Singers Marco Sison, Hajji Alejandro, Rey Valera and Nonoy Zuñiga have been performing here and abroad since the 70s.
While most of their competitors have already called it a day – a few rather abruptly, due to being called to that great gig in the sky — they’re still at it.
Why?
Hajji answered, “Well, why not? Kaya pa naman namin…”
Seemingly only too eager to shoot down the notion of them being has-beens, Hajji, Marco, Rey and Nonoy, collectively known as The Hitmakers, were quick to allow us a snippet of their singing excellence during a recent gathering.
It’s like being brought back to the great old days of radio.
They still sound very much like their younger selves.
“Age is just a number,” quipped Nonoy.
Asked relating the secret to their continued brilliance, Hajji maintained, “It’s our audience. They keep us young.”
Rey added, “Masarap magpatuloy at magbigay saya sa mga taong sumusuporta sa iyo at sila talaga ang dahilan kung bakit nadirito pa kami at nagpi-perform.”
The four are going to take over the Theatre at Solaire on Dec. 1 for “XXceptional: The Hitmakers 20th Anniversary.”
“Dahil nga 20th anniversary concert naming ito, we are planning to do something very special,” said Hajji.
He is not keen on divulging more, except that concert co-producer Pops Fernandez is also set do several numbers with the group.
Rey was more forthcoming.
“Just to give you a clue, may mga bago kaming song numbers na ginawa specifically for this concert,” he said.
They will also pay tribute to fallen comrade, Rico J. Puno.
“Very special ito, of course,” said Marco. “Matagal rin namin nakasama si pareng Rico and marami kaming memories with him na sa concert e, i-she-share namin with our audience.”
