HAJJI ALEJANDRO started his singing career in the 70s as a member of the Circus Band. He went solo and became the first winner of the Metropop Musicfest. He had a string of hits like “Nakapagtataka”, “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika”, “May Minamahal”.
He was dubbed the Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala and was even paired with Nora Aunor in the movie “Panakip Butas”.
Now 68 years old and still very active in the entertainment scene as part of the Hitmakers with Marco Sison (66 years old), Nonoy Zuniga (69) and Rey Valera (69).
They’ve been together for two decades and they will now celebrate their 20th anniversary with “XXceptional Hitmakers 20th Anniversary Concert” at Solaire Theatre on December 1, as produced by Pops Fernandez and Mommy Florita Santos.
Did they foresee that their careers will last this long?
“Not at all,” says Hajji. “The important thing kasi is that I’m just enjoying what I’m doing. We just play music and we love doing it for our audience.”
“Ako, I also didn’t expect it,” says Marco. “Dream ko talaga kumanta and I was a student when I joined ‘Student Canteen’ and won. I think destiny ko ito and I’m thankful to God for this blessing.”
“As for me, my dream is to finish my studies and become a doctor,” says Nonoy. “I went into singing to finance my studies. Ibinigay ito sa akin ng Panginoon and for that, I’m thankful.”
“Ako naman, sinubukan kong magnegosyo, walang nangyari,” says Rey. “So, sa pag-compose na lang at pagkanta ako napunta at dito ako tinanggap so I just let it flow. I’m grateful na up to now, yung songs ko, ginagamit na theme songs sa TV dramas at pelikula.”
How was the Hitmakers formed?
“It’s Boss Vic del Rosario who thought of pagsamahin kami,” says Hajji. “Una, kami lang ni Rico J. Puno and our concert was a big hit. Then the others joined us at nagtuloy-tuloy na. Every year, may concert kami, pati sa U.S., Canada, Europe, Middle East.”
So why did they last this long? “Siguro dala ng matinding pangangailangan,” Rey jokes.
“Seriously, siguro dahil naging mabuti kaming magkakaibigang lahat and the audience sees our great camaraderie when we perform.”
“Yes, naging magkakabarkada kami,” adds Hajji. “Naglalaitan kami on stage and the audience enjoys that.”
“Actually, lahat ng mga kabastusang jokes ni Rico J, ideas lahat ni Hajji yan,” says Rey.
“Hindi lang niya magawa on his own kasi wholesome ang image niya kaya pinagagawa niya sa iba. Nang mawala na si Rico, ako na ang pinagde-deliver niya ng mga jokes niya at benta naman sa mga tao.”
They will have a special tribute for Rico J. in their 20th anniversary concert. The press asked for a sample and they sang their own version of Rico’s big hit, “Kapalaran”, acapella, and it’s just awesome.
“Abangan nyo dahil marami pa kaming ibang production numbers na inihanda for our show,” says Nonoy. “We also have a special number with our producer, Pops Fernandez.”
Will they be singing songs of today’s modern groups and bands?
“We’ve tried it but nagmumukha kaming trying hard,” says Hajji. “Besides, the people who watch us are usually those familiar with our songs, so they prefer it when we sing our own hits.
"For our anniversary show, we will be singing two new songs composed by Rey. And Marco also has a new song, ‘Sabik na Puso’. All these new songs have all the makings of being future classics.”
HAJJI ALEJANDRO started his singing career in the 70s as a member of the Circus Band. He went solo and became the first winner of the Metropop Musicfest. He had a string of hits like “Nakapagtataka”, “Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika”, “May Minamahal”.
He was dubbed the Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala and was even paired with Nora Aunor in the movie “Panakip Butas”.
Now 68 years old and still very active in the entertainment scene as part of the Hitmakers with Marco Sison (66 years old), Nonoy Zuniga (69) and Rey Valera (69).
They’ve been together for two decades and they will now celebrate their 20th anniversary with “XXceptional Hitmakers 20th Anniversary Concert” at Solaire Theatre on December 1, as produced by Pops Fernandez and Mommy Florita Santos.
Did they foresee that their careers will last this long?
“Not at all,” says Hajji. “The important thing kasi is that I’m just enjoying what I’m doing. We just play music and we love doing it for our audience.”
“Ako, I also didn’t expect it,” says Marco. “Dream ko talaga kumanta and I was a student when I joined ‘Student Canteen’ and won. I think destiny ko ito and I’m thankful to God for this blessing.”
“As for me, my dream is to finish my studies and become a doctor,” says Nonoy. “I went into singing to finance my studies. Ibinigay ito sa akin ng Panginoon and for that, I’m thankful.”
“Ako naman, sinubukan kong magnegosyo, walang nangyari,” says Rey. “So, sa pag-compose na lang at pagkanta ako napunta at dito ako tinanggap so I just let it flow. I’m grateful na up to now, yung songs ko, ginagamit na theme songs sa TV dramas at pelikula.”
How was the Hitmakers formed?
“It’s Boss Vic del Rosario who thought of pagsamahin kami,” says Hajji. “Una, kami lang ni Rico J. Puno and our concert was a big hit. Then the others joined us at nagtuloy-tuloy na. Every year, may concert kami, pati sa U.S., Canada, Europe, Middle East.”
So why did they last this long? “Siguro dala ng matinding pangangailangan,” Rey jokes.
“Seriously, siguro dahil naging mabuti kaming magkakaibigang lahat and the audience sees our great camaraderie when we perform.”
“Yes, naging magkakabarkada kami,” adds Hajji. “Naglalaitan kami on stage and the audience enjoys that.”
“Actually, lahat ng mga kabastusang jokes ni Rico J, ideas lahat ni Hajji yan,” says Rey.
“Hindi lang niya magawa on his own kasi wholesome ang image niya kaya pinagagawa niya sa iba. Nang mawala na si Rico, ako na ang pinagde-deliver niya ng mga jokes niya at benta naman sa mga tao.”
They will have a special tribute for Rico J. in their 20th anniversary concert. The press asked for a sample and they sang their own version of Rico’s big hit, “Kapalaran”, acapella, and it’s just awesome.
“Abangan nyo dahil marami pa kaming ibang production numbers na inihanda for our show,” says Nonoy. “We also have a special number with our producer, Pops Fernandez.”
Will they be singing songs of today’s modern groups and bands?
“We’ve tried it but nagmumukha kaming trying hard,” says Hajji. “Besides, the people who watch us are usually those familiar with our songs, so they prefer it when we sing our own hits.
"For our anniversary show, we will be singing two new songs composed by Rey. And Marco also has a new song, ‘Sabik na Puso’. All these new songs have all the makings of being future classics.”
