Hajie Alejandro & Lenie Aycardo : Viral Moments to Timeless Icons
The union of Hajie Alejandro and Lenie Aycardo is a testament that love transcends all. For almost 14 years as a couple, their love has transformed through the ages. From their humble beginnings to their proud triumphs, Hajie and Lenie’s journey proves that with individuality, love, and perseverance working in harmony, anything is possible.
Although they are now well-known as a viral couple on TikTok, their journey of content creation moves beyond screens, frames, and lenses. Together, they share viral moments with the help of timeless efforts, as a couple and as Hajie and Lenie.
What started as a friendship in high school blossomed into a deep and passionate connection as they grew older. For Hajie and Lenie, their relationship is built on a foundation of friendship. With their relationship having been tested by countless challenges and difficult times, their foundation of trust and friendship anchored them through it all.
The couple, albeit commonly known as a duo, have specific attributes that make up their dynamics. Team HaNie would not be complete without each other. Their magic as Hajie and Lenie would not work if the other was missing, and it has been that way for almost 14 years now.
But the magic that we see now, started with small, consistent efforts as they battled life’s challenges.
Where All The Magic Began
Hajie and Lenie’s journey started as schoolmates. During their youthful years, they were members of the same dance troupe where Lenie witnessed how creativity unfolded. She said that everyone in the group was creative, from makeup, hair, and costumes. Eventually, she met Hajie.
With joint efforts and limited resources, their story began. Their partnership grew when Hajie represented their school in a makeup contest, with Lenie as his model. Lenie, at 14, became Hajie’s muse, and Hajie, at a young age, honed his skills as an artist—outside the traditional pen and paper.
Even if their early life was primarily about survival, poverty did not stop them from pursuing their dreams. Despite the hardships they had to face, they managed to work through it all because their dreams, their happiness weighed heavier.
In Hajie’s words, when he looks back to their life in the past, they were content with what they had. They never felt as if they were struggling financially, they were just happy.
He said, “Noong mga panahong wala kaming pera, hindi namin siya sinasabing naghihirap kami, kasi noong mga time na 'yun, masaya kami.”
Their partnership remained the same as they rose to fame. Lenie is still the dynamic half of the pair, open to try anything and full of ideas when it comes to beauty, fashion, and lifestyle. Meanwhile, Hajie is the visionary. He turns the ideas into reality.
If only they had quit due to economic factors, their efforts would not be recognized today. They would not be known as Hajie and Lenie, or Team HaNie. But with the inspiration people drew from their story, they were also inspired to keep going, to continue creating and sharing content online.
The Heart of the Hustle
Every million-view started with a simple choice to never give up on their shared creative dream. For Hajie and Lenie, seeing their first video go viral was the emotional payoff for years of their tireless struggle. They reimagine the trends that changed their lives from being high school folk dancers to famous content creators.
They built this success through hard work and long nights of dedication. Their journey shows that those early DIY dreams were worth every sacrifice. Today, they nurture this passion to ensure it grows alongside their new life as a family.
The journey toward their success began with one iconic transformation that captured the hearts of people. Lenie recalls that her first truly viral moment happened when she recreated the look of Miss Universe Catriona Gray.
The video hit a million views almost instantly, and with it came a wave of requests for new looks and messages from brands. The moment revealed to the couple that their lives were about to change forever.
“Doon namin na-realize na ito na ‘yun. Finally, ito na ‘yun,” Lenie recalls about that moment.
They realized that their content was not just a hobby, but a bridge that connected them to a global audience. What followed was both exciting and overwhelming, as opportunities multiplied and expectations grew. This major turning point brought in new brands and projects. It required them to constantly reimagine their creative approach to keep up with their new level of success.
Two Minds, One Shared Vision
How does a viral video actually come to life behind the camera? For this duo, it is a perfect balance of two very different creative roles. While Hajie manages the technical production with a perfectionist’s eye, Lenie is the driving force behind the aesthetic and the performance.
