Aiko Melendez
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
December 16, 1975
Aiko Melendez | |
|---|---|
 Official portrait, 2025 | |
| Member of the Quezon 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 December 16, 1975 Quezon City, Philippines |
| Party | SBP (2024–present) |
| Other political affiliations | Nacionalista (2021–2024) PMP (2009–2021) Lakas (2001–2009) |
| Spouses | |
| Children | 2 |
| Occupation | Actress and politician |
Mary Aiko Shimoji Melendez (born December 16, 1975), known professionally as Aiko Melendez (Tagalog: [ˈaɪkɔ mɛˈlɛndɛs]), is a Filipino actress and politician. She began her career as a child actress and later became a romantic lead in the 1990s. She achieved newfound fame playing secondary dramatic roles in film and television in the succeeding decades and has since garnered various accolades including a Luna Award and two Manila Film Festival Awards, in addition to nominations for five FAMAS Awards. 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.[1][2][3]
Melendez was discovered in the late 1980s and signed a contract with Regal Films, becoming one of their 'Regal Babies'.[4]
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.[5][6] 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.[5] In 2011, Aiko returned to ABS-CBN for an episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya and Reputasyon.[7][8] In 2013, she was part of the TV series Apoy Sa Dagat.[6] In 2015, Melendez played the role of Fionna Vargas in Inday Bote.[9] 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.[10]
Personal life
Her father, Jimmy Melendez (born Jim Shinoji), was also an actor. Her paternal half-brother, Jam Melendez, also entered showbusiness.[11]
Melendez was married to actor Jomari Yllana from 2000 but separated after a year. They have a son named Andrei. Their marriage was annulled in 2005.[12]
In 2006, Melendez married Martin Jickain, with whom she has a daughter named Marthena. However, their marriage was annulled in 2010.[13]
Melendez dated Zambales's 1st district representative Jay Khonghun,[14] from 2018 until their breakup in 2025.[15] In 2026, she announced that she was dating a long-time friend, actor Onemig Bondoc.[16]
In 2013, Melendez converted to Born Again Christianity.[17]
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 | Marita Bernardo |
| 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 |
| 2021 | Huwag Kang Lalabas | Espie |
| TBA | Mabuhay Aloha Mabuhay | Sara Duterte |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1981 | Anna Liza | – |
|
| 1989 | Lovingly Yours, Helen | ||
| 1990 | Buddy en Sol | Toni / Tonette | |
| 1995–1998 | Bubble Gang | Herself | |
| 1989–1995 | Eat Bulaga! | Co-host | |
| 1993 | The Maricel Drama Special | Armina | Episode: "Istranghera" |
| 1994, 1995 | Star Drama Theater Presents: Aiko | Herself | |
| 2002 | Klasmayts | – |
|
| 2004 | Yes, Yes Show! | ||
| 2006 | Noel | ||
| 2008 | Your Song | Marge Fernando | Episode: "Someone Like You" |
| Maalaala Mo Kaya | Aurora | Episode: "Kanin" | |
| 2009 | Talentadong Pinoy | Herself / Judge | |
| 2010 | Sine Novela: Basahang Ginto | Rosenda Montecillo | Recurring Role |
| 2011 | Maalaala Mo Kaya | Marivic | Episode: "TV" |
| 2011–2012 | Reputasyon | Catherine Espeleta-Villamayor / Connie Aragon | |
| 2012 | Nandito Ako | Margareth Posadas | |
| Maalaala Mo Kaya | Christie | Episode: "Belen" | |
| 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 | ||
| Give Love of Christmas | Rose Aguinaldo | Series title: The Gift Giver | |
| 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 | |
| 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 | Pamilya Sagrado[18] | Atty. Divine Torres | |
| ASAP Natin 'To | Herself / Performer | Co-host |
TV commercials
- Rexona (May 1994)
- Pigromix (August 1984)
Accolades
| Award[a] | Year[b] | Category | Nominated work | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dangal ng Lahi | 2023 | Outstanding Public Servant of the Year | Herself | Won | [19] |
| FAMAS Awards | 1983 | Best Child Actress | Santa Claus Is Coming to Town! | Nominated | [20] |
| 1993 | Best Supporting Actress | Sinungaling Mong Puso | Nominated | ||
| 1995 | Best Actress | Maalaala Mo Kaya: The Movie | Nominated | ||
| 2015 | Asintado | Nominated | [21] | ||
| 2017 | Best Supporting Actress | Barcelona: A Love Untold | Nominated | [22] | |
| International Filmmaker Festival of World Cinema | 2015 | Best Actress | Asintado | Won | [23] |
| International Film Festival Manhattan | 2015 | Best Actress | Asintado | Won | [24] |
| Luna Awards | 1994 | Best Actress | May Minamahal | Nominated | [25] |
| 1995 | Maalaala Mo Kaya: The Movie | Nominated | [26] | ||
| 2019 | Best Supporting Actress | Rainbow's Sunset | Nominated | [27] | |
| Manila Film Festival | 1994 | Best Actress | Maalaala Mo Kaya: The Movie | Won | [28] |
| 1995 | Sa 'Yo Lamang | Won | [29] | ||
| Metro Manila Film Festival | 2018 | Best Supporting Actress | Rainbow's Sunset | Won | [30] |
| Saludo Excellence Awards | 2023 | National Outstanding Humanitarian and Leadership Service | Herself | Won | [31] |
| Star Awards for Movies | 2015 | Movie Actress of the Year | Asintado | Nominated | [32] |
| 2018 | Movie Supporting Actress of the Year | Pwera Usog | Nominated | [33] | |
| 2019 | Rainbow's Sunset | Nominated | [34] | ||
| Subic Bay International Film Festival | 2019 | Best Actress | Tell Me Your Dreams | Won | [35] |
| Star Awards for Television | 2011 | Best Single Performance by an Actress | Maalaala Mo Kaya (Episode: "TV") | Nominated | [36] |
| 2015 | Best Drama Actress | Give Love on Christmas: The Gift Giver | Nominated | [37] | |
| 2016 | Best Single Performance by an Actress | Maalaala Mo Kaya (Episode: "Lubid") | Nominated | [38] | |
| 2017 | Best Drama Supporting Actress | Wildflower | Won | [39] | |
| 2021 | Prima Donnas | Won | [40] | ||
| 2024 | Pamilya Sagrado | Nominated | [41] | ||
| The EDDYS | 2017 | Best Supporting Actress | Barcelona: A Love Untold | Nominated | [42] |
| 2019 | Rainbow's Sunset | Nominated | [43] |
- Celebrity Inductee, Eastwood City Walk of Fame Philippines 2014 - Won
- Best Supporting Actress for Iadya Mo Kami, 15th Gawad Tanglaw Awards 2017
- Pinakapasadong Katuwang na Aktres for Iadya Mo Kami, 19th Gawad PASADO Awards
- Pinakapasadong Katuwang na Aktres for Rainbow's Sunset, 21st Gawad PASADO Awards
- Favorite Kontrabida for Prima Donnas, RAWR Awards 2020[44]
