Hajji Alejandro’s greatest hits: Remembering the OPM icon’s musical legacy

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

Look back on Hajji Alejandro's lasting impact on the music industry with 10 of his hits

In the early ‘70s, Hajji Alejandro would start his music career as a member of the Circus Band, after being recruited by one of its members, Basil Valdez. 

Along with Basil, Hajji would later pursue a solo career, and become regarded as one of the most legendary Filipino musicians of all time. 

Dubbed the original “kilabot ng mga kolehiyala (college girls’ heartthrob),” the OPM icon died on April 16 at 70 years old after losing his battle with colon cancer. 

While the Philippines may have lost another giant in the industry, Hajji’s lasting legacy will continue to live on through his greatest hits. Look back on some of them here:

Tag-Araw, Tag-Ulan

Hajji made his debut as a solo musician with the song “Tag-Araw, Tag-Ulan” in 1977. This song is a Filipino adaptation of “Charade” by Australia’s the Bee Gees. 

May Minamahal

Hajji’s quick molding into an OPM legend only continued from there, with the release of another well-loved hit in 1977, “May Minamahal.” 

A song that tells the story of what it’s like to love someone romantically, “May Minamahal” was eventually used as the theme song for a 1993 movie of the same name topbilled by Aga Muhlach and Aiko Melendez. The film’s version was performed by actress-singer Agot Isidro. 

Mundo ng Panaginip

Hajji also released “Mundo ng Panaginip” in 1977, putting a Filipino spin on the 1971 song “Pure Imagination” sung by Gene Wilder from the critically acclaimed film Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory. 

Panakip-Butas

https://open.spotify.com/track/2pLHq3TJRQsuQZpac0oej1

Hajji’s 1977 hit “Panakip-Butas” is the Filipino version of American group The 5th Dimension’s “The Worst That Could Happen,” released 10 years prior in 1967. Hajji’s version was written and composed by J. Webb and Willy Cruz.

The same year, Hajji would go on to make his movie debut in the film Panakip Butas based on the song. The movie also starred the late Superstar Nora Aunor, who died just days before Hajji did. 

Nakapagtataka

Composed by APO Hiking Society’s Jim Paredes, “Nakapagtataka” was released in 1978, and would go on to become one of Hajji’s most popular songs to date. 

Hajji’s daughter Rachel released her own cover of the hit in 1991 as a part of her Watch Me Now album — introducing “Nakapagtataka” to even more audiences. 

Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika

In the same year, Hajji entered the Metro Manila Popular Music Festival, where he interpreted the song “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” written by National Artist for Music, Maestro Ryan Cayabyab. The song went on to win the competition’s first-ever grand prize. 

“Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” would then reach the South Korean shores, where Hajji won the Best Singer Award at the Seoul International Song Festival in 1978. 

Ikaw at ang Gabi

Another collaboration between Hajji and Ryan C., “Ikaw at Ang Gabi” was released in 1978. 

Ang Lahat ng Ito’y Para Sa’yo

Released in 1998, “Ang Lahat ng Ito’y Para Sa’yo” was composed and written by prominent songwriter Nonong Pedero. 

Lani Misalucha’s version of the song was used as the soundtrack for the 1998 movie of the same name, starring Angelu de Leon, Bobby Andrews, and Caridad Sanchez. 

Dati

“Dati” marks Hajji’s first song in 20 years — released in 2021 at the height of the COVID-19 lockdowns. According to Rachel, the track’s conception was a family affair. Its lyrics were written by Lougee Basabas-Alejandro, the wife of Hajji’s son Ali. Ali had then produced the song, after which Hajji’s nephew Nino released it under his label, Rebel Records Philippines. 

When Rachel asked Hajji to describe the song, this is what he had to say: 

“Dati is a song that takes me back to a happier place in time when the world was filled with hope, love, peace and freedom. The lyrics yearn to revert to that time and space where everything was perfect,” Hajji told Rachel. “As soon as I heard the intro and the first few lines, I knew it was mine.”

‘Di Ba Puwede

“‘Di Ba Puwede” was the last song Hajji released before he succumbed to colon cancer. Released in February 2025, this song was composed by fellow OPM icon Rey Valera. 

What song of Hajji’s do you enjoy most? – Rappler.com