Actress Aiko Melendez and actor-host Onemig Bondoc are officially engaged, marking a new chapter in a love story that began nearly three decades ago before the two eventually found their way back to each other after years apart. Bondoc, a former matinee idol and entrepreneur, proposed during an intimate visit to the grave of Melendez’s late father, Jimi Melendez.
The couple made their rekindled relationship public eight months ago, but their story dates back 29 years. During their cemetery visit, Melendez told Bondoc that she wished her father had met him and reflected on how their relationship endured years of separation and second chances.
“Siguro nga ikaw yata ang soulmate ko,” she told him.
Bondoc then got down on one knee, catching Melendez completely off guard.
“Oh my God. Seryoso ba yan? Dito talaga? So ano ito, engaged na ako? I’m going to be soon Mrs. Bondoc. Guys, I’m officially engaged! Sa dami ng nag-aantay, tayo rin pala sa huli,” Melendez said.
The proposal held even greater significance because Bondoc had already sought the blessing of the people closest to Melendez before asking her to marry him. He said he had spoken with her mother, sibling and two children, with her late father being the last person he wanted to honor before popping the question.
“Lahat kinausap ko na, simula sa mommy mo, sa kapatid mo, sa dalawa mong anak, nakausap ko na. Pinakahuli kong kinausap tatay mo, so kaya tayo nandito ngayon,” Bondoc told her. He said he chose the gravesite because Melendez had previously told him her father would have approved of their relationship.
Their engagement marks another milestone in a relationship shaped by years of history, separation and an eventual reunion. Melendez had previously described Bondoc as her travel buddy, best friend and the kind of love she had been waiting for, while the proposal underscored a relationship deeply rooted in family, shared history and commitment.
After 29 years of missed timing and reconnection, Melendez and Bondoc are now preparing for marriage with the people closest to them firmly woven into their story.
