AKB48’s international sister group MNL48 made another out-of-the-country appearance as they officially released and gave a sneak peek of their first ever card game app in Japan during the annual Tokyo Game Show 2019 held at Makuhari Messe, Chiba on September 12 to 15, 2019.

MNL48 Abby, Rans, Coleen, Cess, Brei, Kay, Amy and Dana introduced to the world the official MNL48 card game app “Janken Senbatsu” which was originally based in the classic Jan-Ken-Pon (Rock-Paper-Scissors) game during one of the biggest video game and tech convention around the globe.

The card game app lets players assemble their own MNL48 Janken Senbatsu to battle against other users from all over the world. Additionally, exclusive MNL48 music and videos can also be enjoyed by players within the app.

Visitors also got the chance to play against MNL48 girls in an exciting twice-to-beat game of rock-paper-scissors where winning contenders won exclusive Janken Senbatsu photo cards and other freebies from the group. Event goers also tried their luck in gashapon or toy capsule vending machines that were also available at the MNL48 booth.

For this year, the Tokyo Game Show racked an official visitor count of 262,074 in its four-day run where a total of 2,417 booths were set up, considering it as one of the biggest video game expos across the globe. The event was also joined by 350 game companies from Japan and 305 overseas gaming corporations.

According to MNL48 Brei, the thought of launching their first ever mobile app thrilled her like never before, as if they are immediately following the footsteps of renowned idol group and sister group AKB8 who has already launched couple of gaming apps in the past years.

“Kahit nasa biyahe pa lang sobrang excited na kami. Nag-look forward agad kaming lahat sa mga pwedeng mangyari doon. First time naming magkakaroon ng game app and nacurious ako sa magiging kalalabasan kasi part na rin ‘yun ng ginagawa talaga ng AKB48. Inisip ko kung paano kaya ‘pag ginawa siyang game na downloadable at pwedeng laruin ng fans namin,” Brei exclaimed.

“Sobrang bago rin sa amin yung pagpunta sa Japan kasi may mga first time kaming nakasama, sina Cess, Amy at Dana, kaya sobrang daming nakakatawang moments at mas lalong nakapagpagaan ‘yun sa performance namin. Parang dumaan lang ‘yung mga araw, hindi na nga po namin namalayan na pauwi na kami. At sobrang dami naming natutunan sa anim na araw na ‘yun,” she added.

For MNL48 Cess, who performed on the international stage for the first time, she gave all her best to impress her fans abroad and to represent MNL48 well in one of the largest video game expo in the world.

“Of course, I’m happy because I went to another country and of course, because I’ve been able to perform on an international stage. It’s my first time performing in a foreign country so I practiced and gave everything I could to make them happy and inspired,” Cess said.

MNL48’s Janken Senbatsu card game app is brought by Hallohallo Entertainment Inc. and developed by Diamond Entertainment Inc. Following the success of the launching event, the said game app is set to be released this September in the Apple Store for iOS users and Google Play for Android users.

To know more about MNL48’s upcoming events, follow their official social media accounts and download the MNL48 Fan Club app now to keep you posted.

Website: mnl48.ph

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @MNL48official

YouTube: MNL48 Official

The Philippine idol group is set to perform their very first concert series on three Sundays of October (6, 13, 20) at 7:00 pm, and it will take place at Star Theatre in Pasay City, located adjacent to the Star City amusement park.

MNL48 is internationally recognized as a sister group of AKB48 from Japan. They comprise of 48 members that are grouped into three teams: Team MII, Team NIV, Team L.

After their debut in 2018, MNL48 has 4 singles released to their credit; one is Pag-ibig Fortune Cookie (2018), their award-winning single that received Gold and Platinum awards, and their latest Ikaw Ang Melody (2019). This year, they staged their first major concert last April, and they have already performed internationally at AKB48 Group Asia Festival 2019, both in Bangkok and in Shanghai.

With a program titled “No to Oshihen!”, this team concert aims to highlight each team’s dynamics and showcase each member’s talent and uniqueness. It also will serve as a preparation for the group’s future theater shows, wherein respective teams are set to have exclusive stage performances in their own soon-to-open theater.

“Oshihen” in Japanese idol terms describes the act of changing oshimen (favorite member) from one member to another, which is generally not accepted or heavily discouraged by fans.

