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Honoring the Philippines’ ‘Kilabot ng Mga Kolehiya’: The music of Hajji Alejandro

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Nikka Avegail Sabio

Push Team

<p>Dubbed as the original “Kilabot ng Kolehiyala” in the early 1970s, Hajji Alejandro was more than just a heartthrob but also a voice that helped shape the sound of Original Pilipino Music (OPM). With his suave charm, heartfelt vocal delivery, and ability to make every lyric feel personal, Hajji captured the hearts of many, especially among college girls who turned into shrieking fangirls the moment he took the stage.</p><p>As the music icon passed away at the age of 70, as confirmed by his family today, April 22, here are some unforgettable tracks that cemented his legacy in the blossoming industry of Philippine music.</p><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika</strong></div><p>Considered one of the most iconic OPM anthems, Hajji’s “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” became a powerful tribute to the richness and beauty of Filipino music. Written by renowned musician, composer, conductor, and National Artist for Music Ryan Cayabyab, the song encourages pride in our local sound.</p><p> The track won the Grand Prize at the 1978 Metro Manila Popular Music Festival, further solidifying its place in music history. That same year, Hajji represented the Philippines in the first International Seoul Song Festival in Korea, where he took home the Best Singer award. Hajji and Maestro Ryan also took home the Grand Prix for the song.</p><p> “Words simply cannot express the pride and joy of winning such a historic musical event in our country. That was definitely a major highlight in my career,” Hajji said in an interview with ABS-CBN News. </p><div><iframe width="1364" height="767" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dQJVzgJOboI" title="Celebrate the music of Haji Alejandro on ASAP Natin &#x27;To | ASAP Natin &#x27;To" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Panakíp Butas </strong></div><p>Speaking about the pain of unrequited love, Hajji’s “Panakíp Butas” speaks to those who have found themselves as someone else’s emotional rebound. With his soulful and heartfelt delivery, Hajji brought raw emotion to the track, making it resonate deeply with anyone who has ever felt like a second choice.</p><p> The song was written by the Willy Cruz and J. Webb. As stated in an article by PhilStar Global, “Panakip Butas” was a Filipino lyric version of Jimmy Webb’s “Worst That Could Happen.”</p><div><iframe width="1364" height="767" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JjpwlApatew" title="Panakip-Butas" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Nakapagtataka</strong></div><p>Composed by fellow OPM legend Jim Paredes, “Nakapagtataka” is a melancholic song that explores the slow fading of love over time. It became one of Hajji’s biggest hits, with his sincere and emotional delivery turning it into a favorite among listeners nursing a broken heart.</p><p> In 2006, OPM band Sponge Cola paid tribute to Hajji by releasing a cover of this iconic track, introducing the timeless song to a new generation of fans.</p><div><iframe width="1364" height="767" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/K8-9rRpRE5Y" title="Hajji Alejandro performs &quot;Nakapagtataka&quot; LIVE on Wish 107.5 Bus" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Ikaw at ang Gabi</strong></div><p>Behind its upbeat and groovy rhythm, “Ikaw at ang Gabi” tells the story of someone yearning for a love that feels just out of reach, especially felt most deeply in the stillness of night. Hajji’s smooth and soothing vocals evoke a sense of quiet longing, making this track a perfect companion for late-night reflection and solitude.</p><div><iframe width="1364" height="767" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1XKroTwyLbc" title="Ikaw at Ang Gabi" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Di Ba Puwede</strong></div><p>Recently released on streaming platforms last February, “’Di Ba Puwede” is proof that Hajji’s music continues to resonate with listeners across generations. Written by OPM icon and his close friend Rey Valera, the song is a heartfelt plea for love to find its way back between two people. </p><p> Hajji’s expressive vocals bring raw sincerity to every line making it hard not to say “yes” when he gently asks for another chance.</p><div><iframe width="1364" height="767" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/7Cucc1l7rQg" title="Hajji Alejandro - Di Ba Puwede" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>May Minamahal</strong></div><p>Composed and written by award-winning songwriter Willy Cruz, “May Minamahal” is a tender ballad that celebrates the beauty of being in love. With his warm and rich vocals, Hajji turned the song into a comforting embrace, perfect for those basking in the joy of giving and receiving love. In a concert in 2018, Hajji shared that “May Minamahal” is the first OPM song he recorded and became a hit.</p><p>The song&#x27;s legacy lived on through his daughter, Rachel Alejandro, whose heartfelt cover version also made its mark on music charts when it was released, proving that musical brilliance runs in the family.</p><div><iframe width="1364" height="767" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q1Xx5oFIeTU" title="&quot;May Minamahal&quot; (Live at Solaire Theatre, 2018)" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Tag-araw, Tag-ulan</strong></div><p>More than just a reference to the Philippine seasons, “Tag-araw, Tag-ulan” is a poignant reflection on the highs and lows of love. The song captures the emotional journey of lovers as they navigate through warmth and distance, passion and heartbreak. Hajji’s voice gracefully carries the bittersweet mood of the lyrics, making this track a timeless OPM classic.</p><p>Midway through the song, a spoken dialogue by a woman adds a deeper emotional layer where she shares how the growing coldness in their relationship affected her, and how she has come to accept that their love has already faded.</p><div><iframe width="1364" height="767" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/btKSjIRbA5M" title="&quot;Tag-Araw Tag-Ulan&quot; (Live at Solaire Theatre, 2018)" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>Ang Lahat ng Ito’y Para Sa’yo</strong></div><p>A heartfelt declaration of selfless love, “Ang Lahat ng Ito’y Para Sa’yo” speaks about giving everything to someone truly special. Composed by Nonong Pedero, the song highlights Hajji’s vocal prowess and his ability to make grand, sweeping emotions feel intimate and deeply personal.</p><p>In 1996, Hajji re-recorded the beloved track for his Silver Anniversary Album. He also performed the song with Rachel and Maestro Ryan in an episode of <em>Ryan Ryan Musikahan</em> in 1989.</p><div><iframe width="1023" height="767" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Sp6Eyyd6D0A" title="ANG LAHAT NG ITO&#x27;Y PARA SA&#x27;YO | Hajji &amp; Rachel Alejandro | Ryan Ryan Musikahan (1989)" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><strong> </strong></div><div><strong>If I were Man Enough</strong></div><p>Told from the perspective of a man filled with regret over the decisions that led to a heartbreak, “If I Were Man Enough” showcased Hajji’s versatility as an artist. His heartfelt performance gives the song a vulnerable edge, adding emotional depth to its already poignant lyrics.</p><div><iframe width="1364" height="767" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/HCFxdOIYiGo" title="If I Were Man Enough" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>One of Hajji’s standout English OPM ballads, the track reflects a soulful style that resonates with fans. The song was written by musical artist Butch Monserrat.</p>

<p>Remembering Hajji Alejandro and his contribution to Philippine music.</p>

Remembering Hajji Alejandro and his contribution to Philippine music.

Honoring the Philippines’ ‘Kilabot ng Mga Kolehiyala’: The music of Hajji Alejandro

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Honoring the Philippines’ ‘Kilabot ng Mga Kolehiyala’: The music of Hajji Alejandro

Nikka Sabio,

Push Team

Published Apr 22, 2025 10:21 AM PHT

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Updated Apr 23, 2025 04:51 AM PHT

Read More:

Hajji Alejandro

Rachel Alejandro

Willy Cruz

Rey Valera

Ryan Cayabyab

OPM icon

OPM tribute

in memoriam

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