Hallohallo Entertainment Inc. (HHE) would like to formally announce the promotion of Frances from Kenkyuusei to being an official member of MNL48 second year. She will be part of the Next Girls and will also be joining Team L correspondingly.

MNL48 members and the management are both delighted to have Frances, and we are all looking forward to the group's upcoming events. We want to extend our gratitude to everyone, especially the fans, who has always been there to support the girls.

HHE

Hallohallo Entertainment Inc. (HHE) is truly saddened to announce that Ash will officially leave MNL48 due to personal reasons after sharing an incredible run with the rest of the group.

The 21-year-old idol member has spoken out that she will part with MNL48. With this in mind, Ash wants to leave a message to both her fellow members and fans:

“Hello everyone, this may be the end of my MNL48 journey, but this is only the start of my journey through life with all of you. I am thankful for all the experiences I gained throughout a year and a half together. It will be the memories I will treasure forever.

“I would like to thank everyone at HHE and AKS for taking the chance and for believing in what the girls can offer. Thank you for making MNL48 a reality, and for the opportunity for us to grow.

“To the members, keep on keeping on. Show your best smiles, and always stay strong for each other. To the fans, thank you for all your support. Please continue to send love to the girls and to each other.”

From all that constitute HHE, we are very grateful for her dedication, time and talent that she has contributed and showcased locally and internationally. We wish her the best of luck to her future endeavors.

Bearing this, HHE and MNL48 members will continue to move on for the best of our journey. We would like to thank everyone who continuously supports the group; with that, we are excited for more events and opportunities that await MNL48.

HHE

From their humble beginnings, MNL48 has been continuously becoming bigger inside and outside of the country. With their successes in this year's AKB48 Group Asia Festival — both in Bangkok and recently in Shanghai —they're getting more spotlight and are now flourished with more events to showcase who MNL48 really is. From being students themselves, they are now being the source of inspiration to fellow students such as those from STI College Caloocan where they held a campus tour for its 36th anniversary last August 28, 2019.

Kenkyuusei members Frances, Karla, Trish, Nile, Sam, and Gia, had mixed emotions as this was their first time to go on a campus tour. Nervousness struck the girls before their performance because of the new environment and larger crowd, but afterwards were filled with overwhelming joy. The girls were happy to say "Magaan lang po mag-perform, mas ginanahan [kami] kasi parang ano rin naman namin, kapwa estudyante." The students watched with admiration as the Kenkyuusei performed 'First Rabbit' and their famous upbeat single, 'Pag-ibig Fortune Cookie'.

Loud screams emitted from the hyped-up audience when Senbatsu members Aly, Jamie, Alice, Ash, Faith, Jan, Gabb, and Thea, stepped into the stage with smiles on their faces. Their 'So Long' performance captured the hearts of the crowd while their fourth single 'Ikaw Ang Melody' had the students dancing and jumping around with glee.

It is certain that MNL48 leaves a great impact to the youth. Ronan, a fan of the idol group, said that "Ang MNL48 sa buhay ko is more or less inspiration to keep on doing what I do best. To be inspired sa mga ginagawa ko araw-araw... I mean, they're idols. One of their main purposes is to inspire."

A student of STI Caloocan and a dedicated MNLove, Ethan, also expressed that MNL48 is "source of enjoyment ko and distraction from daily life. I've worked harder in my life since naging fan ako and naging thankful ako sa kanila."

"There are moments kasi na hindi naman perfect yung day, then there will be struggles. Like I find it inspirational na despite the rough patch na nangyari, I still get through it naman pa rin," said Mark, a fan who finds inspiration by listening to the songs.

For the girls, besides hearing the cheers of their audience, seeing that a lot of people actually recognized MNL48 delighted them and boosted their confidence in performing.

MNL48 Center Girl Aly stated, "Nandoon po yung determination [namin] na maka-inspire ng ibang tao, even though we're still students we are reaching our dreams and that is to perform, [and] to be a good role model."