“Si Hajie talaga ang pinaka OC, perfectionist sa content.” Lenie explains, noting how they balance each other when the hours get long.
Even when they feel the physical toll of the shoot, their commitment to the craft never ends. Their combined persistence is what truly sets their work apart from every other creator in the industry. Every frame is treated as a responsibility, not just a result.
“Ako talaga into details. Kasi bawat detalye, bawat piraso ng beads, ng damit, ine-effort namin, dine-DIY naman,” Hajie mentions.
In their world, the magic only happens because they work together as one single, united force, with Lenie bringing the vision to life in front of the lens while Hajie captures it perfectly.
Behind the Magic: The Asoka Journey
One of their most impactful moments happened far from home. Their take on the global Asoka trend strands as a testament to their dedication to the craft. It was the first time they pushed themselves to go all out creatively.
“Galing kami ng Thailand, ‘yun ‘yung first time na nag-effort kami nang todong-todo. Ginawa talaga namin yung best namin,” Lenie says.
They traveled and pushed their creative limits to ensure the video looked world-class and authentic. For Lenie, the song itself now triggers a deep sense of pride and nostalgia.
“Kapag naririnig ko, and napapanood ko ulit yung Asoka, mayroon talagang memories na bumabalik, and ‘yung feeling talaga hindi nawawala,” she added.
The video remains close to their hearts because it showcases their ability to deliver world-class art that resonates with people everywhere.
Beyond the Algorithm
As they grew, the couple had to face critics who said they only succeeded because of their new resources.
“Siguro ang lagi nilang sinasabi, magaling lang naman yan kasi may sarili silang glam team,” Lenie shares. “Hindi nila alam na nag-start din kami sa walang-wala… kaming dalawa lang.”
What many did not see were the years of doing everything themselves—without a studio, without a team, and without fancy costumes. Just the two of them building their craft from their own creativity.
The impact of going viral gave them fame, but their work ethic turned that fame into a real career.
They even took a huge risk by building their own studio before they had the money to pay for it. Hajie and Lenie worked twice as hard during that time to make sure they could pay every single bill they owed.
A New Chapter
Today, being viral is no longer just about the numbers people see on their phone screens. It is about the impact their work has on their life together as a growing family. They have shown that they can stay true to themselves even when the whole world is watching them.
“Kapag may trend… nandoon pa rin ‘yung branding, and yung personal touch namin,” Lenie shares.
They refuse to post anything that does not feel like who they really are as people and artists. As they move forward, they bring their supporters along by showing everything that happens behind the scenes.
For this couple, the goal is no longer just to stay famous for a few more days; it is to remain timeless by working together as they prepare for their new life with their baby. They are showing the world that having a family does not mean you have to stop doing what you love.
Hajie emphasizes that he could not ask for a more perfect time to become a parent and feels a sense of fulfillment, as he himself longed for the presence of a father figure during his childhood. He is grateful that he will be the one to provide that for Baby Marco.
“Yung hinahanap ko na feeling, ako pala yung magbibigay. Kung hindi ko siya makukuha, ako pala yung magbibigay para sa anak ko. Sobrang fulfillng na hindi niya mararanasan yung loneliness na hinahanap-hanap ko na pakiramdam sa tatay ko,” Hajie recalls a full-circle moment on becoming a father.
As for Lenie, who is accustomed to transforming with her glamorous makeup and beauty vlogs, she says that it feels new to her to transform into motherhood.
A Newfound Purpose
When Hajie and Lenie arrive home tired from work, their exhaustion dissipates once they see their child. Together as a couple, they changed in many aspects, gaining a deeper purpose in life, ensuring their health and stability, now that they have a family, and dedicating everything to Baby Marco.
“Ang sarap sa feeling na kahit pagod ka na, ‘pag-uwi mo ng bahay at si Baby Marco ay sasalubong sa’yo, iba yung feeling niya. Parang tanggal lahat ng pagod, ayun yung bago na nararamdaman namin ngayon,” Lenie added.
