Aiko Melendez


Mary Aiko Shimoji Melendez, known professionally as Aiko Melendez, 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 [Quezon City's Legislative districts of Quezon City|5th congressional district|5th district] since 2022, a position she previously held from the 2nd district from 2001 to 2010.
WWW aikomelendez.org

Career

Melendez was discovered in the late 1980s and signed a contract with Regal Films, becoming one of their 'Regal Babies'.
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. 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. In 2011, Aiko returned to ABS-CBN for an episode of Maalaala Mo Kaya and Reputasyon. In 2013, she was part of the TV series Apoy Sa Dagat. In 2015, Melendez played the role of Fionna Vargas in Inday Bote. 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.

Personal life

Her father, Jimmy Melendez, was also an actor. Her paternal half-brother, Jam Melendez, also entered showbusiness.
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.
In 2006, Melendez married Martin Jickain, with whom she has a daughter named Marthena. However, their marriage was annulled in 2010.
Melendez dated Zambales's 1st district representative Jay Khonghun, from 2018 until their breakup in 2025.
In 2013, Melendez converted to Born Again Christianity.

Filmography

TV commercials

  • Rexona
  • Pigromix

Accolades

  • 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