Age gap, domestic issues, and fleeting romance take their toll on Aiko's second marriage

Entertainment columnist Ricky Lo believes that the eight-year age gap between actress-turned-politician Aiko Melendez and model Martin Jickain took its toll on the marriage resulting in its eventual collapse. But he also stressed that there are definitely other meatier factors that ruined the union.

"Bukod dun sa age gap, eight years ang tanda ni Aiko kay Martin, bukod diyan marami pang complications. One of the problems is, ayaw ng Mama ni Martin si Aiko. Medyo ayaw din nung una ng Mama ni Aiko kay Martin. Palagay ko din si Martin, hindi pa masyadong sawa sa pagbi-binata," said Ricky in an interview with Showbiz Central aired yesterday, September 16.

The Philippine Star columnist was one of the ninongs during Aiko and Martin's wedding held last February 16, 2006, at the Fernwoods Garden in Quezon City.

Ricky refused to pass judgment against Martin, particularly on the accusation that the young model is capable of being physically abusive, though Ricky doesn't discount the possibility either.

"Kasi ang pagkaalam ko kay Martin, mukhang peaceful naman siya. Hindi naman siya 'yong type na manggugulo or mangha-harass, pero baka may mga dahilan na hindi natin alam," he added.

Aiko and Martin's separation was made known to the public last week (September 13) through her friend and publicist Ogie Diaz, who announced the news in his radio program Wow... Ang Showbiz! heard on dzXL.

Since then, various speculations sprouted on the possible reasons Aiko gave up on her second marriage. There were rumors accusing Martin of infidelity, physical abuse, and wasting Aiko's money through failed ventures.

At press time, Martin asked the media to respect his privacy. Aiko has yet to issue any statement regarding the issue.

FLEETING PASSION. Aiko's manager, Wyngard Tracy, was also saddened by this recent event involving his talent.

"Nalungkot ako siyempre... Unang-una, ninong ako sa kasal nila. It's sad kasi ba't ganun ang nangyari," he confided, also with Showbiz Central.

Knowing Aiko best, Wyngard said that he wasn't really surprised when the actress decided to immediately get married at the height of her romance with Martin.

"Si Aiko, minsan ano kasi siya, madaling umibig," he said bluntly.

He also recalled talking to Aiko several weeks before the wedding date to check on the bride and her decision. Somehow, Tracy was a bit wary then.

"Ang sinabi ko lang ‘Are you sure na talagang alam n'yo 'yong pinapasok n'yo? Do you really love each other? 'Yong tunay na motive bakit kayo mag-aasawa sa isa't isa?' Kasi madalas, 'yong mga whirlwind, biglaan physical attraction tapos pag nagkakilala na ng tunay na ugali, 'ayan na."

More than just being a manager, Wyngard's ninong instincts surfaced when solicited for some advice.

"Sana magkaroon pa ng time na ma-solve kung anuman 'yon [problema]. Ngayon kung hindi na sana, maging magkaibigan pa din sila alang-alang na lang kay Marthena [Aiko and Martin's one-year-old daughter]."

Source: PEP
By: Michael Ancheta
Dated: September 17, 2007