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Hajji Alejandro is one of the best singers the country has ever produced. Back in December 2024, he marked his 70th birthday.Singer Rachel Alejandro posted on Instagram a heartwarming birthday message for her talented father.
“Some of us are blessed with youthful good looks. Some are lucky to have an abundance of talent and a lucrative career while others have lasting good health. At 70 years young today, my Dad @hajjialejandro.
official has all that and more.” Loyal fans of Hajji knows him for his title then, “Kilabot ng Kolehiyala.” In an interview with Lifestyle Inquirer, Hajji recalled that it was veteran balladeer Basil Valdez who discovered him and recruited him in Circus Band.
Hajji's first single was the song "Tag-Araw, Tag-Ulan." He told PEP.Ph that he cried when he first heard his song on the radio.
“I remembered the first time narinig ko 'yung 'Tag-Araw, Tag-Ulan' sa radio. Natapos kong i-record tapos several weeks later, pinatugtog sa radio. Talagang nagda-drive ako, umiiyak ako talaga, 'yung feeling na talagang ang sarap, from inside nararamdaman mo.
Ganun din ang nararamdaman ko 'pag kinakanta ng ibang tao 'yung mga awitin ko.” Hajji's collaboration with National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab in the first Metro Manila Popular Music Festival (Metropop) for the song “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” in the 1978 won him the grand prize. Hajji Alejandro and Ryan Cayabyab then flew to South Korea in 1978 to compete in the first International Seoul Song Festival in Korea.
Their song “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” won the Grand Prix and Hajji also bagged the recognition for Best Singer. Hajji's other hit songs include “Panakip Butas,” “May Minamahal,” and “Nakapagtataka.” When he wasn't getting much work, Hajji and his ex-wife Rio Diaz then flew to the United States to put up a restaurant at the Melrose Avenue in Los Angeles.
Rio, who was diagnosed with colon cancer, died in 2004. The "Nakapagtataka" singer was blessed to have multi-talented kids. Theater actress-singer Rachel Alejandro and chef Barni Alejandro are his children from his first marriage.
Mojofly drummer Ali Alejandro is Hajji's son with the late beauty queen Rio Diaz. He also has another child named Michelle Alejandro. Family is everything for Hajji Alejandro.
Alyanna, the girlfriend of Hajji Alejandro for over two decades, sat-down with Julius Babao to talk about his health condition.She confirmed during her interview with Julius that Hajji got diagnosed with colon cancer. “It was just an ordinary day na he had a show.
.. Sa Vigan kasama 'yung Hitmakers parang na-bloat siya and he could not breathe, he could not eat, he could not do anything.
” Alyanna remembered.“So sabi ko pacheck-up siya..
.So, when he had a CT scan nalaman na.“Well he heard it from the doctor and then he said that he needed to have an operation, like, ASAP.
The initial finding was Stage 4 Colon Cancer.Julius then asked how Hajji reacted. Alyanna stated, “I didn't see any reaction from him.
I think knowing him for 27 years,he's scared and hindi pa siya makapaniwala.”According to Alyanna, Hajji is doing well now after his operation last month and he is recuperating in his home. The family of Hajji Alejandro, through his manager Girlie Rodis, released a statement announcing the death of the music icon in a Facebook post on April 22, 2025.
The full statement reads, “It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Dad and Son, Angelito 'Hajji' T. Alejandro.”“At this time, we kindly ask for privacy as our family grieves this tremendous loss.
We appreciate your understanding and support during this difficult time.”.
