In the late '80s, the same movie outfit, launched her together with Ruffa Gutierrez and Carmina Villarroel as teen actresses.
From the late '80s through '90s, she became a blockbuster leading lady to big actors such as Richard Gomez, Jomari Yllana and Aga Muhlach.
Dubbed as the Ultimate Star by the media,[2] Melendez is a recipient of countless accolades and recognitions locally and globally.
Melendez was discovered in the late 1980s and signed a contract with Regal Films, becoming one of their 'Regal Babies'.
[6][7] She ran for vice mayor of Quezon City in 2010 as the running mate of Mike Defensor, but lost to Joy Belmonte.
In 2019, Melendez returned to GMA Network to play a role in Prima Donnas.
Melendez is currently dating Zambales's 1st district representative Jefferson "Jay" Khonghun.