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Aiko Melendez
Member of the Quezon City Council
Assumed office
June 30, 2022
Constituency5th District
In office
June 30, 2001 – June 30, 2010
Constituency2nd District
Personal details
Born
Mary Aiko Shimoji Melendez

(1975-12-16) December 16, 1975 (age 48)
Quezon City, Philippines
Political partySBP (2024-present)
Other political
affiliations
Nacionalista (2021–2024)
PMP (2009-2021)
Lakas-CMD (2001-2009)
Spouses
(m. 2000; ann. 2005)
Martin Jickain
(m. 2005; ann. 2010)
Domestic partnerJefferson Khonghun
Children2
OccupationActress & politician

Mary Aiko Shimoji Melendez (born December 16, 1975), known professionally as Aiko Melendez (Tagalog: [ˈaɪkɔ mɛˈlɛndɛs]), is a Filipino actress and politician. She currently serves as a councilor of Quezon City from the 5th district since 2022, a position she previously held from the 2nd District from 2001 to 2010. Her father, Jimmy Melendez (born Jim Shinoji), was an actor. Her half-brother, Jam Melendez (son of Jimmy Melendez and Deborah Sun), also entered showbusiness.[1]

Aiko Melendez started as a child star in the early '80s under Regal Films among them, Santa Claus is Coming to Town in 1982 and she was billed simply as Aiko. In the late '80s, the same movie outfit, launched her together with Ruffa Gutierrez and Carmina Villarroel as teen actresses. From the late '80s through '90s, she became a blockbuster leading lady to big actors such as Richard Gomez, Jomari Yllana and Aga Muhlach. She received multiple awards for May Minamahal in 1993 and Sa 'yo Lamang in 1995. Her 1997 film, Kahit Kailan, received several awards at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). The movie was produced by Lily Monteverde. In the late 2000s, she starred in TV shows. In 2017, she garnered praises for her work in Wildflower, a primetime soap opera.

Dubbed as the Ultimate Star by the media,[2] Melendez is a recipient of countless accolades and recognitions locally and globally. She won "Best Actress in a Foreign Language Film" at the 7th International Filmmaker Festival of World Cinema[3] in London and "Best Actress" at the International Film Festival Manhattan in New York City.[4] She has also been honored at the Metro Manila Film Festival, PMPC Star Awards for Television, Gawad Tanglaw Awards and Fap Awards, including several nominations from FAMAS Awards.

Career

Melendez was discovered in the late 1980s and signed a contract with Regal Films, becoming one of their 'Regal Babies'.[5]

In 2001, Melendez ran for councilor of the 2nd district of Quezon City and won. She was reelected in 2004 and in 2007 and remained in office for 9 years until 2010.[6][7] She ran for vice mayor of Quezon City in 2010 as the running mate of Mike Defensor, but lost to Joy Belmonte.

She did several shows on GMA Network but most often appeared on ABS-CBN.[6] In 2011, Aiko returned to ABS-CBN for an episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya and Reputasyon.[8][9] In 2013, she was part of the TV series Apoy Sa Dagat.[7] In 2015, Melendez played the role of Fionna Vargas in Inday Bote.[10] In 2017, Melendez played the role of Emilia Ardiente in Wildflower. In 2018, Melendez played the role of Matadora/Bighani in Bagani. In 2019, Melendez returned to GMA Network to play a role in Prima Donnas.

Melendez ran for Quezon City councilor in 2022, this time at the 5th district, and won.[11]

Personal life

Melendez was married to actor Jomari Yllana from 2000, but got separated after a year. They have a son named Andrei. Their marriage was annulled in 2005.[12]

In 2005, Melendez married Martin Jickain, with whom she has a daughter named Marthena. However, their marriage was annulled in 2010.

