Alynna Velasquez speaks out on Hajji Alejandro's family
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It's been more than a month since the passing of OPM icon Hajji Alejandro.
While family, fans, and the music industry continue to grieve, a video of his longtime partner, Alynna Velasquez, went viral--showing her mourning alone at Hajji's Walk of Fame star.
Many wondered why Alynna was absent from Hajji's wake, prompting her to promise she would share her story “at the right time.”
In an emotional interview with Morly Alinio, Alynna finally broke her silence by shedding light on the viral video and her strained relationship with some members of Hajji's family.
Alynna revealed that she faced difficulties from certain family members even while Hajji was still confined.
"I was there nu'ng nawala siya. I would go back to his house back-and-forth para iwasan po ang mga taong ayaw sa akin. When I know na darating yung pamilya doon, I go home," she shared.
The singer added that she was even banned from visiting Hajji on his first day in the ICU.
"Galit lang talaga sa akin ang isang member ng family," she claimed.
"But she knows what she did to me. I pray that one day, she'll realize na napakasakit ng ginawa [niya]. She wasted time. I mean, 'yung time na wala ako, na mag-aalaga kay Hajji, wala ako doon because inaway niya ako. Talagang pinilit niya ako na mawala."
After Hajji's death, Alynna wanted to attend the wake yet she was only allowed one visit. However, she decided not to return because she felt unwelcome and wanted to avoid further conflict.
"'Di ba, ang purpose ng going to the wake is to sympathize with the family? Why would I do that when I know na ayaw nila sa akin.
"Besides as a Christian, I know Hajji is not there anymore... Hajji knows how I love him and God knows how I talk to [Him] everyday and say, 'Lord, can you hug Hajji for me?'"
When she learned about the tribute at Hajji's Walk of Fame star, Alynna chose to pay her respects there--unaware her private moment would go viral.
"Buhay ko siya, e (kaya masakit). 'Tapos, biglang wala [and] pinagdadamutan ka pa. Mahal ko tatay nila. Mahal ko anak niya, pero bakit mahirap bang matanggap 'yun?
"Di ba, sabi nga, 'Mahalin mo ang taong nagmamahal sa mahal mo. Pero hindi, e, napakahirap sa kanila na matanggap ako. Pero hindi po ako galit."
During the interview, Alynna also addressed misconceptions about her relationship with Hajji.
"Noong naging kami ni Hajji, matagal na silang hiwalay ng biological mother ni Rachel. 'Tapos, nag-asawa na rin 'yung first niya. Since hindi sila annulled, [his wedding with Rio Diaz] kailangan sa America. So, they got married in the States. So noong naging kami, wala namang ano... Hindi ako parang naging mistress. It was a common knowledge for everyone na I am the partner of Hajji," she explained.
She emphasized that her love for Hajji was genuine and denied claims that she was only after his wealth.
Though she declined to name the family member who opposed her, Alynna expressed hope for reconciliation in honor of Hajji's wishes.
Despite the tension, Alynna said she remains close to Hajji's children, Rachel and Ali.
"I love [Rachel] kasi 'yung respeto na binibigay niya sa akin matindi talaga. I'm so happy na ganoon pala 'yung pakiramdam sa akin na I give her father joy... Iyon daw ang nawala sa dad niya noong time na nawala ako sa pamilya nila."
Hajji Alejandro's passing was confirmed on April 22 by his manager, Girlie Rodis, and his family. Earlier this year, Alynna had shared in an interview that Hajji had een battling stage four colon cancer and had suffered a seizure due to an infection.
Watch the full interview here:
Take a look back at Hajji Alejandro's legacy in the OPM industry, here:
