Aiko Melendez on mending friendships, balancing love, and politics

Aiko Melendez is one of the most beautiful and most brilliant actresses in the country.

- Aiko Melendez with her beautiful children, Andre and Marthena.

She has been in the industry for 35 years, having started her career at the age of six. I used to manage Aiko, whom I now consider part of my family.

Aiko has portrayed memorable characters in movies and television series that left a lasting impression on the viewing public.

Who could forget her award-winning performance as Ana, the surrogate mother in a custody dispute over a child against her cousin in "Maalaala Mo Kaya: The Movie?" As the aloof but affectionate Monica in "May Minamahal" opposite Aga Muhlach? Or as Lily Yap Chua-Tan, the eldest daughter of a taipan in "Mano Po Legacy: The Flower Sisters?">

Unknown to many, Aiko teaches acting as a way of sharing her talent with those who aspire to become artists. The actress-turned-politician offered acting tips during our conversation on "Fast Talk with Boy Abunda."