Aiko Melendez | |
|---|---|
| Member of theQuezon City Council | |
| Assumed office June 30, 2022 | |
| Constituency | 5th District |
| In office June 30, 2001 – June 30, 2010 | |
| Constituency | 2nd District |
| Personal details | |
| Born | Mary Aiko Shimoji Melendez (1975-12-16)December 16, 1975 (age 49) Quezon City, Philippines |
| Political party | SBP (2024–present) |
| Other political affiliations | Nacionalista (2021–2024) PMP (2009–2021) Lakas-CMD (2001–2009) |
| Spouses | |
| Domestic partner | Jefferson Khonghun |
| Children | 2 |
| Occupation | Actress & politician |
Mary Aiko Shimoji Melendez (born December 16, 1975), known professionally asAiko Melendez (Tagalog:[ˈaɪkɔmɛˈlɛndɛs]), is aFilipino actress and politician. She currently serves as acouncilor ofQuezon City from the5th district since 2022, a position she previously held from the2nd 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 withRuffa Gutierrez andCarmina Villarroel as teen actresses. From the late '80s through '90s, she became a blockbuster leading lady to big actors such asRichard Gomez,Jomari Yllana andAga Muhlach. She received multiple awards forMay Minamahal in 1993 andSa 'yo Lamang in 1995. Her 1997 film,Kahit Kailan, received several awards at theMetro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). The movie was produced byLily Monteverde. In the late 2000s, she starred in TV shows. In 2017, she garnered praises for her work inWildflower, a primetime soap opera.
Dubbed as theUltimate 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] inLondon and "Best Actress" at the International Film Festival Manhattan inNew York City.[4] She has also been honored at theMetro Manila Film Festival,PMPC Star Awards for Television, Gawad Tanglaw Awards andFap Awards, including several nominations fromFAMAS Awards.
Melendez was discovered in the late 1980s and signed a contract withRegal Films, becoming one of their 'Regal Babies'.[5]
In 2001, Melendez ran for councilor of the 2nd district ofQuezon 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 in2010 as the running mate ofMike Defensor, but lost toJoy Belmonte.
She did several shows onGMA Network but most often appeared onABS-CBN.[6] In 2011, Aiko returned to ABS-CBN for an episode ofMaalaala Mo Kaya andReputasyon.[8][9] In 2013, she was part of the TV seriesApoy Sa Dagat.[7] In 2015, Melendez played the role of Fionna Vargas inInday Bote.[10] In 2017, Melendez played the role of Emilia Ardiente inWildflower. In 2018, Melendez played the role of Matadora/Bighani in Bagani. In 2019, Melendez returned toGMA Network to play a role inPrima Donnas.
Melendez ran for Quezon City councilor in2022, this time at the5th district, and won.[11]
Melendez was married to actorJomari 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 datingZambales's1st district representative Jefferson "Jay" Khonghun.[13]
In 2013, Melendez converted toBorn Again Christianity.[14]
| 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 |
| 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 | ||
| 2012 | Nandito Ako | Margareth Posadas | TV5 | |
| Maalaala Mo Kaya | Christie | Episode: "Belen" | ABS-CBN | |
| 2013 | Apoy sa Dagat | Odessa Villarosa-del Sol | ||
| 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 | ||
| 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 | |||
| Maalaala Mo Kaya | Marilyn "Bing" Concine | Episode: "Riles" | ||
| Amy | Episode: "Popcorn" | |||
| Celebrity Playtime | Player on Team 90's | |||
| 2017–2018 | Wildflower | Emilia Ardiente-Torillo | ||
| 2018 | Bagani | Matadora / Bighani | ||
| 2019 | StarStruck | Herself/Mentor | GMA Network | |
| Dear Uge | Arlene | Episode: "Bahay Bangayan" | ||
| 2019–2022 | Prima Donnas | Ma. Kendra Fajardo-Claveria | ||
| 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 | ||
| 2024 | PamilyaSagrado[15] | Atty. Divine Torres | Kapamilya Channel | |
| ASAP Natin 'To | Herself / Performer | Co-host |
