How Aiko and Jay keep romance burning in the time of COVID-19

Aiko Melendez (right) with boyfriend, Mayor Jay Khonghun of Subic, Zambales

The sweet smell of success sometimes makes celebrities forget to take time to smell the roses. They are always dressed and stressed for success.

But the trappings of fame can turn into a trap. That’s why for stars, this quarantine period has become a blessing in disguise.

They suddenly have all the time in the world for family. Their glam teams are set aside as celebs make do with the bare essentials.

For the fourth part of my “QuarantInterview” series, I am featuring my dear “sis,” Aiko Melendez. I cannot thank her enough for being a friend over and beyond the call of duty, especially during this crisis.

Since the show biz circus is at a standstill, stars have nothing to promote nor plug. So, I thought of taking a peek into their “ECQ (enhanced community quarantine) lives.” For a change, celebs can let their guard down and do away with “show biz” answers. Now that they are under quarantine, they’re no longer under pressure.

I am not taking the pandemic lightly by coming up with this interview series. It’s just my way of lightening the mood a bit.

Away from the maddening rush, let’s sit still, pray and hush. We must keep our spirits up, even during lockdown. It’s not “the end.” This is just a pause before another fresh start.

Here’s my chat with Aiko:

How do you and Jay (Khonghun) keep your relationship strong in the time of COVID-19?

We’re always in touch with each other, and I go to his baluarte, Subic, once in a while to bring donations, like PPE (personal protective equipment), face masks and alcohol for his constituents. I make sure they all go to the right people. We lack staff, that’s why Jay and I rely on our teamwork as a couple.What’s the most productive thing you’ve done during ECQ?

I have learned to become more experimental in cooking meals for my kids. Not only do they get surprised at my concoctions, I end up surprising myself, too. It’s fun to veer away from making the usual dishes.If you could be in quarantine with any celeb, who would you pick?

Brad Pitt. Not really because of his looks, but since I heard he’s a humanitarian who supports a lot of foundations, maybe I can ask him to help the Philippines, too.

What COVID-related story impacted you the most?

The front-liner being attacked, and he almost lost his sight. My heart goes out to him. I wonder why it has gone this bad.

What are some of your realizations during this pandemic?

That nothing is certain. Before the ECQ was declared, I was so busy and sometimes, I would complain that I lacked sleep because of work. Now here comes the next scenario—I now have too much sleep! What we have right now is all up to God, if He wants to take it away from us.

Aiko (center) with her kids Andre and Marthena

Any “good vibes” anecdote about ECQ bonding with your kids?

When I do my TikTok videos with them, they make fun of me. But I have to keep up with the times. My kids’ comments crack me up.

What are the top five things on your ECQ grocery list?

Lysol, chicken, juices, crackers and noodles.

What are your postlockdown plans?

Appreciate the beauty of life and relish life’s simple joys. I will give my kids a victory hug and let them feel that we survived the crisis together. We will celebrate on the beach.

How do you stay calm amid the pandemic?

I pray a lot and read Bible verses. It reassures me that God is more powerful than the pandemic, and this, too, will pass.

What’s your personal mantra during this health crisis?

To always do good, whether in small or big ways. Don’t lose faith. Just because we are in a crisis doesn’t mean God loves us less. He is just showing mankind that He’s the only one who can help and save us.