by Grethel Bolandrina

At Boston’s John Hancock Hall, I truly learned what OPM is all about. It’s hanging out with Pinoys from all over New England, mostly bundled up in winter gear faux fur included, in a crowded standing-room-only entry for a half an hour, waiting for the doors to open and then for the show to start.

Okay, show starts with Newport, Rhode Island’s Abby Heredia and her band. Bunch of fellows, college-look start playing several hip-hop numbers. It’s Abby and her band’s debut performance. The music is good but I haven’t managed to sleaze my way into a seat yet, I’m still helping out with CD sales at the lobby. Next thing you know, Dance Philippines takes the stage. Damn, if they don’t warm your heart within seconds. They’re big in a cultural sense; they’re garbed beautifully and the dances they performed really make one proud to be Pinoy. There really is so much culture and heritage in our 7,000 plus islands. Okay, they’re not the main show, but no less bold and entertaining. I’m not surprised they’re very popular in the New England area. Joseph Bolandrina, the evening’s MC does a few intros and gives a plug for Gawad Kalinga. He is decidedly loud and clear but pretty heavy on the Boston accent as he pronounces “Maligayang Pasko.” He’s Fil-Am. He’s not a professional announcer but might as well be one. He’s definitely ballsy, and he’s got that certain something that makes you feel good all over. A charm.

A video/audio of Hajji and Rachel through the years opens up the show, a trip down memory lane with their song hits. They start with 2 duets “May Minamahal” and “Cuando Cuando”. Hajji woos the crowd with his boyish charm, Rachel on the other hand, is a vision in the bluest of blue Marilyn Monroe inspired outfit. Revealing yet classy. Ripped right out of the pages of Vogue! Hajji exits, and Rachel does her revised hits medley, Home and The Nearness of You. She asks for bottled water and comments on how dry the air in Boston is! Claimed she was walking down Newbury Street earlier for some shopping (giggles from the crowd) and was protective of her throat, was actually worried about what the cold air would do to her voice. Hajji returns and they do a duet of “Our Love is Here to Stay.” From the audience, a few still could not believe that they are watching a father-daughter team! I hear numerous, “they could be husband/wife/lovers!” Rachel exits. Hajji tells a few good-hearted jokes, plays with the audience and sings “Ang Lahat ng Ito ay Para sa’yo,” and “The Way You Look Tonight.” He reminisces how in his heyday in Manila, at the first note of his songs, the audience would all go crazy and asked the Boston crowd to emulate the same. It worked and everyone also had a good laugh. His title’s changed from “Kilabot ng mga Kolehiyala” to “Kilabot nga mga Nanay ng Kolehiyala.” Rachel returns in a regal Filipiniana kimono. The stage backdrop changes into a burst of colorful capiz parols. They sing a duet of Tagalog Christmas medley. Sending everyone into nostalgia, the pasko kind (Philippine Christmas). And the crowd sings along. Hajji exits once again and off comes Rachel’s kimono to reveal a very body hugging, sexy, low back one-piece glittery black gown. I wondered if the audience would remember what she sang or how gorgeous she looked. In any case, she did justice to not only the outfit but to the songs “Who Would Imagine a King” and “All I Want for Christmas.” Hajji joins and both give everyone goose bumps on their take of “The Prayer.” Rachel exits for another outfit change, Hajji engages the audience in an obligatory sing-a-long, then rips into “Panakip Butas” and massive hit “Tag-araw.” Suddenly all the “kolehiyalas” were re-born. They were shrieking their heads off, never mind that they are now well into their 50s? All is well with the world and the Pinoys in Boston for that matter.

Rachel returns in what is to be her final outfit for the evening, tight black pants with an ever so faint lilac top that makes her bronze skin glow. It’s semi-off shoulder and cut real deep in front. Needless to say, all eyes were on her! She sang, she danced she did her father proud (and her mom and siblings who traveled all the way from Maryland). The girl can dance! Both acknowledge the show’s sponsors and then did a 10-minute retro dance medley. The intro was most fascinating, showing a very young Hajji and a much, much younger Rachel doing tap dances. What a nice way to top off the evening. But the audience wanted more, and father-daughter obliged with an encore of Isang Awit, Nakapagtataka and Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika! In the Philippines, oldies strongly believe “the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” and this talented father daughter team proves that. Hajji’s been in the Philippine music scene for over 25 years and Rachel’s made her own mark. A musical evening with Hajji and Rachel Alejandro in Boston was a very memorable pre-Christmas gift from Filipino Talent, LLC. An officially, certifiably, successful maiden venture. Musical direction is by Patty L. Yusah. From this point of view, life is so sweet and sometimes, it gets sweeter, (with concerts like this) just like honey from a bee and just like apples from a tree.

From:
http://www.carouselpinoy.com/notesandreviews3.html#hajji