The Philippine music industry is mourning the loss of another iconic figure as Original Pilipino Music (OPM) legend Hajji Alejandro passed away on Monday, April 21, after a battle with stage 4 colon cancer. He was 70.

The news was confirmed by Alejandro’s family on Tuesday, April 22, through a statement shared by Girlie Rodis, the manager of his daughter, singer-actress Rachel Alejandro.

“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Dad and Son, Angelito ‘Hajji’ T. Alejandro,” the statement read. “We kindly ask for privacy as our family grieves this tremendous loss. We appreciate your understanding and support during this difficult time. To God be the glory.”

Alejandro’s condition was first revealed to the public in March through an interview with his longtime partner Alynna Velasquez, who appeared on a vlog hosted by journalist Julius Babao.

Dubbed the “Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala” or “college girls’ heartthrob,” Alejandro rose to fame in the 1970s and ’80s. He first gained attention as part of the Circus Band, a popular musical group that also included fellow OPM great Basil Valdez. His solo career, which began in 1976, cemented his status as a Filipino music icon.

He is best known for timeless hits such as “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika,” “Nakapagtataka,” “Panakip Butas,” “May Minamahal,” and “Tag-araw, Tag-Ulan.” His landmark collaboration with composer and National Artist Ryan Cayabyab on “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” won the grand prize at the first Metro Manila Popular Music Festival (Metropop) in 1978. The same song later brought international acclaim when it won the Grand Prix at the Seoul Song Festival in South Korea.

Alejandro’s passing follows the deaths of two other beloved Filipino entertainment icons — Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales, who died on April 12, and Superstar Nora Aunor, who passed away on April 16, marking a particularly sombre period for the country’s arts and culture community.

He is survived by his children: singer and theatre actress Rachel and chef Barni, from his first wife, Myrna Demauro; drummer Ali, his son with second wife and former beauty queen Rio Diaz, who also died of colon cancer in 2004; and another daughter, Michelle.

Tributes continue to pour in from fans and fellow artists, honouring Alejandro’s immense contribution to Filipino music and culture.

(Source: brigadanews)