Aiko Melendez ‘inspired’ to act after recent int’l film fest win

MANILA, Philippines- Aiko Melendez feels more inspired to act after her recent win as best actress at the 7th International Filmmaker Festival of World Cinema in London for the film “Asintado.”

“Sobra akong inspired sa pagtrabaho,” she said during the press conference of “Inday Bote” on Tuesday.  “‘Yon ‘yong magpapatunay na mahal pa rin pala ako ng tadhana ng industriya. Kasi kahit papaano hindi lang dito sa Pilipinas napansin ‘yong pag-arte ko, maski sa London Film Festival.”

Aiko bested 12 actresses, who she said have already won or nominated several times at the said film festival.

The Kapamilya actress said her recent award is not the reason why she’s “meticulous” in choosing the roles she portrays. It started when she won best actress in 1994 at Film Academy of the Philippines awards for the “Maalala-ala Mo Kaya: The Movie.”

“Gagawin ko na talaga ‘yong gusto kong gawin kaysa ‘yong gagawin mo lang just for the heck na makitang nakabalik ka sa show business,” she explained. “Ngayon mas dekalidad ang gagawin kong pelikula and hopefully sa mga TV shows, na inumpisahan na nga ng Inday Bote.”

Aiko would also like to set aside her political plans since there are a number of projects lined up for her this year, she said.

“I’m the type when I do something I put my soul and heart in to it, I give my hundred percent time. Baka this year hindi ko mabigay ‘yon kaya mag-focus muna ako sa acting,” she said.

As for her love life, the actress just laughed and said, “sabi nila, kapag suwerte ka sa work, kapag suwerte ka sa ibang aspeto, wala kang love life.”