As showbiz-watchers know, Sampaguita nearly closed shop. What saved it was a low-budget black-and-white tearjerker called Roberta with Tessie, then nine years old, in the title role. The movie was a monster hit and it revived the Sampaguita Studio.
Tessie didn’t stay long in showbiz. As Danny Dolor noted in last Sunday’s Remember When?, Tessie went to the States with her parents, actress Linda Estrella and Dr. Adriano Agana. Now a grandmother, Tessie has been leading a happy, contented life away from the limelight with her husband, Dr. Rudy Jao, and their nine children.
Here’s a gallery of more Sampaguita stars, also compiled by Funfare’s "other beauty expert" and avid movie fan Celso de Guzman Caparas, including Tessie and other notable Sampaguitans:
• TESSIE AGANA – Introduced in Ang Milagro ng Birhen (1949) and best remembered for playing a battered child in Roberta (1951). Other movies: Abogada, Makasalanang Banal, Mapuputing Kamay, Tenyente Ramirez and Camp O’Donnell, all in 1950; Ang Prinsesa at ang Pulubi and Rebecca, 1951; Ulila ng Bataan (1952); Love at First Sight and Amy, Susie, Tessie, 1960. Tessie and her mom Linda Estrella starred together in Labintatlong Hakbang (1950), Batas ng Daigdig (1951), Kerubin (1952) and Kerubin at ang Tulisang Pugot (1954). Tessie’s daughter, Tessie Agana Jr., appeared in the Elizabeth (1968).
• LINDA ESTRELLA – Introduced in Princesita (1941, as the young Carmen Rosales) and had her first starring role in Maria Kapra (1947). Also appeared in Ilaw sa Landas (1948) and Mayamang Balo (1951).
• TITA DURAN – Former child actress whose first grown-up role was in Guerilyera (1946). She was paired with Pancho Magalona (who became her husband) in such movies as Sa Isang Sulyap Mo Tita, Sa Isang Halik Mo Pancho, Dahil Sa Iyo (1948), Huwag Ka Nang Magtampo (1950), Umaga Na Neneng (1950), Kasintahan sa Pangarap (1951) and Vod-A-Vil (1953).
• ROSA MIA – Second Maria Clara Best Supporting Actress awardee for Roberta (1951). Other movies: Aking Ina (1953), Inang Mahal (1956) and Pasang Krus (1957). She also directed movies, including Debutante (starring Susan Roces, 1959) and Octavia (with Lolita Rodriguez and Carmen Rosales, 1961).
• SYLVIA LA TORRE – Takas sa Bataan (1950), Buhay Pilipino (1952) and Gorio at Tekla (1953), all directed by her father Olive La Torre who was also an actor.
• NORMA VALES – Kilabot sa Makiling (her first starring role, 1950), Monchita (1952), Luha ng Birhen (1954), Mariposa (1955) and Teresa (1956).
• MYRNA DELGADO – Recuerdo (1953), Menor de Edad (1954), Tres Muskiteras (1954) and Sa Dulo ng Landas (1955).
• KATY DELA CRUZ – 1953 FAMAS Best Supporting Actress for Inspirasyon; Vod-A-Vil (1953) and Serenata sa Nayon (1961). She was hailed as the Queen of Jazz.
• TITA MUÑOZ – Kasaysayan ni Rudy Concepcion (first starring role, 1952); Texas, Ang Manok na Nagsasalita (1952); and Tulisang Pugot (1953).
• DAISY ROMUALDEZ – Introduced in Rosana (1955). Other movies: Katawang Lupa (1956), Bituing Marikit (1957) and Salamat Po, Doktor (1960). Daisy was crowned Miss Philippine Movies of 1966.
• BARBARA PEREZ – Introduced in Chabacano (1956), first title role in Ate Barbara (1957). Other movies: Pagdating ng Takipsilim (1956), Pampanggenya (1956) and Tatlong Ilaw sa Dambana (1958).
• BELLA FLORES – Introduced in Kilabot sa Makiling (1950), full-pledged star in Roberta (1951). Other movies: Siklab sa Batangas (1952), Apat na Taga (1953) and Maldita (1953). Bella is dubbed as the Lady Dean of Kontrabidas.
• ZENY ZABALA – Introduced in Hootsy Kootsy (1955). Other movies: Binibining Kalog (1955), Gilda (1956), Talipandas (1958) and Ipagdarasal Kita (1960).
• OSCAR MORENO – Unang Pag-ibig (1947); Si, Si, Señorito (1947); 24 na Pag-ibig (1948); Dugong Bughaw (1951); Berdugo ng mga Anghel (1951); Kasaysayan ni Dr. Ramon Selga (1951); Ang Asawa Kong Amerikana (1952, with Joan Page); Hihintayin Kita (1952); MN (1954); and R.O.T.C. (1955).
• EDDIE DEL MAR – Introduced in Ang Kapilya sa May Daang Bakal (1947). Other movies: Hele, Hele Bago Quiere (1947) and Ulilang Kalapati (1949).
• CESAR RAMIREZ – An extra in Huwag Ka Nang Magtampo (1950), introduced in Huling Patak ng Dugo (1950), first starring role Bernardo Carpio (1951). Other movies: Palasig (1952), Ukala (1953), El Niño (1953), Diwani (1953) and Dumagit (1954).
• BOY ALANO – Introduced in Roberta (1951, bested 40 other aspirants for the role of Roberta’s best friend), title role in Kiko (1953). Other movies: Musikong Bumbong (1954) and Fighting Waray sa Ilocos (1964).
• PANCHITO ALBA – 1955 FAMAS Best Supporting Actor for Lupang Kayumanggi, introduced in Barbaro (1953). Other movies: Dobol Trobol (1960), Kandidatong Pulpol (1961), Operatang Sampay Bakod (1961) and Si Lucio at Si Miguel (1962).
• LUIS GONZALES – Introduced in Pilya (1954, using Roberto Gonzales as screen name), FAMAS nominee for Best Actor for Tumbado Cuna (1956). Other movies: Despatsadora (1955), Taga sa Bato (1957), Ang Tangi Kong Pag-ibig (1955) and Wen Manang (1961).
• JUANCHO GUTIERREZ – Introduced in Lydia (1956, billed as Mr. Number 1, winner of Hindi Basta-Basta contest). Other movies: Sonata (1957), Pakiusap (1959), Wedding Bells (1959), Hani-Hanimun (1961) and Dope Addict (1961).
• TITO GALLA – Introduced in Society Girl (1956), 1959 and 1960 FAMAS nominee for Best Supporting Actor for Kidnapped and Isinakdal Ko ang Aking Ina respectively, 1961 FAMAS nominee for Best Actor and 1961 Asian Film Festival nominee for Best Supporting Actor for Dugo sa Aking Kamay. Other movies: Beloved (1958), Tulisan (1962) and Balisong 29 (1963).
• JOSE MARI – Introduced in Palaboy (1958), first title role in Handsome (billed as the First Star of 1959). Other movies: Baby Face (1959) and Sugat sa Balikat (1962).