Team MII captain Alice shares how they prepare as a team for the concert: “We share ideas on what we’re going to do, we attend our voice and dance lessons, we memorize the songs, and we rehearse religiously as much as possible.” She also says that the fans can expect never- before-seen performances from them.

“We make sure to strengthen unity in everything we do. Everyone is involved in planning, training, rehearsals and more so that we can showcase everyone's ability, not only as an individual but as a whole – as a team,” Team NIV captain Ecka states. She also guarantees that those who will be attending their team’s concert will be bringing home big smiles and happy thoughts.

Meanwhile, Team L captain Kay says they are currently brainstorming on the concert flow and what props to use. She also adds, “Meron po kaming performance na extraordinary and unexpected. Kaya abangan po nila yung Team L concert.”

Tickets for all performances – October 6 (Team MII), 13 (Team NIV), and 20 (Team L) at Star Theatre – started on sale last September 17. They’re now available at www.smtickets.com and at SM Tickets outlets nationwide.

Be sure to visit the official MNL48 social media pages for more information, and check out the official website and app to get the latest updates on their upcoming shows and events.

Website: mnl48.ph

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @mnl48official

YouTube: MNL48

App: MNL48 Fan Club App

Photo courtesy of @LMSproducer_IZY

The Philippines’ idol group, MNL48, treated and enticed fans with energetic and charming first live performance in Japan with their biggest hit music at the launching event of their first international film and the film-adaptation of the hit manga series ‘Seikimatsu Blue’ last September 14, 2019 at Alta Key Studio in Tokyo, Japan.

MNL48 Abby, Coleen, Brei, Kay, Amy, Cess, Dana and Rans set the mood and energy in the studio by opening the event with their captivating 4th single ‘Ikaw Ang Melody’ and as expected, international fans were amazed and can’t contain their excitement as they cheer the girls by chanting MNL48 and AKB48’s fan chant while performing.

Photo Courtesy of KaniBerin of TDDI

Moreover, to elevate the atmosphere and energy of the crowd, MNL48 hyped up the fans with their ‘Aitakatta – Gustong Makita’ followed by ‘Palusot Ko’y Maybe, then ‘So Long’, ‘First Rabbit’ and ended the show performing the original version of AKB48’s famous and bop song ‘Koi Suru Fortune Cookie’ live.

Photo Courtesy of KanaBerin of TDDI

Words weren’t enough as MNL48 Abby expressed her state by being the main cast of the said film, “We are so thankful for your warm welcome, and we are so grateful because we had a chance to perform here in front of you. Also, aside from performing we are here to launch our very first international film ‘Seikimatsu Blue’!”.

Photo Courtesy of @antichi

The feeling was undeniably surreal as MNL48 Kay outburst her euphoric feels, “We are so thankful to all the people who went to our launching event of ‘Seikimatsu Blue’, don’t worry because we prepared lots of performances just for you!” and when she was asked about her experience during the shoot of the film, “yung ibang member di marunong mag- japanese, pag nakikipag-communicate sila sa ibang fans, napaghahalo yung accents ng English at Japanese kaya ang cute nila tignan. Lahat ng cast at staff ang babait kaya ang saya ng experience.” she added.

Photo Courtesy of @MarJ_Yokoyama

Aside from performing and launching their international film ‘Seikimatsu Blue’, MNL48 also announced their official new card game app that will be available for download from the App Store and Google Play this September. Afterwards, MNL48 also gave their fans a chance to interact with them while selling their merchandise.

Photo courtesy of KanaBerin of TDDI

The launching event of ‘Seikimatsu Blue’ was also graced by various talented artists and international idols; Fairytales, 1-Girls, GrecoRexNEO, Amatsusora, Yuasa Michiru, TOMOCA, Tsubasa Hazuki, Ayumichi ito and Junon Super Boy Anothers.

Photo Courtesy of @MarJ_Yokoyama

The film ‘Seikimatsu Blue’ was based from the hit manga series of the same title originally created by well-known Japanese manga artist, Shintaro Hirota. Also, it was scheduled to be exhibited at the International Film Festival, and will be shown in Japan and abroad in early 2020.

