CinemaBravo

Embark on a nostalgic journey through Original Pinoy Music (OPM) with the dynamic father-and-daughter duo, Hajji Alejandro and Rachel Alejandro, as part of an upcoming benefit concert.

During a recent press conference for “Awit ng Panahon: Noon at Ngayon,” they told stories from their decades-long experience in the Filipino music and showbiz industry. Their journey together embodies the evolution of Filipino music and the enduring legacy of familial bonds within the entertainment scene.

Rachel shared insights into her personal journey, expressing gratitude for the opportunities her father’s legacy provided her.

“Gosh! Wala naman akong maisip na disadvantage,” she exclaimed. “It has been an advantage that I used—talagang sinamantala ko na mula no’ng umpisa pa lang talaga, when I was only 12 years old na kinuha ako ni Kuya Germs sa palabas na That’s Entertainment and that was because nga of him [my father], kasi nalaman nga—parang nabalitaan niya na kumakanta rin yung anak ni Hajji. So, since then, I had to find my own way din to also find my own voice, my own style, and siguro yon na lang yung medyo hard kasi siyempre you will always be compared to someone who’s such a big star.

(“Gosh! I can’t think of any disadvantage. It has been an advantage that I used—I really took advantage of it from the very beginning, when I was only 12 years old and was picked up by Kuya Germs for the show That’s Entertainment and that was because of him [my father], because he found out—that he heard that Hajji’s daughter also sings. So, since then, I had to find my own way to also find my own voice, my own style, and maybe that’s the only thing that’s a bit hard because of course you will always be compared to someone who’s such a big star.)

“And to this day, siyempre, kahit saan ako pumunta, kahit sa America, where I am based right now, I’m still known as his daughter… Nagkaroon ako ng magandang umpisa… Talagang hindi ko made-describe yung feeeling at saya nang makasama ang tatay mo on stage at makasayaw, maka-duet. Iba yon e! That is something I will always, always be grateful for.”

“And to this day, of course, wherever I go, even in America, where I am based right now, I’m still known as his daughter… I had a good start… I really can’t describe the feeling and joy of being on stage with your father and dancing, duetting. That’s different! That is something I will always, always be grateful for.”)

In response, Hajji injected humor into the discussion, quipping, “Ang advantage para sa ‘kin, dalawa ang kita namin.”

(“The advantage for me is that we have two incomes.”)

Rachel playfully joined in, “Double income!”

Their exchange highlighted the joyous camaraderie shared between them, a sentiment Hajji elaborated on further.

“Wala akong nakikitang disadvantage… Walang kasing saya yung magkasama kami sa stage. Sa title na title pa lang, parang bagay kami ni Rachel dito.”

(“I don’t see any disadvantage… There’s no joy like being together on stage. Just by the title alone, it seems like Rachel and I are perfect for this.”)

The event will also feature a stellar lineup of artists from different eras, including Gino Padilla, Nitoy Mallillin, Kris Lawrence, Male Rigor, Geoff Taylor, Rachel Gabreza, Arabelle Dela Cruz, Pete Gatela, Carlos Parsons, John Raymundo, and Edwin Cando, along with original members of iconic 70s bands such as Hagibis, VST and Company, The Boyfriends, and Abrakadabra, promising a night filled with unforgettable performances.

Join them at the New Frontier Theater on April 21 at 7PM for the magic that is “Awit ng Panahon: Noon at Ngayon,” a collaborative effort by Avolution Inc., Pro Entertainment Productions, and Mallillin’s Music Production. This musical extravaganza promises to intertwine the timeless melodies of Original Pilipino Music (OPM) with cutting-edge visual effects, creating a spectacle that celebrates both nostalgia and modernity.