Bumuhos ang pagdadalamhati at pagbibigay ng tribute ng OPM singers sa pagpanaw ng kanilang colleague na si Hajji Alejandro, ang tinaguriang Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala at isa ring OPM icon.
Pumanaw si Hajji nitong April 21 dahil sa stage 4 colon cancer. Siya ay 70 years old.

Ayon kay Concert King Martin Nievera, hindi pa rin siya makapaniwala na wala na si Hajji.

“I still can’t believe it. We have lost a musical icon and such a wonderful beautiful man. He was always so kind and supportive not to mention humble and extremely fun to be around. I have learned so much from this man,” pahayag ni Martin.

Inalala rin ng Concert King ang pagre-record niya ng original song ni Hajji na “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” na aniya ay ipinagpapasalamat niya pero hindi pa rin niya napantayan ang ganda ng bersyon ng original singer.

“One of my most feared songs to sing let alone record is this beautiful Ryan Cayabyab classic, ‘Kay Ganda Ng Ating Musika.’ I never thought I could ever sing this song. Definitely not as good or as convincing as the original by Hajji himself. Thank you @troylaureta for convincing me to do this song. Now I’ll learn this with pride as a tribute for the man who gave us the very best of OPM. Rest in peace my friend . I already miss you. Thank you for the music and the memories!” ani Martin.

Sa tribute naman ni Ogie Alcasid, ipinahayag niya ang kalungkutan sa pagyao ng ating music heroes.

“Tito Hajji was just an amazing human being. He was friendly, always joking around, kind, accommodating and the supreme professional when it came to his art of singing. He was fondly called the original ‘Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala’ and there is no doubt that all our hairs would stand with each note that he sang. These days have been just truly sad as we have all been mourning the loss of our music heroes.

“To Alynna, Rachel, Barnie, Ali, Nino and the rest of the Alejandro Family, we send our deepest sympathies. We are thinking of you at this time and praying for your comfort from our Lord,” pahayag ni Ogie.

Ibinahagi naman ni Vina Morales ang photos and videos ng show nila ni Hajji noong August, 2024.

“Another big loss in the music industry…

“Tito Hajji Alejandro, it was truly an honor to have shared the stage with you. Salamat po sa iyong musika. You will always be remembered.

“This was one of the last shows I sang with Tito Hajji, last August 3, 2024. Was able to be with him also last Jan 3,2025 in tacloban with THE HITMAKERS. (Thank you @dianepj31 for reminding me).

“I’ve been so blessed to have worked with these icons in the music industry.

‘My deepest condolences to you, Sis @racheljalejandro and the whole family,” ani Vina.

Nagbigay-pugay din si Jaya at aniya, kinalakhan niya ang musika ni Hajji.

“I grew up listening to his music on the radio as a young kid. Met him a few times (and) found him to be very warm and funny. An amazing singer and performer, truly one of the icons that will be missed… Paalam po Mr. Hajji Alejandro. my deepest condolences to your family and may God comfort you in this difficult time,” saad ni Jaya.

Sa post naman ni Dingdong Avanzado ay ibinahagi niya ang naging closeness nila ng OPM legend na hindi lang niya kaibigan kundi mentor and teammate rin.

Inalala rin niya ang kanilang mga pinagsamahan.

“Over the years,you have been a teammate, a mentor and a dear friend. I truly appreciate all the wonderful moments that I have spent with you, whether it be playing basketball, golf or playing cards. But most of all that I appreciate are the life lessons and wisdom that you have imparted to me. Thank you for all the wonderful stories and memories. My deepest condolences to Rachel @racheljalejandro , Barni, Ali, Lola Nena, Nino and the rest of the Alejandro Family. Thank you for your valuable contribution to our music industry. Rest now Tito Hajji. We will always remember you fondly,” pahayag ni Dingdong.

Born Angelito Toledo Alejandro, nagsimula ang music career ni Hajji bilang miyembro ng Circus Band noong 1970s kasama sina Tillie Moreno at Pat Castillo.

Taong 1978 nang manalo ng grand prize si Hajji sa kauna-unahang Metro Manila Popular Music Festival with the song “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika.”

Ang ilan pang awiting pinasikat niya ay “Panakip-butas,” “Tag-Araw, Tag-Ulan,” “May Minamahal,” “Ang Lahat ng Ito’y Para Sa Yo,” “Nakapagtataka,” at marami pang iba.

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Vinia Vivar