Be the first to be updated on MNL48’s first international film ‘Seikimatsu Blue’ and on their jam-packed upcoming events, don’t forget to visit MNL48 official website and follow their official social media accounts, and download the MNL48 Fan Club App for free on App Store and Google Play Store.

Website: mnl48.ph

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @MNL48official

YouTube: MNL48

Mobile App: MNL48 Fan Club App

The stage was set as the spotlight turned on, the music was up and the crowd gone wild.

MNL48 took the stage of ABS-CBN’s noontime show, It’s Showtime, to another level as they performed their charming, feel good music, and bop 4th single ‘Ikaw Ang Melody’ live last September 10, 2019 on It’s Showtime.

The excitement of performing live for the first time as the new Center outburst as MNL48 Aly expressed ,“Nakaka-overwhelm kasi this is my first time sa Showtime na ako ‘yung new Center para i-perform ang 4th single na ‘Ikaw Ang Melody’, and nakaka-tuwa po kasi may nakita kaming mga MNLoves sa studio.”

Dreams do really come true as MNL48 Jamie was enthused about the performance on It’s Showtime, “Nakakatuwa po kasi first time ko po mag-perform sa It’s Showtime stage and ang cheerful po ng mga tao, the whole staff and of course, ‘yung audience po. I remember po dati before ako maging member ng MNL48, nanonood lang po ako sa TV namin ng It’s Showtime sa TV namin and ngayon po nakaka-overwhelm kasi nagpe-perform na po ako sa It’s Showtime stage. Sobrang natutuwa po ako sa opportunity na mag-promote kasi po sobrang dami na nanonood ng It’s Showtime not just locally but internationally din po. I’m very happy today and for our future performances.”

The Philippines’ idol group proved that they were farther than before as they announced on It’s Showtime their upcoming jam-packed events: from ‘Ikaw Ang Melody’ mall tours to the most- anticipated Handshake Event on September 21 and 22, 2019 at Movie Stars Cafe, Centris Mall, first ever MNL48 team concert ‘No To Oshi Hen’ on October 6, 13 and 20, 2019 at Star Theatre plus the biggest Japanese culture festival in the Philippines Coslandia 2019 on November 1, 2 and 3, 2019 at SMX Convention Center SM Aura.

Meanwhile, MNL48 were unstoppable as they also grace the international stages: Their first international film wherein MNL48 Abby will star the comic adaptation of ‘Seikamatsu Blue’, directed by Tetsuya Hashi, that will launch on September 14, 2019 in Tokyo, Japan and last but not the least, MNL48 Abby, Coleen, Brei, Kay, Dana and Cess will grace the annual video game expo in Japan as one of this year’s guests to showcase the idol group’s official card game app “Janken Senbatsu” on September 12-15, 2019 at Makuhari Messe, Chiba.

Watch MNL48’s ‘Ikaw ang Melody’ on It’s Showtime here:

Never miss the latest updates of MNL48 in their Handshake Event, Team Concert ‘No To Oshi Hen, international guesting and ‘Ikaw Ang Melody’ mall tours, don’t forget to download the MNL48 Fan Club App and by visiting their official website and official social social media accounts.

Website: mnl48.ph

MMNL48 Aly, Alice, Ash, Faith, Jan, Gabb and Thea thrilled the crowd at Robinsons Town Mall Malabon by opening the show with coupling song “So Long!” and followed by their latest single “Ikaw Ang Melody” after inviting fans to join and support their shows for the nearing months.

MNL48 Captain Alice said that these exciting events will pave way for the all-girl group to be better and to prove themselves and their talents, especially that they have also been given another chance to grace the international stage.

I really look forward to meet new and bigger audience that we might share our talents and passion with through our music. I also expect that our performance and skills will be honed through showcasing them during events,” Alice expressed.

“I also expect that all the events we will partake in might become the start of doors opening for our country to patronize MNL48 and stan other local idol groups. Hopefully, we will all be successful and the Filipino people can support us not only in our local shows but in the international scene as well,” she added.

MNL48 is also set to fly to Japan for the launch of their card game app “Janken Senbatsu” during the annual video game expo Tokyo Game Show 2019 at Makuhari Messe, Chiba on September 12 to 15 and for the launching event of the upcoming manga film adaptation “Seikimatsu Blue” which stars MNL48’s very own Abby, Coleen, Brei and Kay on September 14 at Shinjuku Alta Key Studio Alta. MNL48 Rans, Cess, Amy and Dana will also be present during the event to join the Seikimatsu Blue’s MNL48 cast members for a live performance together with other Japanese idol groups.