"It really really is a great privilege to be able to inspire," added MNL48 Gabb, "Gusto po namin mainspire sila na to reach their dreams lalo na sa mga gusto nilang ginagawa; gusto po talaga namin to be an inspiration to everyone." With that, she wanted to leave a message not just to the fans but to the students as well:

"Everything happens for a reason. Kapag may bumato sayo ng bato, matatamaan ka. Okay lang na mataaman ka as long as you get back up tsaka just do what you have to do and never give up. Pray to God, and also kapit lang sa mga close friends and family to [be] able to get positive energy."

This event showed that the hardwork of MNL48 truly pays off; especially when the young idols felt welcomed and loved by the school. They’d been given a Plaque of Appreciation from STI College Caloocan, as well as individual Certificates of Appreciation for each one of the girls. It has been an overall great experience for them and they are looking forward to meeting more fans at their upcoming Seitansai Event happening on September 8 and their Handshake Event on September 21 and 22, both to be held at the Movie Stars Cafe.

Download the official app of MNL48 and be updated with their latest happenings and future shows, as well as visiting their website and following their official social media pages.

Website: mnl48.ph

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @MNL48official

YouTube: MNL48

Mobile App: MNL48 Fan Club App

Aside from the hype that MNL48 got during the AKB48 Group Asia Festival 2019 recently held in Shanghai, the all-girl idol group expressed their gratitude for the support they continuously receive from their fans as they performed full of energy at the Vista Mall Dasmariñas Mall Tour last August 25, 2019 to promote their fourth single ‘Ikaw Ang Melody’.

The event center was filled with booming chants and cheers of the fans as they watched their idols enter the stage and perform. Kenkyuusei members Frances, Karla, Gia, Trish, Nile, and Sam, were greeted by a lively audience as they start with the song ‘First Rabbit’, followed by their catchy platinum-award hit single ‘Pag-ibig Fortune Cookie’ with their energetic choreography that makes the crowd dance along.

Later on, the avid fans of MNL48 shouted their cries of excitement as Senbatsu members Faith, Rowee, Jamie, Alice, Ash, Jem, and Thea, graced the stage with their ‘So Long’ performance. Not long after that, the girls gifted the crowd with their ever-lovely a cappella version of their latest single, before continuing to entertain the fans with their most anticipated ‘Ikaw Ang Melody’.

The heartwarming support and devotion of MNLoves is what motivates the MNL48 girls to keep on going, continuously improve, and remain enthusiastic during mall tours. For them, MNLoves are their energy boosters - the fuel who inspires them to continue giving their best in every performance.

MNL48 Jamie, Ash, and Alice showed their untiring energy and interest despite touring the whole weekend as the three of them went to another mall show the day before. “Sa tingin po ng iba ito po yung pinakanakakapagod na part ng pagiging idol pero for me it isn’t, it’s actually my stress reliever. I have something to look forward to at the end of the week, and sobrang saya ko po na makita ang MNLoves,” MNL48 Jamie said.

However tiring it was for MNL48 Ash when she was still in university, she’s happy and thankful she can finally give her entire weekend to the fans. “Di po siya nakakapagod dahil na-e-enjoy ko lang po ginagawa ko,” she stated.

MNL48 Team Captain Alice also wanted to tell the fans she's glad to be spending her weekend with them saying, “Despite my busy schedule, super happy po ako na makapagperform po ako sa kanila, ito po talaga yung gusto ko aside from studying.” It is without a doubt that the relationship between them and the fans is unfaltering.

As another way of thanking and giving back to the fans, MNL48 members are also looking forward to meeting their beloved MNLoves at the upcoming 4th Single Handshake Event happening on September 21 and 22 at the Movie Stars Café.

Meanwhile, following the success of AKB48 Group Asia Festival in Shanghai were MNL48 members Sela, Abby, Sheki, Rans, Coleen, Brei, Kay and Belle gave outstanding performances together with six of their overseas sister groups last August 24 at National Convention Center in Shanghai, China, MNL48 has recently announced through their Facebook page the launch of the international 48-Group web portal “48Circle”. Fans of AKB48 groups from around the world will get all the latest information, news, live reports, interviews and exclusive contents in multi-languages by signing up at www.48circle.com for free.