Melendez is currently dating Zambales's 1st district representative Jefferson "Jay" Khonghun.[13]

In 2013, Melendez converted to Born Again Christianity.[14]

Filmography

Film

Year Title Role
1982 Where Love Has Gone
Santa Claus Is Coming to Town
1983 Don't Cry for Me, Papa Tessie
1989 My Pretty Baby Maria
Romeo Loves Juliet ... But Their Families Hate Each Other! Juliet
Isang Araw Walang Diyos Laya
1990 Trese Tessa Encarnacion
Last 2 Minutes
Tora Tora, Bang Bang Bang
Nimfa
1991 Underage Too Aiko
Gabo: Walang Patawad Kung Pumatay Meanne
Kung Sino Pa Ang Minahal
Emma Salazar Case
1992 Ali in Wonderland
Cornelia Ramos Story
Guwapings: The First Adventure
Si Lucio at si Miguel: Hihintayin Kayo sa Langit Rosanna
Buddy en Sol (Sine Ito!) Anna
Unang Tibok ng Puso Lena
Shake, Rattle & Roll IV Sister Mary John
Kamay ni Kain
Sonny Boy, Public Enemy Number 1 of Cebu City
Sinungaling Mong Puso Anna
1993 Aguinaldo
Dino... Abangan ang Susunod Na...
Dugo ng Panday Luna
May Minamahal Monica
1994 Buhay ng Buhay Ko
Multo in the City Mabel
Ang Ika-Labing Isang Utos: Mahalin Mo, Asawa Mo Solidad
Maalaala Mo Kaya: The Movie Ana
Bawal Na Gamot Shiela
1995 Sa'yo Lamang Louella
Bawal Na Gamot 2 Shiela
Araw-araw, Gabi-gabi
Batang-X
1996 Mula Noon Hanggang Ngayon Beverly
Huling Sagupaan
Ayoko na Sanang Magmahal
1997 Atraso: Ang Taong may Kasalanan Tessa Villanueva
Kung Marunong Kang Magdasal, Umpisahan Mo Na Cynthia
Kahit Kailan
1998 Pagdating ng Panahon
Ikaw Pa Rin Ang Iibigin Pia Tesoro
1999 Higit Pa Sa Buhay Ko
2000 Mahal Kita, Walang Iwanan Cynthia
2003 Filipinas Vicky Filipinas
2009 Yaya and Angelina: The Spoiled Brat Movie Mommy
2014 Asintado Julia
2015 Etiquette for Mistresses Adelle Ayson
Everyday I Love You Guada Locsin
2016 Barcelona: A Love Untold Insiang
2017 Pwera Usog Minda
2018 Rainbow's Sunset Georgina
TBA Mabuhay Aloha Mabuhay Sara Duterte

