Aiko Melendez

Mary Aiko Shimoji Melendez (; born December 16, 1975) 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 has served 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 2013, she was part of the TV series Apoy Sa Dagat. 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 2026, she announced that she was dating a long-time friend, actor Onemig Bondoc.

In 2013, Melendez converted to Born Again Christianity.

Filmography Film Year Title Role1982 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 Shiela1995 Sa'yo Lamang Louella Bawal Na Gamot 2 Shiela Araw-araw, Gabi-gabi Batang-X Dr. Axis 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 Maalaala Mo Kaya Rose Episode: "Bantay Bata" 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-Tan2024Pamilya Sagrado Atty. Divine Torres ASAP Natin 'To Herself / Performer Co-host

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