Aiko Melendez

PMP (2009–2021) Lakas (2001–2009)

• {{marriage|Martin Jickain|2005|2010|end=ann. Mary Aiko Shimoji Melendez (born December 16, 1975), 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 5th district since 2022, a position she previously held from the 2nd district from 2001 to 2010.

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 (born Jim Shinoji), 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

Film

Television

TV commercials

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

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

Notes

References

References

1. "Aiko Melendez: Ultimate star".
2. (2015-03-03). "Aiko Melendez wins best actress award in int'l film festival".
3. Germs, Kuya. "Asintado namayagpag sa NY".
4. "The Evolution of The Regal Babies". The Philippine Star.
5. [http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/06/06/08/aiko-open-tv-project-ex-hubby-jomari Aiko open to TV project with ex-hubby Jomari] {{Webarchive. link. (December 8, 2013 ABS-CBN June 6, 2008)
6. [http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/entertainment/08/30/08/aiko-makes-comeback-may-december-affair-your-song Aiko makes comeback with May-December affair in 'Your Song'] {{Webarchive. link. (December 8, 2013 ABS-CBN. August 30, 2008)
7. "TV (Twist of Fate)".
8. "Aiko Melendez admits she almost didn't accept her kontrabida role in Reputasyon".
9. "Inday Bote patok na patok sa mga bagets; Aiko kinasusuklaman". Philippine Daily Inquirer.
10. (October 6, 2021). "Aiko Melendez, Bobby Andrews file COC for councilor in QC". ABS-CBN News.
11. "Filipina Actress - Aiko Melendez".
12. (May 25, 2016). "Aiko Melendez Confirms Misunderstanding with Son Andrei".
13. (July 26, 2021). "Aiko Melendez, ex-husband Martin Jickain reunite for daughter's birthday".
14. (June 12, 2020). "'Independent na ako': Aiko Melendez reveals marriage with Jomari Yllana annulled on Independence Day".
15. (October 3, 2025). "Aiko Melendez confirms breakup with longtime partner Congressman Jay Khonghun".
16. "19 Celebrities Who Changed Religions".
17. "Shaina Magdayao, Tirso Cruz III, Aiko Melendez, John Arcilla join Piolo Pascual in Pamilya Sagrado".
18. Sanchez, Giselle. (December 19, 2023). "GOSSIP GIRL: Aiko Melendez shares her birthday wish".
19. "FAMAS Awards Winners and Nominees".
20. (September 3, 2015). "63rd FAMAS Awards nominees revealed; Sarah, Dawn, Maricel, Nora, Susan, and Gloria hailed as Iconic Movie Queens".
21. Afinidad-Bernardo, Deni Rose M.. (December 29, 2017). "FULL LIST: FAMAS 2017 winners".
22. Jimenez, Joyce. (March 3, 2015). "Aiko Melendez wins best actress award in int'l film festival".
23. Lastrilla, Gary Ann. (October 24, 2015). "Aiko Melendez bags second international Best Actress award for indie film".
24. (April 22, 1994). "Fap awards given tonite". Manila Standard.
25. (May 20, 1995). "FAP bares nominees for film awards". Manila Standard.
26. Villano, Alexa. (December 30, 2019). "Full List: Winners, Luna Awards 2019".
27. (July 18, 1994). "IT'S FILM FEST SCAM: THE SEQUEL! A MONTH LATER, THE PHILIPPINES SCANDAL REFUSES TO GO AWAY". Washington Post.
28. (June 16, 1995). "Aiko, Richard top Manila filmfest awards". Manila Standard.
29. (December 28, 2018). "Full List: MMFF 2018 awards night winners".
30. Araja, Rio. (November 10, 2023). "Aiko pays out P20m in ayuda to 10.5k QC residents".
31. Villano, Alexa. (March 8, 2015). "Full List: Winners, Star Awards for movies 2015".
32. (February 7, 2018). "Mga nominado sa 34th PMPC Star Awards for Movies, inilabas na".
33. Villano, Alexa. (June 3, 2019). "FULL LIST: Winners, PMPC Star Awards for Movies 2019".
34. (June 25, 2019). "Utol ni Coco waging Best Actor".
35. (November 24, 2011). "ABS-CBN best TV station sa PMPC Star Awards".
36. Villano, Alexa. (December 3, 2015). "FULL LIST: Winners, 2015 PMPC Star Awards for TV".
37. Villano, Alexa. (October 10, 2016). "FULL LIST: Nominees, PMPC Star Awards for Television 2016".
38. (November 13, 2017). "ABS-CBN named Best TV Station at the PMPC Star Awards for TV {{!}} ABS-CBN Entertainment".
39. Eusebio, Aaron Brennt. (October 19, 2021). "Aiko Melendez dedicates Best Drama Supporting Actress award to her fans".
40. Mallorca, Hannah. (March 25, 2025). "PMPC Star Awards for TV: ‘Batang Quiapo,’ Piolo Pascual, Kim Chiu among winners".
41. Serato, Arniel C.. (June 10, 2017). "Nora Aunor, Vilma Santos, Ai-Ai delas Alas, Jaclyn Jose lead Best Actress nominees for The Eddys".
42. (May 19, 2019). "Eddys 2019 nominees para sa Best Supporting Actor/Actress, Best Picture, inihayag na".
43. Marah Ruiz. (December 6, 2020). "Ilang Kapuso stars, wagi sa RAWR Awards 2020".