The Pinoy rock scene is incomplete without the presence of female vocalists and instrumentalists. Female rock stars once dominated the genre and rocked the nation.
There are artists today, such as Jessibel Guinto, who are inspired by rock idols and seek to revive the female rock sound in the Philippines.
Guinto was born in Davao and currently lives in Las Vegas, but she never forgets her Filipino roots and music. She continues to release rock songs.
“Rock songs have a certain energy. There is power. There is also a message. It’s like blasting your message via songs. I am definitely bringing back the female rock energy. Thank you to the rock giants that paved the way for us,” she told Manila Standard.
In addition to the rock icons, Guinto stated that her own family motivated her to pursue a career in rock music after she begged them to join her on stage.
Her parents and siblings are musicians, and she considers them her most important influences.
“As a child, I aspired to perform with them. I sobbed just to sing on stage with them, but that’s all in the past. Hindi lang dahil hilig ko ito, pero tumatakbo sa dugo ko ang musika,” she shared, emphasizing the deep-rooted influence of her family.
Her songs available on digital music platforms include Guhit ng Tadhana, Panalangin, Isang Libong Ulit, and the soon-to-be-released Buwan at Bituin. These songs have served as anthems for her life, drawing on her real-world experiences as a woman and artist.
Speaking about the rock ballad Guhit ng Tadhana, the Las Vegas-based Pinoy rock performer explained that it is about the strength to let go of love and move on.
She wrote and produced the song, which portrays the bittersweet path of reflecting on the past while embracing the strength to move forward.
“Many of my songs represent not only my own heartaches but the experiences of other women navigating love, relationships, and heartbreak,” she shared.
With striking lyrics and heartfelt vocals from Guinto, the song conveys a compelling message about rediscovering oneself after love and loss. Her natural confidence on the guitar accentuates her enormous talent.
The official music video, which combines brilliant colors and black-and-white imagery, beautifully depicts the complexity of love and city life. The song, which she released on her YouTube page, has struck a chord with Filipinos all around the world, particularly those who work abroad.
Her message to all dreamers like her: “Huwag susuko kahit ilang beses na hindi magtagumpay. Gawin inspirasyon ang mga taong nagda-down para mas lumakas. Huwag nating madaliin ang pagkamit ng mga pangarap. Mag-focus sa tamang direksyon at tamang paraan. Win in silence, let them think you’re losing.”
She is currently managed by talent manager John Rey Malto.