Furthermore, MNL48 will also hold their “Ikaw Ang Melody” Handshake Event at Movie Stars Cafe on September 21 and 22 followed by their first ever team concert titled “No To Oshi Hen!” at Star Theatre, Pasay City on October 6, 13 and 20. On November 1, 2 and 3, MNL48 will also perform live during the Coslandia 2019, the biggest J Culture festival in the Philippines, to be held at SMX Convention Center Aura.

On the other hand, MNL48 Sela, Abby, Sheki, Rans, Grace, Jem and Kyla and newly performed “So Long!” and fourth single “Ikaw Ang Melody” and was joined by MNL48 Kenkyuusei Sam, Trish, Nile, Karla, Gia, Essel and newly promoted MNL48 member Frances in their lively dance-and-song jive to “First Rabbit” and “Pag-Ibig Fortune Cookie” at Vista Mall Tanza, Cavite.

MNL48 Abby expressed her excitement towards the upcoming events in Japan, “Sobrang overwhelmed kasi first time na mailau-launch ang Seikimatsu Blue at sa Tokyo Game Show pa siya magaganap and sobrang excited kami kasi may mga hinanda kaming songs and dances na mafe-feature talaga ang Seikimatsu Blue.”

Meanwhile, MNL48 then Kenkyuusei member Frances also expressed her gratitude for being promoted as an official MNL48 member after MNL48 Ash announced her exit from the group last September 5 which will be followed by her Sayonara event on September 15.

“I am thankful kasi naniwala kayo sa kakayahan ko and hindi ko kayo ididisappoint sa pagiging official MNL48 member ko. Maraming salamat sa inyo,” Frances said.

With all these events lined up in the coming weeks, MNL48 will assure their fans that they will exert their full efforts during rehearsals and take good care of themselves for to give their fans the best performances they deserve.

To know more about the details of MNL48’s upcoming events, download the MNL48 app and tune in to the MNL48 website and official social media pages.

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @mnl48official

Fans have gathered at Movie Stars Café last September 8, 2019 to give their support to and celebrate with September celebrants MNL48 Dani and Dana, whose birthdays are on September 20 and 30, along with MNL48 Yzabel, who turned a year older last September 2.

To officially start the event, the second year Senbatsu members sang their fourth single’s coupling song ‘So Long’ as their opening act. Loud cheers were heard from the crowd when Seitansai celebrants entered the stage to give the audience their exclusive performance together, singing their own version of the famous ‘Bagsakan’ by Parokya ni Edgar featuring Francis M and Gloc-9. After their breathtaking rapping, the surprise VTR greetings from their families were shown on screen that gave them mixed emotions.

The fans were all smiles as Dani, the first performer, enthralled them with her voice as she sang ‘Move’ by the Little Mix and danced to Jennie’s ‘Solo’ and Rihanna’s ‘B**** Better Have My Money’.

She later on expressed that she felt happy after her performance. Dani also wanted to thank everyone who came to the event, especially her own fans. “Thank you po lalo na sa fandom ko kasi sila po talaga yung nag-effort para maging succesful po itong event.” Being fond of knock-knock jokes herself, she made the crowd laugh with her corny albeit punny jokes.

Cosplayer and cat lover Yzabel captivated the audience when she went on stage in her all-pink outfit and big fluffy cat ears. As the fans fell in love with her mash-up of ‘Nobela’ by Join The Club and ‘Hanggang Kailan’ by Oranges and Lemons, she also gave them an exceptional sing-and-dance performance of Ariana Grande’s ‘Boyfriend’ and ‘7 Rings’.

Not only that, she also had an instructional demonstration on stage of how to make a Nigiri, a type of sushi. She then gave away a few of the nigiri that she prepared herself to the fans who were overly excited as they try to get a taste of the famous Japanese food.

“I'm happy na they're there, lalo na yung fans po, they made the event possible,” MNL48 Yzabel said, “Thank you so much for the time you spent today and thank you so much for the love. We love you so much and we tried to give back as much as we can.”

