Aiko: No label for new relationship

MARIO Claudio doesn’t see Aiko Melendez as a celebrity, but as “a simple girl.”

AIKO Melendez and I enjoy our girl talks about our “roller coaster” love life. Aiko is a true survivor of many love battles. That’s why I am so happy that she has a new inspiration.

Everything is coming up roses for Aiko. After winning best actress in a foreign language film at the International Filmmaker Festival of World Cinema in London (for “Asintado”), she has found a new “love” in a dashing Spanish señorito. Amor pa more, mi amiga!

Here’s my tête-à-tête with Aiko:

Tell us about your new guy.

His name is Mario Claudio. He is turning 34 this month. He is into building condos and is based in Cebu. Our friends set up a dinner date for us. They’ve been thinking about whom to pair me with because they say I’m too picky and conservative. We’ve been dating for three months. What I like about him is that he doesn’t see me as a celebrity, but as a simple girl with a beautiful heart—that’s what he says.

Are you wary of culture clash?

This is my first time to go out with a foreigner exclusively. I don’t want to put a label on our relationship yet. Although he wants to see our friendship as long-term. I want to take it one day at a time. My last relationship was seven years ago so I just want to enjoy and be happy that someone is waiting for my sweet “yes.” I love the courtship stage. In any relationship, we must first respect each other’s views to avoid conflict. Communication and honesty are key.

Has Mario met your kids?

He met my kids and my family during my daughter Marthena’s birth anniversary. It was a pleasant encounter. He is willing to prove his worth every day, not to please my family but to show them that his intentions are pure.

What’s the sweetest thing that Mario has done for you?

On our second date, he decorated the resto with balloons and flowers. He was holding an “I love you” sign at the end of the table. Also, when he gave my mom and siblings flowers and told them about his true intentions.

What have you learned from your previous relationships that you will apply now?

To put God at the center of our relationship… It’s give and take, and that he should love me more than I love him.

Tell us about your London experience.

It’s something I will carry in my heart for the rest of my life. I’m thankful for the warm reception. I feel blessed that God made it possible for me to beat 13 actresses from different countries.

Do you feel pressured to outdo yourself?

Pressure is something I want to set aside. It is better to be at my best when I do a movie. I just finished “Iadya Mo Kami (Deliver Us)” for international release and set to do “Etiquette for Mistresses.” I can’t ask for anything more.

‘Ellen’s Design Challenge’

Ellen DeGeneres puts a team of designers to the test to create amazing furniture pieces in just 24 hours. Who has what it takes to sketch, design, build and walk away with $100,000?

Catch “Ellen’s Design Challenge,” starting tomorrow on HGTV, available on Cignal channel 101 (HD) and on Sky Cable channels 88 (SD) and 246 (HD). (Visit www.hgtv.asia for details.)

Furnitur-iffic!