Who was Hajji Alejandro? OPM legend behind timeless Filipino hits dies at 70

Hajji Alejandro, born Angelito Toledo Alejandro on December 26, 1954, passed away on April 22, 2025, at the age of 70 after a battle with colon cancer. He emerged as a leading figure in Original Pilipino Music (OPM) during the 1970s and 1980s, initially gaining notice as part of the Circus Band before establishing a solo career.

His early success included winning the inaugural Metro Manila Popular Music Festival in 1977 with the song “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika,” composed by Ryan Cayabyab. In March 2025, he was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer, which later spread to his lungs and liver. Despite surgery and therapy, his health declined, and he died peacefully surrounded by family.

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Hajji Alejandro rose to fame after winning a national songwriting competition

Born and raised in Alaminos, Pangasinan, he joined the Circus Band in the mid-1970s, sharing the stage with future OPM stars before embarking on a solo career.

His festival victory led to an invitation to represent the Philippines at the 1978 Seoul International Song Festival, where he won the Best Singer award. These early wins cemented his reputation as a skilled vocalist and interpreter of Filipino pop compositions.

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His songs connected with audiences across generations

Hajji Alejandro earned the nickname “kilabot ng mga kolehiyala” (college girls’ heartthrob) for his appeal among young listeners, yet his repertoire spoke to a wider public. His catalog included memorable tunes like “Panakip Butas,” “May Minamahal,” and “Nakapagtataka,” which remained staples at radio stations and community events.

Composer Ryan Cayabyab observed:

“I think ‘Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika’ has become a classic because of its rallying cry.”

Decades later, newer artists continue to cover his hits, a testament to their enduring appeal.

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Hajji Alejandro balanced his music career with family life and business ventures

In the 1980s, Hajji Alejandro relocated to Los Angeles with his wife, beauty queen and actress Rio Diaz, where they operated a small restaurant on Melrose Avenue. The couple welcomed two children: Ali Alejandro, who became a drummer, and actress‐singer Rachel Alejandro.

Rachel reflected on Filipino values of care, saying:

“You think of it as love, because you were shown love,”

Diaz passed away from colorectal cancer in October 2004, after which Alejandro returned to the Philippines.

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Hajji faced his final challenge with courage and support

When Hajji Alejandro was diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer in early March 2025, longtime partner Alynna Velasquez shared that doctors delivered the news abruptly:

“Ang initial findings ay stage 4 colon cancer agad,” she said.

After surgery and a period in intensive care, Velasquez noted:

“Today, he’s home. Meron lang siyang walker kasi nag-aaral lang ulit siyang [gumalaw] kasi nawalan na siya ng muscles e. He’s incapacitated…pero ang ganda pa rin ng memory at boses niya”.

Despite treatment, his condition worsened, leading to his hospitalization.

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Hajji Alejandro’s career spanned nearly five decades, from his early days with the Circus Band to his final performances in the Philippines. He helped shape OPM’s golden era and inspired fellow musicians with his heartfelt interpretations of Filipino pop songs.

His music remains accessible through recordings on streaming platforms and radio, ensuring that new listeners discover his work. Although he is no longer with us, Alejandro’s voice endures in the melodies that have become milestones in Philippine popular culture.

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