OPM legend Hajji Alejandro, the Iconic ‘Kilabot ng Kolehiyala,’ dies at 70 after courageous cancer battle
Hajji Alejandro, OPM icon, the velvet-voiced crooner who made an entire generation of colegialas swoon, has passed away at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy paved with unforgettable melodies, heartbreak anthems, and that timeless Filipino charm only he could deliver.
His daughter Rachel Alejandro’s camp, through her manager Girlie Rodis, confirmed the heartbreaking news:
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Dad and Son, Angelito ‘Hajji’ T. Alejandro.”
No further details were given on the exact date and time of passing, but the world of Pinoy music instantly fell silent. The ‘kilabot ng mga kolehiyala’ is no more—and we’re not okay.
Behind the scenes, Hajji Alejandro had been bravely battling stage 4 colon cancer, a revelation made public just this March by his longtime partner Alynna Velasquez in a teary-eyed sit-down with journalist Julius Babao. According to Alynna, what started as an ordinary bloated afternoon ended with emergency surgery, intensive care, and a long, grueling journey of treatment.
“Stage 4 colon cancer. After the operations, nagkaroon siya ng seizure because he got infected.”
“He was rushed to the ICU and it took a while kasi hindi alam kung saan nanggagaling yung infection. Somewhere else. Finally nalaman na nila. After a week tinanggal na yung respirator nila. Then he began to talk.” Meaning, when he had a CT scan, we found out… It was all there. Stage 4. Then came the infection, the seizure, the ICU. But he fought.
Yes, our OPM icon Hajji Alejandro was every bit the fighter we imagined him to be. Even when his voice, the very instrument that defined his career was at risk during intubation, he pulled through with prayers, therapy, and the unwavering support of his family and fans.
Alynna, in between teary prayers and grateful testimonies, said,
“I want to thank all his doctors for taking care of his vocal cords noong na intubate siya. Madalas yung mga na-intubate yung mga vocal chords nila, nasisira na yun eh. But they really took care of him sa Medical City.” I want to thank his doctors for saving his vocal cords. Many who are intubated lose theirs, but they preserved his voice. And for that, I will always be thankful.
Barni Alejandro, one of Hajji Alejandro daughters, took to Instagram to share her grief in the most heartfelt way, through music. She sang “Ang Lahat Ng Ito’y Para Sa’Yo,” one of her dad’s most cherished songs, with a caption that could melt even the iciest showbiz hearts:
“I can’t fathom a life without you. My heart is broken into a million pieces. You were my first love, my hero, my idol. Forever, your Yabs!”
Whew. If that didn’t get you reaching for a tissue, you might need to check your pulse.
Hajji Alejandro music journey
Let’s be clear: Hajji Alejandro wasn’t just a balladeer with movie star looks. He defined an era.
From “Nakapagtataka” to “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” (composed by Ryan Cayabyab, FYI, and winner of the Metro Manila Pop Music Festival AND the Seoul Song Festival—yes, it’s global!), Hajji gave us songs that lived in karaoke machines, wedding receptions, FM radio dedications, and brokenhearted playlists for decades.
Other hits like “Panakip-Butas,” “May Minamahal,” and “Tag-Araw, Tag-Ulan” were anthems for the hopeless romantics and OPM loyalists who believed in the healing power of a well-delivered falsetto.
Even in his later years, Hajji remained active in concerts and special performances, proof that true artistry doesn’t retire, it just ages like fine wine.
The timing of his passing is also particularly heartbreaking, as the nation continues to mourn the recent loss of another cultural giant, the Superstar herself, Ms. Nora Aunor. It’s almost poetic, two Filipino legends saying goodbye so close to each other, leaving us with an ache that only old love songs can soothe.
While his voice may no longer echo through concert halls, it will forever play in the hearts of every Filipino who has ever fallen in love, cried alone at night, or belted his songs in the shower. Hajji Alejandro music transcended generations, and in doing so, he achieved the immortality that only true artists can claim.
To the OPM, great, thank you for the music, the memories, and the magic.
Rest in music, Hajji. The kolehiyalas and the rest of us, will never forget you.
For updates on tributes and memorials for Hajji Alejandro, stay tuned. And if you feel like crying today, go ahead and play “Nakapagtataka.”
Image: racheljalejandro (IG)
