Aiko Melendez Biography: Husband, Age, Children, Net Worth, Height, Movies & TV Shows, Political Career

Aiko Melendez is a celebrated Filipino actress and politician known for her versatility in film and television, as well as her impactful public service as a councilor in Quezon City.

Rising to fame as a child star in the 1980s, she transitioned into lead and dramatic roles, earning critical acclaim for her performances in projects like Reputasyon and Rainbow’s Sunset.

Profile

• Full Name: Mary Aiko Shimoji Melendez
• Stage Name: Aiko Melendez
• Born: December 16, 1975
• Age: 49 years old
• Birthplace: Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
• Nationality: Filipino
• Occupation: Actress, Politician
• Height: 5 feet 5 inches (1.65 m)
• Parents: Jimmy Melendez and Elsie Blardony
• Siblings: Jam Melendez (half-brother), Michiko Melendez, Ericka Melendez
• Spouse: Jomari Yllana and Martin Jickain
• Children: Andrei Yllana, Marthena Jickain
• Relationship: Jay Khonghun
• Net Worth: $2 million USD

Early Life and Education

Aiko Melendez, actress and politician, was born on December 16, 1975, in Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines.

Raised by her parents, Jimmy Melendez, an actor of Japanese and Spanish descent, and Elsie Blardony, she grew up in a creative environment alongside her half-brother, Jam Melendez, and sisters, Michiko and Ericka.

Her father’s involvement in show business inspired her early interest in acting.

Aiko attended Miriam College in Quezon City for her early education but prioritized her acting career over further formal studies, gaining practical experience in the entertainment industry from a young age.

Her ethnicity is multiracial (Asian and Hispanic), and her religion is Christianity.

Career

Aiko Melendez, actress and politician, began her career as a child star in the early 1980s under Regal Films, appearing in films like Santa Claus is Coming to Town (1982).

She rose to prominence as a romantic lead in the 1990s with movies such as Loving Someone (1993) and later excelled in dramatic roles in television series like Reputasyon (2011–2012) and Wildflower (2017–2018).

Her film credits include Rainbow’s Sunset (2018) and Etiquette for Mistresses (2015).

In 2001, she entered politics, serving as a councilor for Quezon City’s 2nd district until 2010.

She ran for vice mayor in 2010 but lost.

Aiko returned to politics in 2022, winning a councilor seat in Quezon City’s 5th district, a position she holds as of 2025.

Her ability to balance acting and public service has solidified her reputation as a multifaceted professional.

Awards and Nominations

• Luna Award for Best Supporting Actress – Won for Rainbow’s Sunset (2018)
• Manila Film Festival Award – Won (two awards, specific categories unspecified, 2018)
• FAMAS Award for Best Supporting Actress – Nominated (five nominations, specific years and films unspecified)

Social Media

• Instagram Handle: @aikomelendez
• Facebook Handle: Aiko Melendez
• Twitter Handle: @aikomelendez
• YouTube Channel: Aiko Melendez Official
• TikTok Handle: @aikomelendez

Personal Life

Aiko Melendez, actress and politician, is in a relationship with Jay Khonghun, a politician, as of 2025.

She was previously married to actor Jomari Yllana from 2000 to 2003, with whom she has a son, Andrei Yllana (born September 7, 1998).

She later married model Martin Jickain from 2006 to 2010, and they have a daughter, Marthena Jickain (born July 28, 2006).

Aiko also had relationships with Patrick Meneses (2008–2011), Mario Claudio (2015), and Shahin Alimirzapour (2016).

Standing at 5 feet 5 inches and weighing approximately 61 kg, she maintains a vibrant presence both on-screen and in public life.

Filmography

• Anna Liza (TV series, 1981) – Actress
• Santa Claus is Coming to Town (Film, 1982) – Actress
• Loving Someone (Film, 1993) – Lead Actress
• Reputasyon (TV series, 2011–2012) – Actress
• Apoy sa Dagat (TV series, 2013) – Actress
• Etiquette for Mistresses (Film, 2015) – Actress
• Wildflower (TV series, 2017–2018) – Actress
• Rainbow’s Sunset (Film, 2018) – Supporting Actress
• Asintado (TV series, 2018) – Actress

Net Worth

Aiko Melendez, actress and politician, has an estimated net worth of $2 million USD.

Her income is derived from her extensive acting career, including television and film roles, as well as her political engagements as a councilor.

Endorsements and public appearances further contribute to her financial success, reflecting her enduring presence in both entertainment and public service.