After nearly two years of silence, celebrity best friends Aiko Melendez and Candy Pangilinan have finally patched things up, proving that real friendships can weather even the toughest storms.
In a heartfelt episode on Aiko’s YouTube vlog, the two actresses reunited for an honest and emotional conversation, opening up about the misunderstandings that caused a rift in their decades-long friendship. While neither recalled the exact details of their falling-out, they both admitted that outside influence may have fueled the conflict.
“Ang tagal kong inisip, in-analyze. May naisip akong tao, hanggang ngayon hindi ko kinakausap kasi feeling ko siya ang naging dahilan,” Candy shared, referring to someone she believes may have twisted the story that led to their rift.
Aiko, on the other hand, admitted that she chose not to confront Candy back then, fearing it might only worsen the situation. “Sorry na hindi kita kinausap kaagad, kasi kilala ko ang sarili ko, bes. Ayoko na makasabi ng mga bagay na hindi mo na pwedeng bawiin,” she explained, tearing up as she recalled their time apart.
Both actresses got candid about their hurt feelings. Candy admitted she was deeply hurt that Aiko believed someone else over her: “Ang mas kinasama ng loob ko noon, ‘yung naniwala ka sa kanila kaysa sa akin. Doon sumama ang loob ko.”
Aiko responded with vulnerability, saying she blocked Candy on Instagram during their fallout but never stopped caring. “Aaminin ko ito first time, nami-miss kita. So, ia-unblock kita… Sabi ko, ‘Ay, buti naman maayos ang buhay niya,’” she said, adding that she often checked on Candy’s life through social media.
Their friendship, which started back in their University of the Philippines Diliman days, has endured years of personal and professional ups and downs. They are part of a tight-knit circle that includes Carmina Villarroel and sisters Janice and Gelli de Belen.
The two also addressed past issues involving Candy’s film ‘Roadtrip’, which starred Carmina and the de Belen sisters but did not include Aiko. Aiko shared that she initially felt hurt by the exclusion but remained supportive of Candy’s success. “Ako ‘yung happiest para sa best friend ko kasi natupad niya ang pangarap niya na magsulat ng script,” she said.
Candy promised Aiko that they would collaborate again in the future: “Huwag kang mag-alala, susulat ako ulit. Dito sigurado kasama ka.”
Their reconciliation ended on a touching note, with Aiko saying: “Siguro itong hindi natin napagkaintindihan is just one for the books. It will make our friendship stronger. And always remember, bes, hindi na ako mawawala. Every step of the way, nandito na ako.”
