MANILA, Philippines — Iconic Filipino singer Hajji Alejandro has passed away at the age of 70 due to complications from stage 4 colon cancer, his family confirmed on Monday.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of our beloved Dad and Son, Angelito ‘Hajji’ T. Alejandro,” read a statement released by Girlie Rodis, a family friend and longtime manager of Alejandro’s daughter, singer-actress Rachel 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.”
Alejandro is survived by his two children—Rachel Alejandro and Mojofly drummer Ali Diaz Alejandro.
Ali, who is also known as Chef Barni, paid tribute to her father on Instagram with a heartfelt song. “I love you, Daddywaps… I’m gonna miss you forever,” she wrote, singing lines from one of his most beloved songs, Ang Lahat Ng Ito’y Para Sa’Yo.
The singer’s health struggles became public in March 2024, when his longtime partner, Alynna Velasquez, revealed in an interview with journalist Julius Babao that Alejandro had been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer. She shared that he had undergone surgery and faced complications, including an infection, but had since returned home.
Velasquez also spoke of tensions with Alejandro’s family over her decision to share his condition publicly. “We had conflicting opinions,” she said. “I apologize for whatever I said, but I just got hurt. Hajji has been my partner for 27 years—I believe I know him best.”
Hajji Alejandro rose to fame in the 1970s as one of the pillars of Original Pilipino Music (OPM), earning acclaim for his powerful voice and timeless hits. His passing follows closely after the deaths of other Filipino entertainment icons—National Artist Nora Aunor on April 16 and Asia’s Queen of Songs Pilita Corrales on April 12—marking a season of deep loss for the country’s music and entertainment industry.
