"Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika." "Panakíp Butas." "Nakapagtataka." “May Minamahal.” “Tag-araw, Tag-ulan.” 

We’ve probably heard these songs many times over the years, being played on the radio, being sung by famous singers in various shows, and being used as contest pieces by aspiring singers. And these are just a few of the classic hits of Filipino music icon Hajji Alejandro, who sadly passed away on Monday, April 21, as he succumbed to stage 4 colon cancer at the age of 70. 

As we bid farewell to one of the mighty stalwarts of OPM, we pay homage to him by looking back on his prolific and remarkable five-decade career, as well as his appearances on “ASAP” through the years in this special feature. 

Born Angelito Alejandro in Alaminos, Pangasinan on December 26, 1954, Hajji is considered a major pop star in the 1970s and 1980s, whose foray in music began as a member of the group Circus Band. His career took off when he eventually went solo, with “Panakip Butas” being his first-ever hit song.  

In 1978, he won the first-ever Metro Manila Popular Music Festival as the interpreter of the winning entry “Kayganda ng Ating Musika,” which was composed by National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab. 

He was later known as the “Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala,” which, he disclosed in his “Magandang Buhay” interview, was first coined by his friend Ariel Ureta on his highly popular shows in the mid-70s and was also used by the DJs of radio stations whenever they would introduce his songs on their programs. 

Apart from performing in live shows and concerts, he also appeared in a number of TV shows, including “ASAP.” And here are two of his memorable stints:  

In 2014, he and his firstborn, Rachel Alejandro, an award-winning singer and actress, shared the stage with the talented father-and-son tandem of Gary and Paolo Valenciano as they serenaded the viewers with their performance of one of Hajji’s classic hits, “Nakapagtataka.”

A decade later, the long-running Sunday variety show dedicated an episode of “The Greatest Showdown” in 2024 to honor the OPM veteran and his invaluable contributions to the local entertainment scene. His fellow Pinoy music icons did their renditions of his songs one-by-one, definitely much to the delight of Hajji and the audiences, particularly those who grew up listening to his music.

Commencing the segment was none other than the recipient himself, Hajji, who was joined by his beloved daughter Rachel onstage to sing his signature song, “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika.”

Mr. Pure Energy Gary Valenciano expressed how honored he was to sing, once again, one of his songs, “Nakapagtataka,” especially in front of him.

Ogie Alcasid, meanwhile, performed his soulful rendition of “Panakip Butas.”

Divine Diva Zsa Zsa Padilla surely touched hearts with her version of “Ang Lahat Ng Ito’y Para Sa ‘Yo.”

We were surely filled with nostalgia as Concert King Martin Nievera sang “Tag-araw, Tag-ulan.”

Erik Santos then narrated the music journey of the legendary singer and composer by singing “Isang Awit.”

Of course, a tribute to him would never be complete without his hit song “May Minamahal,” which was rendered by Asia’s Songbird Regine Velasquez-Alcasid.  

The segment capped off with Gary thanking Hajji for his unparalleled contributions to the industry and imparting how the latter has been an inspiration to him ever since he started.

Hajji then expressed his gratitude to “ASAP,” especially to the ASAP pillars for their heartfelt and flawless interpretations that made him appreciate his own songs more. He also thanked the show and ABS-CBN for the awe-inspiring tribute they mounted for him, as well as the people instrumental for the success of his musical career, which include Circus Band musical director and founder Atek Jacinto, esteemed composers Willy Cruz and Ryan Cayabyab, and his steadfast supporters.

“Higit sa lahat, sa inyo (the fans) na mula noon hanggang ngayon ay patuloy pa ring sumusubaybay at tumatangkilik sa [aking] mga shows. Sa 51 years po na ibinigay n’yo sa aking pagkakataon na awitan ko kayo, maraming, maraming salamat po sa inyo,” Hajji said as he took a bow.

Thank you for your enduring music and inspiring career that have continuously touched the hearts and lives of many through the years, Hajji! Rest in peace.