AIKO Melendez photo by Alexis Corpuz
“They say that in life, you only have this one great love—[in my case] that could be Jomari [Yllana],” actress Aiko Melendez admitted to media recently.
“I guess it’s because he was my first in everything. He’s my first husband. I gave my heart to him first,” she explained at a recent press conference for her latest drama series “The Story of Us.”
The actress said she was glad to have maintained a good relationship with Jomari who, she added, has matured a lot since their marriage was annulled in 2003.
According to her, Jomari “has been a responsible father” to their 17-year-old son Andrei.
Aiko also has a daughter, Marthena, 9, with her second husband—former fashion model Martin Jickain (their marriage was annulled in 2010).
Then came Aiko’s big reveal.
Aiko, who claimed she is currently “single but dating,” said she has recently made a pact with Jomari.
“I told him, ‘Dada (her pet name for Jomari), if we’re both single in three years’ time I think we should just get back together.’ He laughed and said I was crazy, and then said I have a point,” the actress recalled.
However, Aiko said they both feel scared to commit to each other right now. “We don’t want to ruin a beautiful friendship.”
“We’ve been talking a lot, since he has decided to get into politics. I’ve been sharing with him some tips,” said Aiko, who ran for councilor in Quezon City in 2003 and won.
Aiko claimed she had long gotten over her tiff with Ara Mina, who was reportedly the cause of their marital breakup in 2001.
“The Story of Us,” codirected by Richard Somes and Will Fredo, features Kim Chiu, Xian Lim and Zsa Zsa Padilla.