Arzen Rose Dulzura

The musical influence of Hajji Alejandro on aspiring Pinoy singers as seen on “It’s Showtime”

Article (news)

Mary Ann Bardinas

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1745368763109Thumb (10).jpg" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div><p>Hajji Alejandro was considered among the major pop stars of his generation, rising to ultimate stardom in the 1970s and 1980s not only because of his arresting charm and soulful croon but also because of his timeless ballads that stirred nostalgia among his listeners. With how heartfelt and remarkable his songs are, they’ve been among the go-to pieces of aspiring singers who are fond of joining singing contests, just like “<strong><em>Tawag ng Tanghalan</em></strong>.“ </p><p>And in the almost a decade of it being a well-loved segment of ABS-CBN’s highly successful noontime program “<a href="http://abs-cbn.com/entertainment/studios/tv/itsshowtime"><strong><u>It’s Showtime</u></strong></a>” ever since 2016, many contestants have chosen to perform his songs in various rounds of the competition, with “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika” being the apparent top choice.  </p><p>As we say goodbye to Hajji following his demise on April 21, 2025, at the age of 70 after losing his battle to stage 4 colon cancer, we honor him by looking back on one of his appearances on the show, as well as its couple of tributes for him in which two different batches of contestants performed a medley of his songs.  </p><p>Let’s begin with his stint on the program in August 2017, when he and his fellow OPM icons and hitmakers Marco Sison and Rey Valera serenaded the madlang people with their well-loved songs and sang them with host Anne Curtis, who wasn’t able to contain her jitters, excitement, and kilig.</p><p>The “Kilabot ng Kolehiyala” and the one and only “Dyosa” captivated us with their duet of his classic hit “May Minamahal.” The set finished with the four of them singing “Maging Sino Ka Man.”</p><div><iframe width="1265" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dE6U24g_j0c?si=6gvEYT8J4RAEEoG9" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Prior to that, the five Quarter 3 semi-finalists of Season 1 sang three of Hajji’s classic hits in 2016. Rufino Robles Jr. and Jennie Gabriel fascinated us with their duet of “Nakapagtataka”; eventual grand winner Noven Belleza and Antonio Sabalza sang “Panakip Butas”; while Christopher Rodrigueza went solo on “May Minamahal.”</p><div><iframe width="1265" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0bOsPm2beBc?si=EYagdwqO0waSvLU0" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>Three years later, the grand finalists of Season 3 also performed a spectacular medley of Hajji’s timeless ballads in 2019. The trio of Violeta Bayawa, Jonas Oñate, and Ranillo Enriquez sang “May Minamahal”; Rafaello Cañedo and John Michael Dela Cerna swooned us with their rendition of “Panakip Butas”; Julius Cawaling and John Mark Saga impressed us with their version of “Ang Lahat ng Ito’y Para Sa ‘Yo”; while the terrific trio of Charizze Arnigo, Elaine Duran, and Shaina Mae Allaga enthralled us with their take on “Nakapagtataka.”</p><p>All the 12 grand finalists then converged onstage to sing the last song altogether. </p><div><iframe width="1265" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Fpym55cyizI?si=Dh0fwz8-dTxwX07_" title="YouTube video player" frameBorder="0" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><p>These numbers only proved how Hajji was able to touch the lives and hearts of many, most especially those aspiring singers who looked up to him, grew up listening to his music, or got inspired by his journey and songs. May Hajji’s music and passion continue to influence many people even though he’s no longer around. Rest in peace, Hajji.</p>

<p>Let us honor late OPM icon Hajjji Alejandro by looking back on one of his appearances on “It’s Showtime,” as well as the couple of tributes for him via “Tawag ng Tanghalan.”</p>

Let us honor late OPM icon Hajjji Alejandro by looking back on one of his appearances on “It’s Showtime,” as well as the couple of tributes for him via “Tawag ng Tanghalan.”