For MNL48 updates, be sure to visit the group’s official website, download the MNL48 Fan Club App for free on App Store and Google Play Store, and follow their official social media accounts.

Website: mnl48.ph

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @MNL48official

YouTube: MNL48

Mobile App: MNL48 Fan Club App

Fans were all out support for our very own Philippines’ pride – MNL48 – in their international and local stages as they participated in the AKB48 Group Asia Festival 2019 at Shanghai, China and 4th single ‘Ikaw Ang Melody’ mall tour at Lucky China Town, Manila simultaneously on August 24, 2019.

In Lucky China Town, Kenkyuusei members – Frances, Essel, Karla, Jean, Trish, Nile, Sam and Gia - were amazed by the sea of crowd as they opened the show performing their own version of ‘First Rabbit’ and ‘Pag-ibig Fortune Cookie. Hence, MNL48 Gia, enthused that “Sobrang happy and nakaka-overwhelmed ‘yung feeling kasi di naman ine-expect na ganto kadami ‘yung tao, and pantay pantay ‘yung support nila kahit may sarili po silang oshi, they never made us felt na hindi po isa sa amin napapansin”.

Meanwhile, the crowd went wild, shouting to the top of their lungs and supporting their respective oshis as MNL48 – Aly, Jamie, Alice, Ash, Kyla, Jan, Gabb and Grace - made their appearance and slain the performances of ‘So Long’ and ‘Ikaw Ang Melody’. Thus, MNL48 were over the moon because of the overwhelming presence of MNLoves in spite of the fact that AKB48’s event is also happening. Additionally, MNL48 Alice expressed her gratitude to fans “Despite of the heavy rain, we are glad to see them all sa pag-support dito sa Lucky China Town and sobrang dami ng tao kasi halo-halo ‘yung audience, mayroong gamers, MNLoves and fans of cosplayers. We feel blessed”.

Fans were also appreciative of MNL48 for not being complacent and still exerting their best efforts in every mall tours and mini-events, “Kahit buma-bagyo, sige pa rin kami kasi aside from our oshis being there, worthy ‘yung pag-punta dahil makikita ang efforts ng girls. Sila ‘yung dahilan ng kasiyahan naming, said by avid fans, MNLoves Naj.

Moreover, MNL48 will be having its jump-packed and exciting events – the successes and surprises of MNL48 for AKB48 Group Asia Festival were unending as they released the MNL48’s Limited Edition Shanghai Senbatsu Photo cards on sale, so hurry and order online because it will be just for limited time only up until August 31. Also, the most anticipated Handshake event for the 4th single ‘Ikaw Ang Melody’ will be on September 21 and 22 2019. Lastly, ‘Ikaw Ang Melody’ Mall tour will be at STI Caloocan this August 28 and in more malls near you this September.

Never miss the latest happenings and updates in MNL48 including the announcements of the upcoming ‘Ikaw Ang Melody’ mall tours, September Seitansai Event, tv and radio guestings and more by following the official website and social media accounts, also download the MNL48 Fan Club App available on Apple Store and Google Play for free.

Website: Mnl48.ph

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @Mnl48official

YouTube: MNL48

Mobile Application: MNL48 Fan Club App

MNL48 together with six overseas AKB48 sister groups dominated the international stage during this year’s second AKB48 Group Asia Festival held last August 24 at National Convention Center in Shanghai, China.

MNL48 Sela, Abby, Sheki, Rans, Coleen, Brei, Kay and Belle represented the Philippine-based idol group in the Asia Festival 2019 as they gave a world-class performance of their hit tracks “Bingo!” and newly released fourth single “Ikaw Ang Melody” during the joint concert, grabbing the attention even the fans abroad.

During the mini concert in the first half of Asia Festival, MNL48 proved that their singing prowess is also for the world to hear as they sang the acapella version of “365 Araw ng Eroplanong Papel” and Cyndi Lauper’s “Time After Time”, boosting #MNL48x48gAsiaFestival2019 to the second top spot on Twitter Philippine trends.

Sheki and Abby joined the WRD Senbatsu members in their special performance of “River”, “Kiseki wa maniawanai” and “Confession” during the main concert. Both MNL48 girls also jived with Coleen and Rans during “Nantesutekina Sekaini Umaretanodarou” while Brei, Sela, Belle and Kay sang and danced “Honesutoman”.

