OPM legend Hajji Alejandro, known for timeless hits and unmatched charisma, passed away on April 22 after a quiet battle with colon cancer. He was 70.
His daughter, singer-actress Rachel Alejandro, shared a powerful tribute that revealed not only his final moments but also the deep bond their family shared with the late icon.
“My dad was our sun,” Rachel wrote in a heartfelt post, “and we were planets orbiting him, basking in his warmth and light.”
A Life Centered Around Family, Not Fame
Rachel remembered her childhood as one spent trailing her father everywhere—from concerts and rehearsals to basketball games and late-night hangouts at Dolphy’s house.
Even as adults, the Alejandro siblings craved their father’s presence. He would talk politics, crack jokes, and share business advice.
Hajji was a rare star who didn’t rely on flashy PR or a high-powered manager.
His Final Shows and Final Wish
Though Hajji was already in pain, he still performed two shows before being hospitalized. Rachel said he asked the family to keep his illness private.
Rachel recalled that her father’s greatest joy wasn’t just the applause. “He valued providing for his partner, mother, and children. His voice was his gift, and he used it until the very end.”
After two months in the hospital, Hajji returned home, where Rachel spent every moment by his side.
A Lasting Legacy in Filipino Music
Hajji Alejandro began his career in the 1970s as part of the Circus Band before finding massive success as a solo artist. His classic song “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” became an anthem for generations of Filipino musicians.
He also released memorable tracks like “Nakapagtataka,” “May Minamahal,” “Panakip Butas,” and “Tag-araw, Tag-Ulan,” cementing his legacy as a hitmaker and heartthrob.
Rachel said she plans to honor her father’s legacy by living with integrity and performing with passion.
Shaina is an entertainment news contributor for BrigadaNews.ph. She delivers the hottest updates on TV, movies, and celebrity happenings with clarity and flair. Shaina has a knack for turning buzzworthy moments into must-read stories that keep readers in the loop and entertained.