Television

Year Title Role Source Network
1981 Anna Liza
GMA Network
1989 Lovingly Yours, Helen
1990 Buddy en Sol Toni / Tonette RPN
1995–1998 Bubble Gang Herself GMA Network
1989–1995 Eat Bulaga! Co-host ABS-CBN
1993 The Maricel Drama Special Armina Episode: "Istranghera"
1994, 1995 Star Drama Theater Presents: Aiko Herself
2002 Klasmayts
2004 Yes, Yes Show!
2006 Noel GMA Network
2008 Your Song Marge Fernando Episode: "Someone Like You" ABS-CBN
Maalaala Mo Kaya Aurora Episode: "Kanin"
2009 Talentadong Pinoy Herself / Judge TV5
2010 Sine Novela: Basahang Ginto Rosenda Montecillo Recurring Role GMA Network
2011 Maalaala Mo Kaya Marivic Episode: "TV" ABS-CBN
2011–2012 Reputasyon Catherine Espeleta-Villamayor / Connie Aragon Main Role / Antagonist
2012 Nandito Ako Margareth Posadas TV5
Maalaala Mo Kaya Christie Episode: "Belen" ABS-CBN
2013 Apoy sa Dagat Odessa Villarosa-del Sol Main Role / Protagonist
2014 Maalaala Mo Kaya Gloria Episode: "Harmonica"
Ipaglaban Mo! Candida Episode: "Sa Aking Pagbangon"
The Ryzza Mae Show Herself GMA Network
Give Love of Christmas Rose Aguinaldo Series title: The Gift Giver ABS-CBN
Maalaala Mo Kaya Beth Episode: "Salamin"
2015 Inday Bote Fiona Vargas-Navarro Main Role / Antagonist
Ipaglaban Mo! Belen Episode: "Inabusong Inosente"
Maalaala Mo Kaya Myrna Cuenco Episode: "Karaoke"
Sima Episode: "Lubid"
2016 Shirley Esguerra Episode: "Backpack"
The Story of Us Carmy Santos-Manalo Supporting Role / Protagonist
Maalaala Mo Kaya Marilyn "Bing" Concine Episode: "Riles"
Amy Episode: "Popcorn"
Celebrity Playtime Player on Team 90's
2017–2018 Wildflower Emilia Ardiente-Torillo Main Role / Antagonist
2018 Bagani Matadora / Bighani Support Role / Anti-Hero
2019 StarStruck Herself/Mentor 3 episodes guest-arc GMA Network
Dear Uge Arlene Episode: "Bahay Bangayan"
2019–2022 Prima Donnas Ma. Kendra Fajardo-Claveria Main Role / Antagonist
2021 I Can See You: #Future Menchie Torres
Tadhana Lileth Episode: "Dalawa ang Aking Ina"
2022–2023 Mano Po Legacy: The Flower Sisters Lily Y. Chua-Tan Main Role / Protagonist
2024 Pamilya Sagrado[15] Atty. Divine Torres Main Role / Anti-Hero / Protagonist Kapamilya Channel
ASAP Natin 'To Herself / Performer Co-host

TV commercials

  • Rexona (May 1994)
  • Pigromix (August 1984)

Awards

References

  1. ^ "Filipina Actress - Aiko Melendez". Blogspot. Retrieved October 2, 2017.
  2. ^ "Aiko Melendez: Ultimate star". PEP.ph. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  3. ^ "Aiko Melendez wins best actress award in int'l film festival". www.philstar.com. March 3, 2015. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  4. ^ Germs, Kuya. "Asintado namayagpag sa NY". Philstar.com. Retrieved July 13, 2023.
  5. ^ Lo, Ricky. "The Evolution of The Regal Babies". The Philippine Star. Archived from the original on October 3, 2017. Retrieved October 2, 2017.
  6. ^ a b Aiko open to TV project with ex-hubby Jomari ABS-CBN June 6, 2008
  7. ^ a b Aiko makes comeback with May-December affair in 'Your Song' ABS-CBN. August 30, 2008
  8. ^ "TV (Twist of Fate)". MMK 25. Retrieved October 2, 2017.
  9. ^ "Aiko Melendez admits she almost didn't accept her kontrabida role in Reputasyon". Push ABS-CBN. Retrieved October 2, 2017.
  10. ^ Santiago, Ervin. "Inday Bote patok na patok sa mga bagets; Aiko kinasusuklaman". Philippine Daily Inquirer. Bandera. Retrieved October 2, 2017.
  11. ^ "Aiko Melendez, Bobby Andrews file COC for councilor in QC". ABS-CBN News. October 6, 2021. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  12. ^ "Aiko Melendez Confirms Misunderstanding with Son Andrei". Philnews.ph. May 25, 2016. Retrieved October 2, 2017.
  13. ^ "'Independent na ako': Aiko Melendez reveals marriage with Jomari Yllana annulled on Independence Day". Push.com.ph. June 12, 2020. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  14. ^ "19 Celebrities Who Changed Religions". Retrieved August 6, 2017.
  15. ^ "Shaina Magdayao, Tirso Cruz III, Aiko Melendez, John Arcilla join Piolo Pascual in Pamilya Sagrado". PEP.ph. Retrieved April 22, 2024.
  16. ^ Marah Ruiz (December 6, 2020). "Ilang Kapuso stars, wagi sa RAWR Awards 2020". GMA Network. Retrieved December 6, 2020.