Aiko Melendez has never been one to shy away from life’s most personal battles. In a career spanning decades, she has evolved not only as a formidable actress but also as a woman unafraid to wear her heart on her sleeve. And during her much-anticipated first guesting on Fast Talk with Boy Abunda, Aiko proved once again why she remains one of showbiz’s most relatable and resilient figures.

On love, lessons, and letting go

Known for her candor, Aiko opened up about how her views on love have changed over time—especially through the lens of her past relationships.

“Dati, I always plan my life ahead,” she reflected. “And I always say na from this relationship, hindi ko na gagawin ‘to. But when you’re there, you can’t plan things, eh.”

It’s a sentiment many can relate to—how love rarely follows a script, and how the heart sometimes overrides even the best intentions. For Aiko, faith plays a big role in that unpredictability. “Nangyayari na lang nang kusa ang mga bagay lalo na kung ipinagdasal mo ito sa Panginoon,” she shared with conviction.

Lighthearted but honest

In the popular Fast Talk segment of the show, the mood turned playful as the King of Talk asked the actress about her well-known exes.

“Pinakaguwapong ex?” asked Boy Abunda. Without missing a beat and flashing a knowing smile, Aiko answered, “Eh alam naman natin… si Aga Muhlach.”

Pressed to name her most rebellious ex, she paused before laughing and admitting, “Oh, my God, sige na nga. Si Jomari [Yllana].”

And the wealthiest? Aiko coyly dropped the name: “Patrick Meneses.”

The exchange was good-natured and laced with humor but also revealed Aiko’s maturity and ability to look back without bitterness—just gratitude for the lessons each chapter brought.

Real love, real work

These days, Aiko is in a committed relationship with politician Jay Khonghun. After more than seven years together, the couple continues to weather storms with grace and loyalty.

“We still go through challenges, we are not perfect,” Aiko admitted. “May mga oras na gusto ko nang sumuko. Pero dahil gusto naming huwag sukuan ang isa’t isa, eh we choose to stay.”

It’s a powerful message in an age of disposable romances: that love, the real kind, is a daily choice—and sometimes, the bravest thing two people can do is to hold on.

Still standing, still shining

Whether on screen or in real life, Aiko Melendez has always been a woman of strength. Her life is not a fairy tale, but a testament to persistence, self-awareness, and faith. And in her Fast Talk sit-down, she reminded everyone that being an “open book” is not a vulnerability—it’s a kind of power.

Because for Aiko, every heartbreak, every mistake, and every triumph is a page worth turning.