They never viewed becoming parents as a compromise that hinders them in pursuing their respective passions, but rather as an encouragement to have a positive outlook on life, and Baby Marco gives them joy and an uplifting spirit that pushes them to keep moving forward, despite any challenges and demands their work requires.
Hence, Hajie and Lenie do not put pressure on themselves as new parents and try to make the best out of it, making sure that every moment is memorable and exciting, and even include Baby Marco in their shoots and content when possible.
Parents’ Optimism for a Bright Future
Aside from becoming parents, the couple also considers 2025 as a pivotal point in their lives, as they look back, realizing they have grown and are now a better version of themselves. They feel secure when it comes to financial stability and grateful for witnessing their sacrifices and the fruits of their hard work paying off.
Hoping for the future, Hajie and Lenie envision that Baby Marco will grow up without experiencing the struggles and hardships his parents faced before. They look forward to breaking the cycle and not passing the trauma they endured on to their child, but only giving him the best life they can provide.
“Yung tipong sasabihin niya, wala siyang inner child. Hindi ko ihe-heal yung inner child ko,” they added in unison.
When asked how they would describe their life right now, “In one word: Blessed,” a statement so simple, but profound, and a reflection of their years of hard work, culminating as they reach the point where they are today.
Endless Possibilities
As Hajie and Lenie flip a page and move on to a new chapter of their lives, they welcome with open arms their responsibilities as parents, while simultaneously pursuing their endeavors as one of the leading content creators in the country.
With Hajie’s expertise in photography and Lenie’s knowledge in fashion and beauty, it is indeed a match made in heaven, and they are just starting to shape their craft that will leave a lasting impact and legacy for their audience and fans.
Ultimately, their shared story of success reminds us that one’s hard work and sacrifices can move mountains, and in their case, Hajie and Lenie’s love for each other exceeds the lens, flashes, and what a camera can capture.
Their individuality and mutual trust became the fuel that strengthened their passion as a couple to keep igniting. Shedding light on their pathway as they embark on endless possibilities, from trendsetters, pioneers of viral moments, to timeless icons, and now as a family, together with Baby Marco.
THE TEAM
Make up Artist: Hajie Alejandro
Creative Inputs: Hajie Alejandro
Hair Stylist: Petra Hispano
Make up and Retouch: Arjohn Conge
Wardrobe Assistant Stylist: Elsa Felecilda
Photographer: Filtra Shots
Studio: Onzè Studio
Studio Manager: Raven Rafael
Assisted by: Friz Baradan, Jonathan Iglesia, Juda Manjares
Cover Story: Xyruz N. Barcelona, Marcus Virgil Salvante & Denice Alvarez
THE PIPOL TEAM
Publisher: Richard de Quina & John Luke Chica
Managing Director: Inyi Yruma
Editor-in-Chief: John Luke Chica
Creative Director: Devon May Seron
Communications & Partnership Manager: Kyra Custodio- Alberto
Sales and Marketing Manager: Regino Rubi
Senior Writer: Beatrice Ulibarri
Multimedia & Digital Head: Sachii Del Mundo
Executive Assistant: Dreamboy Dubria, JC Bolante
Finance Head: Mylene Dela Reyna
AUTHORS
Denice Alvarez
Denice is a storyteller who brings heart and purpose to entertainment and lifestyle writing, capturing culture, creativity, and the stories that connect people. Her work reflects the voice of today’s generation, blending authenticity and insight in every story she tells.
Virgil Salvante
Virgil is a passion-driven and versatile storyteller, capturing the zeitgeist of entertainment, lifestyle, music, and pop culture. His enthusiasm for empowering diverse communities, as reflected in his writings, is what keeps him going.
Xyruz Bacelona
Xyruz is a versatile writer with passion for multimedia arts and storytelling. Beyond the bylines, she enjoys creating narratives with creative visuals like photographs and graphic materials.
