Quick Facts
Biography
Tessy Alfonso, better known by her stage name Sampaguita, was a Pinoy rock singer from the Philippines during the 1970s and 1980s.
Sampaguita had released several albums and songs that went successful and now considered classics. She is also dubbed as the queen of Filipino rock music.
Origins
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.
Present
In 1994, Alfonso retired from the Philippine music scene when according to her own words "[Life became] too dangerous, with sex, drugs and rock and roll, rock until you drop."
On December 3, 2010, she went onstage again at the Ugat, The Legends of Pinoy Folk Rock concert held at the Araneta Coliseum. She performed along with other Filipino rock artists from the 1970s and 1980s.
Personal life
Alfonso is the mother of three children: Dolly and Kowboy Santos (with Nilo Santos), and Jacinta Romero (with Miguel Romero). Kowboy Santos, is also a musician, and is the frontman of the band Generation. Alfonso currently resides in Parañaque City with Romero and their daughter, Jacinta.
Discography
Albums
Sampaguita (1978)
Vol. 2 (1980)
Beatwave (1984)
Sa Ngayon (1991)
Songs
Music
- Salamat
- Tao