OPM icon Hajji Alejandro dies at 70 after colon cancer battle

Edd April 22, 2025

 


Hajji Alejandro, the legendary OPM icon, passed away at the age of 70 after battling stage 4 colon cancer. His death marks the loss of one of the most influential figures in Philippine music, leaving behind a legacy of timeless songs and a career that spanned decades.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Born Angelito Toledo Alejandro on December 26, 1954, Hajji grew up in Manila, Philippines. His musical journey began in the 1970s when he joined the Circus Band, a group that included other future OPM legends such as Basil Valdez, Tillie Moreno, and Jacqui Magno. His smooth vocals and charismatic stage presence quickly earned him the moniker "Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala", as he became a heartthrob among college students.

Rise to Fame

Hajji Alejandro’s solo career took off when he started recording Filipino adaptations of foreign hits. His early albums featured songs like "Tag-Araw, Tag-Ulan" (originally "Charade" by the Bee Gees) and "Panakip-Butas" (a Tagalog version of "Worst That Could Happen" by Jimmy Webb). However, his biggest breakthrough came in 1978, when he performed "Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika", composed by Ryan Cayabyab, at the Metro Manila Popular Music Festival. The song won the grand prize and later earned international recognition at the Seoul Song Festival in Korea.

Musical Contributions and Influence

Throughout his career, Hajji Alejandro released numerous hit songs that became staples of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). Some of his most memorable tracks include:

  • "Nakapagtataka" – A song that resonated with many listeners due to its heartfelt lyrics.
  • "May Minamahal" – A ballad that showcased his vocal prowess.
  • "Ang Lahat Ng Ito’y Para Sa’Yo" – A song that his daughter, Chef Barni Alejandro, recently sang in tribute to him.

Hajji continued to perform well into the 2000s, often touring with fellow OPM icons Rico J. Puno, Rey Valera, Nonoy Zuñiga, and Marco Sison as part of the Hitmakers. His ability to maintain his voice and stage presence over the years was a testament to his dedication to music.

His Battle with Cancer

In March 2025, Hajji Alejandro’s longtime partner, Alynna Velasquez, publicly revealed that the OPM legend had been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. His health struggles began when he experienced severe bloating and difficulty breathing during a performance in Vigan. Concerned about his condition, he underwent a CT scan, which confirmed the devastating diagnosis.

Following the diagnosis, Hajji underwent immediate surgery, a critical step in managing his illness. Initially, he showed signs of recovery, but complications soon arose. He suffered seizures and was rushed to the ICU due to an infection. His condition fluctuated, and despite medical efforts, his health continued to decline.

Alynna Velasquez, his partner of 27 years, shared that Hajji’s battle was emotionally and physically taxing. She revealed that his family had differing opinions on how to handle his condition, leading to tensions. Despite these challenges, Hajji remained resilient, undergoing therapy and showing moments of improvement. However, his body ultimately succumbed to the disease on April 21, 2025.

Remembering Hajji Alejandro

His passing marks the loss of a true OPM icon, leaving behind a legacy of timeless music and an enduring impact on Philippine entertainment. His children, including Rachel Alejandro and Ali Alejandro, continue to honor his memory through their own artistic pursuits. Fans and fellow musicians have expressed their grief, celebrating his contributions to Filipino music.

 

 

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Edd

Posted by Edd

Edd describes himself as an asocial and acerbic individual. He began blogging in 2007 on Blogspot, long before blogging became a widespread trend. Initially, his blog served as an online diary—a personal journal where he shared his experiences, thoughts, and travels. Over time, his blog evolved into a space where he could express his random musings and reflections. This personal blog doesn’t focus on any specific niche, but instead, it’s a collection of his diverse interests and feelings. Edd created the blog purely as a hobby, with no particular intention of aligning it with any particular theme or audience. It remains a platform for him to write about whatever crosses his mind, with a style that is uniquely his own—raw, honest, and unapologetic. Through the years, the blog has served as a creative outlet, allowing Edd to document his personal journey while sharing bits of his life and thoughts with the world.

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