Dana, the last of the three to perform solo, wowed the audience with her exceptional skills in drums as she played the instrument along with the song ‘Alapaap’ by Eraserheads. Fans also enjoyed her dance performance with other group members of remixed hit songs through the years. The crowd erupted into joyous screams as Dana had a duet with fellow MNL48 member Jem to the romantic song of Moira dela Torre and Jason Marvin’s ‘Ikaw at Ako’.

She concluded her performance by dancing to ‘Trouble Maker’ and ‘River’ by Bishop Briggs. Dana was happy she was able to give her best in her performances despite not having enough practice before the event. She would also like to thank the fans who made it to this month’s Seitansai. “Akala ko po wala pong pupunta since maraming pong events na darating this September, kaya sobrang happy ko po kasi naka-attend pa rin po sila ng Seitansai and nakapag-cheki po kami kanina.”

The Under Girls performed ‘Gingham Check’, a coupling song from MNL48’s fourth single ‘Ikaw Ang Melody’, which was performed by the Senbatsu members after. They later on joined the September celebrants on stage as the three received their cakes, made a wish and blew the candles, and gave their final messages. This event truly serves as a memorable and special day for the girls as it was a success after all.

To get the latest updates on their next Seitansai in October, don't forget to download the MNL48 Fan Club App and visit the official website, and follow their official social media pages for more information on their future shows and events, such as the two-day Handshake event happening on September 21 and 22, 2019.

Website: mnl48.ph

Facebook, Instagram, Twitter: @mnl48official

After the success of their international stints for this year’s AKB48 Group Asia Festival in Bangkok and Shanghai, Philippines very own idol group is at it again as they will perform live at the Seikimatsu Blue launching event on September 14, 2019 at Shinjuku Alta Key Studio Alta in Tokyo, Japan.

The upcoming preview launching is a celebration of the completion of the film, directed by Tetsuya Hashi, which will be graced by the cast members including MNL48 members Abby, Coleen, Brei and Kay plus mini live performances from MNL48 and other popular Japanese idol groups.

Joining Abby, Coleen, Brei and Kay for the group’s live performances are their fellow MNL48 members Rans, Cess, Amy and Dana.

As the main cast of her first international movie, MNL48 Abby is beyond excited for the film’s launch event in Japan and shares her hopes for this dream project. “It’s really overwhelming na finally malalaunch na yung hardwork ng mga members na part ng movie, prod team and of course our management and coaches na sobra-sobrang nagtulong tulong para sa first ever movie ng MNL48.”

“I’m looking foward na mag unite ang supporters ng MNL48 in the Philippines and of course sa Japan para mas makilala ang Seikimatsu Blue. Especially this is the first time na may mag-act na Flipina para sa isang Japanese film adaption.” Abby added.

Shinjuku Alta courtesy of Flickr

Sharing their preparations for the launch event and her excitement to perform once again overseas, cast member MNL48 Coleen is also looking forward for the international moviegoers and manga fans to see the live-adaption of Seikimatsu Blue. “Sobrang na excite po ako na makakapag perform ulit ako out of the country and sa launch event pa ng very first movie namin as MNL48 member pero at the same time po kinabahan din lalo na nung nalaman ko na marami kaming ipeperform kaya nagprepare po talaga kami sa non-stop rehearsals. Nakadagdag din po ng lakas ng loob yung pag sama samin ng ibang MNL48 members kaya mas naging exciting po para sakin.”

“Nilolook forward ko po sa event na ito is sana makilala pa po yung MNL48 abroad and of course locally lalo na ibang lahi yung mga makakanuod samin magandang opportunity po ito samin to showcase what we can do” Coleen continued.

As for MNL48 Amy who will join the members for her first international performance, she admits that she is both nervous and excited. “Super nakakakaba and nakaka excite. Hindi nalang po namin iniisip yung kaba kasi sure naman po na pag andun na kami sobrang mageenjoy kami.”

Alta Theater courtesy of HMV&BOOKS online

Meanwhile, the event will also feature performances from idol groups including Fairytales, 1- Girls, Amatsusora, Graco Rex NEO, Michiru Yuasa, Tsubasa Hazuki and Ayumichi Ito. Idol group schedule and ticket prices are as follow: