Aiko Melendez

Mary Aiko Shimoji Melendez (born December 16, 1975), known professionally as Aiko Melendez, is a Filipina actress and former politician. 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 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.

Career
Melendez was discovered in the late 1980s and signed a contract with Regal Films, becoming one of their 'Regal Babies'.

In 2001, Aiko ran for councilor in the city elections in Quezon City and won. She became Councilor of the 2nd District of Quezon City and remained in office for 9 years until 2010. 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 with Cristine Reyes and Rayver Cruz. In 2013, she was part of the TV series Apoy Sa Dagat costarring Angelica Panganiban, Piolo Pascual and Diether Ocampo.

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.

Personal life
She was married to actor Jomari Yllana from 2000 to 2003. Melendez and Yllana have a son named Andrei.

In 2006, Aiko married Martin Jickain.

In 2013, Aiko converted to Born Again Christianity.

TV commercials

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

Awards

 * 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
 * Best Supporting Actress for Wildflower, 31st PMPC Star Awards for Television
 * Favorite Kontrabida for Prima Donnas, RAWR Awards 2020