes.”
She says she has gone through a lot in life. “Marami kong downs na sadsad talaga, emotionally and financially, but my hit song is my own philosophy: ‘Panahon na para magsaya, forget mo na ang problema. Padance-dance para sumigla. Rock n roll hanggang umaga.’ Ang dami kong lessons learned. Isa na riyan, don’t do drugs, it’s a killer. E, alam mo naman ang showbiz, baligtarin mo, bisyo. So dapat, matibay ka, para hindi ka matukso.”
She wants to write more songs. “I hope I can get good materials. I watched the concert of Rolling Stones last week in Macau. Akala ko walang manonood. But punong-puno. It’s inspiring to see Mick Jagger perform. Nandun pa rin ang respect ng fans niya. Dito sa Pinas, they put premium on the young. They put you down, laos ka na. You just have to accept it. Pero ang nakakatuwa, kinakanta pa rin naman nila ang mga kanta namin.”
You can get your tickets to “Senyor Rock” at the Hard Rock Cafe Glorietta 3 Makati.
