Thank You for the Music, OPM Legend Hajji Alejandro

MANILA, PH —Original Pilipino Music (OPM) legend Hajji Alejandro has passed away on April 21, 2025 following a battle with colon cancer. He was 70.

His passing was confirmed by the family’s talent manager, Girlie Rodis, on April 22.

“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.

To God be the glory. – The Alejandro Family”

Alejandro had three children — daughters Rachel and Barni, with Myrna Demauro, and son Ali, with actress and beauty queen Rio Diaz.

Dubbed the original “Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala,” Alejandro began his career in the 1970s and rose to fame as a member of the Circus Band, later becoming one of the most recognizable voices in OPM.

In February, reports surfaced that Alejandro was battling stage 4 colon cancer. A video showing him looking frail in a hospital bed briefly circulated on social media.

At midnight following his passing, daughter Barni posted a photo of Hajji with his granddaughter, captioned: “The best Lolowaps!!!”

In a March interview with Julius Babao, Hajji’s partner of 27 years, former singer Alynna Velasquez, shared how it all began during a show in Vigan with the Hitmakers.

“Parang na-bloat siya and he could not breathe, he could not eat, he could not do anything. So sinabi ko pa-check up siya. When he had a CT scan, nalaman na… He heard it from the doctor, and he was told he needed an operation, like, ASAP,” Alynna said.

She continued: “He’s just been very strong. Bigla lang talaga, eh. Naggo-golf siya, he does everything, he walks — ako nga ‘yung tamad, eh. He ate healthy, and all of a sudden, that happened.”

Alynna said Hajji underwent surgery but later developed an infection and had to be brought to the ICU.

“After a week, tinanggal na ‘yung respirator niya. And then, he began to talk.”

She shared that Hajji was eventually sent home and started therapy.

“Meron lang siyang water, kasi nag-aaral ulit siyang gumalaw. Nawalan na siya ng muscles, eh. Talagang wala. He was incapacitated at one point. Pero ang ganda pa rin ng memory niya. Kwento pa rin siya nang kwento about things we don’t even remember anymore,” she recalled.

Thank you for the music. Rest in peace, Hajji.

Photo Source: Hajji Alejandro IG