🎶 Final Bow of a Legend: Haji Alejandro’s Passing Marks the End of an Iconic OPM Era 🎤

The Philippine music industry mourns the loss of one of its most cherished pillars. Haji Alejandro, known as the “Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala,” passed away at the age of 70 after a valiant battle with stage 4 colon cancer. With his passing, the golden voice behind timeless OPM classics like Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika, Nakapagtataka, and May Minamahal now sings only in memory—but what a lasting echo it leaves behind.

Honoring the Philippines' 'Kilabot ng Mga Kolehiyala': The music of Hajji Alejandro | ABS-CBN Entertainment

Born Angelito Toledo Alejandro on December 26, 1954 in Alaminos, Pangasinan, Haji rose to prominence in the 1970s as a member of the iconic Circus Band, alongside legends like Basil Valdez. His victory at the first-ever Metro Manila Popular Music Festival in 1978 sealed his place in history, with Ryan Cayabyab’s Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika becoming his anthem—and ours.

Beyond the limelight, Haji lived a life filled with passion, family, and fierce resilience. Married to beauty queen and actress Rio Diaz, he was a devoted father to their children, including singer Rachel Alejandro, who continues his artistic legacy.

Get to know Hajji Alejandro, the 'Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala' of the '70s | GMA Entertainment

In early 2025, the Alejandro family received the devastating news of Haji’s advanced cancer diagnosis. While on a performance tour in Vigan, he began experiencing alarming symptoms. Tests later confirmed that the illness had spread to his lungs and liver. Despite aggressive treatment, his condition deteriorated, leading to a series of complications that eventually placed him in the ICU.

What stood out in his final chapter wasn’t just the illness—it was his unwavering spirit, and the love that surrounded him. Family and close friends never left his side, offering strength during his most difficult hours.

As the world now remembers Haji Alejandro, it’s not just his discography that resonates—it’s the story of a man who lived and loved deeply, who sang through both triumph and pain, and whose life reminds us all of the fragile, yet beautiful, harmony between passion and purpose.

His songs may fade from the charts, but never from our hearts. Haji’s legacy is not just written in gold records—it’s etched in the soul of every Filipino who has ever fallen in love to the sound of his voice.

🎵 Rest in music, Maestro. 🕊️