GARY PEREZ: Composer & Guitarist
 Have you ever dreamed of becoming a great “Composer and Rock Star” and play with other guitar star such as Eric Clapton? GARY PEREZ fulfilled that dream. On March 18, 1975 at the age of eighteen (18) he wrote his first song called “Pagbabalik Ng Kwago and Sirang Plaka” and collaborated with a well known drummer, the late Edmund Fortuno and Sonny Tolentino. This wasn’t the only time; however, that Gary had reached for the stars and realized his dreams.
Gary was born February 9, 1953 in Manila, Philippines. He is one of the children of the famous actor Ben Perez and well known singer Alicia Pascual, there were many great foreign artist like Jimi Hendrix, Joe Walsh, Leslie West, Jimmy Page, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck that Gary looked up to as a role models while he was growing up, but he didn’t let that stop him from achieving his goals. He was especially interested in composing, writing and playing guitar. Luckily, his parents encouraged those interests. That encouragement drove him to excel. Although Gary didn’t pursue his studies, no obstacle was too great for Gary to overcome.
Gary’s accomplishments did not end there. In 1981, he formed Sampaguita Band and started writing and composing songs that hit the taste of general public and made him to stardom, famous songs like Bonggahan, Laguna, Sa Lumang Simbahan, Mahilig, Tao, Sayawan, Kumadre, Crazy Tonite, Liwanag, Para Sa’yo, I’m Behind You, Alembonggahan, Babalik Sa’yo, CB Gypsy and more, Gary realized his biggest dream: He finally became a legendary Writer, Composer and Guitarist! Just years later, he became one of the great guitarist in the country and had a chance to play back to back with Eric Clapton, Paul Williams, Chuck Berry, Blood Sweat Band, Tears Band, Canned Heat Band and others.
Today he encourages young people, especially girls, and women to come out and show their talent at any type of settings, at small parties, church choirs or can even attend music schools. His life example teaches us to follow our dreams, no matter how great!
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Exclusive Interview by Jules Perlas
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