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.^[1]

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,^[2] 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^[3] in London and "Best Actress" at the International Film Festival Manhattan in New York City.^[4] 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.