Veteran actress Aiko Melendez denies having a relationship with a younger guy, who was identified as Michael Pate, a basketball varsity player and part of art of the NU Bulldogs. He was said to be in his early 2os.
In an interview with “The Buzz” on Sunday December 7, 2014, the former “Apoy Sa Dagat” star said that she and Michael Pate are just friends and she hang out with him with her other friends.
“I don’t know pero panget naman na it would come from me. Probably siguro he just has a crush on me. Yeah barkada ito. Barkada namin nila Edwin Tan. So we just hang out as a group,” she said.
Last November, Michael Pate posted a photo of Aiko Melendez with a caption “#truelove” which triggered speculations about their relationship. According to Aiko Melendez, she had no idea why he posted it.
The 28-year-old actress didn’t deny that Michael Pate is vocal about his admiration to her, but she clarified that he is not courting her. She also said that he is too young for her.
“Sinasabi lang niya na humahanga siya sa akin. Hindi naman direcho na humahanga ako parang ‘I admire you’ ‘You look good today,” she said.
Aiko Melendez was previously married to actor Jomari Yllana, whom she had a son with named Aldrei. She also married Martin Jickain in 2006 but their marriage was annulled in 2010.
Meanwhile, Aiko Melendez currently stars in the drama anthology “Give Love On Christmas: The Gift Giver.” The series airs from Monday to Friday, replacing the top-rating show “Be Careful With My Heart.”