Hajji Alejandro

Angelito "Hajji" Toledo Alejandro

One of the first original Pilipino music (OPM) icons,

Early life and education Angelito was born in Manila on December 26, 1954, to Edgardo Alejandro and Aida Toledo. He was the oldest of two sons from a family which had been involved in music. His relatives in the mother side consisted of professional musicians mostly playing percussions, including his uncle, 1950s popular singer Paquito Toledo. His nickname, "Hajji", came from the song "Hajji Baba" by Nat King Cole.

Career Music career With the Circus Band and Lovelife Alejandro was the youngest member of the Circus Band, where his career began. Every night, he received the sum of ₱35 for his acts.

Solo career Alejandro went solo in 1976 an adaptation of the 5th Dimension's "Worst That Could Happen"; and "Tag-araw, Tag-ulan," that of the Bee Gees' "Charade".

Alejandro went on hiatus since the late 1980s The hiatus ended prior to the end of his business in early 1990s, as he had his first weekend concert with his daughter Rachel at the Music Museum.

Acting career His popularity as a pop singer led Regal Films to sign him up to do movies. His initial movie appearance—"Panakip-butas" with Nora Aunor and Trixia Gomez, based on one of his hit songs—became a box office success. However, he later decided to leave the movie industry and to focus more on his singing career, as he felt uncomfortable doing mature scenes on the first shooting day for another movie.

Personal life and death Alejandro was married twice. with whom he had two daughters, Barney and singer Rachel.

Alejandro was in a long-term relationship with former New Minstrels (another 1970s music group) singer Alynna Velasquez from 1998. He died from the disease on April 21, at the age of 70. His cremated remains were later interred at the Heritage Park after a one-day private wake which was held two days later.

Discography Albums Hajji (first album, 1977) Hajji Alejandro 25: The Silver Anniversary Album (launched May 30, 1999) — released by BMG Records Pilipinas; contains 14 re-recorded songs. and at the first International Seoul Song Festival in South Korea, both in 1978. "Panakíp Butas" – composed by Willy Cruz and J. Webb; Tagalog adaptation of "Worst That Could Happen" by the 5th Dimension and Jimmy Webb. "Tag-araw, Tag-ulan" – Tagalog adaptation of "Charade" by the Bee Gees. "May Minamahal" – composed by Willy Cruz; later covered by his daughter Rachel. "Nakapagtataka" – composed by Jim Paredes; later covered by his daughter Rachel and by Sponge Cola in 2006. "Ang Lahat ng Ito'y Para Sa'yo" – composed by Nonong Pedero; performed by him with Rachel and Cayabyab in a 1989 episode of Ryan Ryan Musikahan. "Di Ba Puwede" – composed by Rey Valera "If I were Man Enough" – composed by Butch Monserrat "Ikaw at ang Gabi"