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Hajji Alejandro and Gino Padilla are two local music artists who have become icons in the entertainment industry.

Hajji, a pop star in the 1970s and 1980s, was the original “Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala” even before the equally talented singer Ariel Rivera joined show business. His hits included “Nakapagtataka,” “Tag-araw, Tag-ulan,” and “May Minamahal.”

Gino, on the other hand, was a known heartthrob singer who popularized songs such as “Closer You and I,” “Why Can't It Be,” “I Believe in You,” and Gusto Kita.”

Both their songs have been used as a piece for singing competitions, song covers, and even in karaoke sessions during gatherings.

Hajji and Gino said these instances are like compliments to them as music artists.

“Napakalaking compliment,” Hajji said during a recent press conference for the upcoming concert titled Awit ng Panahon Noon at Ngayon.

He continued, “It's like telling you that you've done something really good, something right, na naka-contribute ka sa industriyang ito.”

The seasoned singer also likened the feeling to when he first heard of his first single during the '70s.

“Naalala ko yung first time na narinig ko yung first single ko. Naalala n'yo, kapag sinabing first single ko, 45 [years ago], di ba? Parang namamaang-maangan yung iba, e. First single ko kasi is 'Tag-araw, Tag-ulan' sa side A, 'tapos 'Panakip-butas sa side B.

“Noong first time na narinig ko 'yan sa radio--matapos kong i-record 'tapos, after several weeks, pinatugtog sa radio--nagda-drive ako, umiiyak ako talaga. Yung feeling na talagang ang sarap, from inside nararamdaman mo. Ganyan din ang nararamdaman ko kapag kinakanta ng ibang mga tao yung mga awitin ko.”

Likewise, Gino said, “Malaking karangalan for me to hear other people sing our songs.”

He also shared his usual experience when people would notice him.

“They would often approach us or approach me, sasabihin, 'Sir, alam ko yung kanta mo, ito yung number, oh, sa karaoke.' Tuwang-tuwa naman ako.

“Siyempre, uso na yung smartphone, kakantahin nila nang live, kaharap ka. Mas nakakatuwa yun kasi ibig sabihin talagang they love my music.”

Hajji and Gino will be part of the musical concert Awit ng Panahon Noon at Ngayon, which features music icons and young singers.

Hajji's daughter, Rachel Alejandro, will also be part of the show. They are expected to sing the latter's hit “Nakapagtataka,” which the former revived in 1991.

“Kakantahin namin 'yan as a duet sa concert because it's the song that's common to both of us,” Hajji teased during the press conference.

Also joining them are Philippine's first boyband Hagibis; Male Rigor or VST; R&B singer Kris Lawrence, “Tawag ng Tanghalan” alumnas Arabelle Dela Cruz and Rachel Cabreza, Geoff Taylor, and Nitoy Mallillin of Boyfriends and Abrakadabra.

Awit ng Panahon Noon at Ngayon at the New Frontier Theater in Araneta Center, Quezon City, on April 21.

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