Nonoy Zuñiga Mourns Hajji Alejandro’s Passing
NONOY ZUÑIGA – The veteran OPM singer is still in deep shock over the passing of his longtime friend and fellow music legend Hajji Alejandro. The news of Hajji’s death has left him heartbroken, especially since they last performed together just a couple of months ago.
Nonoy recalled their final show together with fellow OPM artists Rey Valera and Marco Sison, held in Vigan on February 13, 2025. During that concert, Hajji had already been experiencing intense stomach pain. “He was already complaining of pains, tummy pains,” Nonoy shared in an interview with ABS-CBN. “That was the last time we saw him.”
He also noticed a concerning change in Hajji’s appearance. “He’s really bloated, without even eating. Bloated siya talaga. Hirap na hirap siya,” Nonoy added. Despite the discomfort, Hajji still managed to perform that night. After the show, he was taken to the hospital the following day, but it was later revealed that he had already been diagnosed with stage 4 colon cancer.
The diagnosis came as a heavy blow to Nonoy and his groupmates. “It was shocking for the three of us. Sabi namin, why you? Sabi ko baka may pag-asa pero that time it was already stage 4 when it was discovered,” he said. Nonoy explained how difficult it was for them, especially since they had all been friends long before they formed the iconic group “The Hitmakers.”
He praised Hajji’s professionalism and strong dedication to his craft. “That’s one thing I like about him, he’s a professional. Kahanga-hanga siya as a performer, moreso as an individual,” he said. Though deeply saddened, Nonoy acknowledged that as artists, they must continue performing. “Nakakalungkot, parang ayaw na namin lahat mag-perform pero as entertainers the show must go on.”
Nonoy also remembered another late Hitmaker member, Rico J. Puno. “We know that in every performance, nandiyan sila. ‘Yung spirit nila, ‘yung energy nila nasa amin. And that inspires us to perform better,” he said emotionally. “Hats off to you Hajji, we love you and we will miss you.” Hajji Alejandro passed away on April 22, 2025, at the age of 70, after battling stage 4 colon cancer.