Aiko Melendez

Mary Aiko Shimoji Melendez (born December 16, 1975), known professionally as Aiko Melendez (Tagalog: [ˈaɪkɔ mɛˈlɛndɛs] ), is a Filipino actress and politician. 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. 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.

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 with Ruffa Gutierrez and Carmina Villaroel as teen actresses. From the late '80s through '90s, she became a blockbuster leading lady to big actors such as Richard Gomez, Jomari Yllana and Aga Muhlach. She received multiple awards for May Minamahal in 1993 and Sa 'yo Lamang in 1995. Her 1997 film, Kahit Kailan, received several awards at the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF). The movie was produced by Lily Monteverde. In the late 2000s, she starred in TV shows. In 2017, she garnered praises for her work in Wildflower, a primetime soap opera.

Dubbed as the Ultimate Star by the media, 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 in London and "Best Actress" at the International Film Festival Manhattan in New York City. She has also been honored at the Metro Manila Film Festival, PMPC Star Awards for Television, Gawad Tanglaw Awards and Fap Awards, including several nominations from FAMAS Awards.

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.[10] 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.[11]

Melendez was married to actor Jomari 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 dating Zambales's 1st district representative Jefferson "Jay" Khonghun.[13]

In 2013, Melendez converted to Born Again Christianity.[14]