*Manila, Philippines* — A heavy piece of news shook the music industry and the hearts of millions of Filipinos tonight: **one of the pillars of Original Pilipino Music (OPM)** — the so-called *”Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala”*, **Hajji Alejandro**, has passed away at the age of 70.

His family confirmed Hajji Alejandro’s passing through a media statement, where they said:

“Our beloved Hajji Alejandro passed away tonight, after several months of battling a serious illness. He passed away peacefully, with his family and loved ones by his side.”

Although the exact cause of death has not been released, **there are reports that the singer had been battling complications from heart disease for a long time.**

Hajji Alejandro rose to fame in the 70s and 80s, and was nicknamed “Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala” for his captivating voice and princely charisma. Some of his **unforgettable songs** are:

– *Nakapagtata*
– *Panakip Butas*
– *May Minamahal*
– *Tag-Araw, Tag-Ulan*

His music became part of the soundtrack of many young people back then, and **until now, OPM fans continue to play, sing, and remember him.**

Condolences poured in from fellow artists, musicians, and fans on social media:

> “I will never forget your songs, Hajji. Thank you for the music.”
> – Regine Velasquez

> “You are a legend. Rest in peace, Kuya Hajji.”
> – Ogie Alcasid

Apart from being an OPM icon, Hajji has been an inspiration to many young musicians. He was one of the first to stand up for **the growth of the OPM movement**, alongside Freddie Aguilar, Rico J. Puno, and Rey Valera.

According to the family, **Hajji Alejandro’s remains will be placed in a private burial plot**, but they are open to holding a **public viewing in the coming days** to allow his fans to pay their respects.

Farewell, Hajji. In your voice, we learned. In your music, we breathed. And in your legacy, we continue to hope.**

Hajji Alejandro, OPM legend and balladeer, dead at 70
Hajji Alejandro has died of complications due to stage 4 colon cancer, his family confirmed. He was 70 years old.

“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,” the statement from Girlie Rodis, family friend and longtime manager of Hajji’s daughter Rachel Alejandro, reads.

He was survived by his three children, singer-actress Rachel, chef Barni Alejandro and Mojofly drummer Ali Diaz Alejandro.

In her Instagram, Barni offered a song for her “Daddywaps.”

“I love you, Daddywaps… I’m gonna miss you forever,” she said as she sang lines from Alejandro’s hit song “Ang Lahat Ng Ito’y Para Sa’Yo,” with lyrics, “Ang lahat ng ito’y para sa’yo. Luha at sakit, dulot lahat sa’yo. All the melodies and songs, all the thoughts and feelings, all my offering, all my offering to you.”

The OPM singer’s battle with colon cancer was made public by his longtime girlfriend Alynna Velasquez during an interview with broadcast journalist Julius Babao in March 2024. She also revealed that he has since undergone surgery and battled an infection, and has since returned home.

Velasquez also revealed in the interview that she has been blamed by Alejandro’s family for making his health condition public, although she pointed out that his “critical condition” made her want to confide in someone.

“We had conflicting opinions… I apologize for whatever I said but I just got hurt, and I feel like Hajji has been my partner for 27 years, I think that I know him best,” she said.

Alejandro’s death came on the heels of the deaths of other show biz greats such as Superstar and National Artist Nora Aunor on April 16, and Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales on April 12.

The original heartthrob of college females
Alejandro, who started his entertainment career in the 1970’s, made a name for himself as the “college crush” with his captivating charm and swoon-worthy vocals. He has been active in the OPM scene for more than four decades.

The singer opened up about maintaining his voice during an interview with the Philippine Daily Inquirer in February 2020, saying that he has the habit of “constantly humming,” although he would condition himself before a performance.

“I’m constantly humming; that’s already a form of vocalization… But of course, when I have a scheduled performance, I start conditioning myself weeks before it. I avoid ice-cold drinks and going to crowded areas,” he said. Touching on his longevity, Alejandro said “playing” the music is one of the things he stood by, when it comes to maintaining his long-decorated career as a singer.

“My mindset is that you don’t work for music — you play it. And thus, I have been playing all this time. From Day 1, it was all about the music. Sometimes, you find yourself asking if now’s the right time to stop, especially as you get older. But at the same time, I can’t imagine doing anything else,” he said.

He is best known for his songs “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika,” “Nakapagtataka,” “Tag-Araw, Tag-Ulan,” “Panakip-Butas,” “If I Were Man Enough,” and “May Minamahal,” to name a few.