Hajji Alejandro, the iconic Original Pilipino Music (OPM) balladeer who, at the peak of his popularity in the 1970s, left legions of college girls gushing and blushing with his sweet singing and
Hajji Alejandro, the iconic Original Pilipino Music (OPM) balladeer who, at the peak of his popularity in the 1970s, left legions of college girls gushing and blushing with his sweet singing and boy-next-door charm, died on April 21—two months after he was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer. He was 70.
The singer’s death, confirmed by his family in a statement posted on social media yesterday, came just days after the passing of two other show biz giants: Pilita Corrales on April 12, and National Artist for Film and Broadcast Arts Nora Aunor four days later.
He is survived by his children Rachel, Barni, Ali, and Michelle Alejandro, who requested for privacy as they “grieve this tremendous loss.”
Alejandro was cremated on Tuesday, with a one-day wake today for family and close friends.
Alejandro’s good friend and colleague Marco Sison admitted that what happened had yet to fully sink in.
“Nakapagtataka. Ang bilis ng mga pangyayari,” Sison, seemingly referencing one of Alejandro’s signature hits, “Nakapagtataka,” told the Inquirer. “The reality is here. We have to accept it. But still, I can’t help but feel confused. Naiinis ako, nalulungkot. I’m in denial.”
Born Angelito Alejandro on Dec. 26, 1954 in Alaminos, Pangasinan, Hajji started his career in 1973 as part of the popular musical group The Circus Band—of which he became part at the urging of member Basil Valdez, who saw the former perform in an orientation week presentation at Ateneo de Manila University.
In 1976, after three years and four albums with The Circus Band, Alejandro went solo, and within the following year released such songs as “Tag-Araw, Tag-Ulan” and “Panakip Butas” (a Filipino cover of the Jimmy Webb-Brooklyn Bridge song “Worst That Could Happen”) with songwriter Willy Cruz under Jem Records.