MNL48 also had special appearances when all of AKB48 Groups performed “365 nichi no Kamihikouki”, “Ponytail to Syusyu”, “Yuuhi wo Miteiruka?”. The girls also joined their other sister groups in concluding the event with “AKB48 Festival”, “Koisuru Fortune Cookie”, and “Kimi Niji to Taiyou to”.

Before flying to Shanghai, Sheki’s heart felt like fluttering as this is her second time to set foot on an international stage to flaunt how the group prepared and united to come up with their performances.

“Kinilig ako nung nalaman kong may Asia Fest ulit tapos ibang bansa naman, parang another great opportunity ‘to na makapagperform ulit kami sa international stage. Naeexcite din po kami nang sobra sa kung anong mangyayari do’n, ‘yung mga memories na magagawa naming hindi lang sa’min kundi ‘yung interaction na mabubuo rin namin with our sister groups,” Sheki expressed.

“Ineexpect ko na siyempre nandoon pa rin ‘yung cooperation, unity then syempre presence of mind sa lahat ng pinractice namin at syempre, sana kahat ng natutunan namin dito sa trainings ay mas mai-apply better sa China. Mag-shine talaga ang MNL48,” she added.

For Belle, her first performance before an international audience will be remarkable as this is her big chance to give everything she has.

“Aside from mapapakita namin ‘yung hindi pa nakikita ng fans, specially sa international fans, I’m very excited na i-share kung ano ‘yung meron ako at kung ano ‘yung natutunan ko sa MNL48. Super proud din ako na malalabas ko ‘yung talents ko hindi lang sa Pilipinas pero sa ibang bansa rin. Excited din ako kasi makikita nila ‘yung iba’t ibang versions ng MNL48,” Belle said.

Abby, who had represented MNL48 during the AKB48 Group Asia Festival Press Conference last July in Shanghai, was looking forward to perform with the rest of the girls and introduce Kay and Belle to other sister groups as they will have their first appearance in the Asia Fest.

“It’s a little overwhelming kasi finally hindi lang ako ‘yung makakameet ng ibang mga sister groups kundi pati ‘yung ibang members, especially sila Kay at Belle na first time mainclude sa Asia Festival. Nakikita ko naman na super excited sila and the other sister groups kasi pinaguusapan nila na excited silang makita ‘yung mga members ng MNL48 na first time magiging parte ng Asia Fest,” Abby shared.

The AKB48 Group Asia Festival began with a fan meeting which included a mini concert consisting of special and never-before-seen performances from AKB48 (Akihabara), JKT48 (Jakarta), BNK48 (Bangkok), MNL48 (Manila), AKB48 Team SH (Shanghai), AKB48 Team TP (Taipei) and SGO48 (Ho Chi Minh).

Also included in the first part was a high-five event that followed AKB48 Group’s original concept of “idols you can meet” where fans were given the chance to meet their idols up close. The fans also enjoyed themselves with booths and fun games.

During the mini live concert, AKB48 Team SH Xhou Nian Qi was also celebrating her birthday on the same day of the event and was surprised with a birthday cake and greetings from the sister groups and fans.

The second part of the event was the much awaited dream joint concert where a strong number of 10,000 people filled the venue with cheers as 64 AKB48 Group members opened the show with “AKB48 Sanjyou”, “Aitakatta” and “Only Today”. After 26 songs, the all-girl squads capped off the show with the iconic “Koisuru Fortune Cookie”.

AKB48 Group Asia Festival 2019 Set List

“The first part is where each group showed performances that are full of individuality, while the second part was a collaboration that can only be seen here, with WRD Senbatsu being the highlights. We really enjoyed it, and I’d like to do my best in every place where I can have concerts with my friends from all over the world,” said AKB48 Group Director Mion Mukaichi.

“I’m glad to be on the same stage with the international sister groups and I hope more opportunities like this will come in the future,” AKB48 Team SH Mao Weijia said in Shanghai.

Following the success of the previous and the recently concluded Asia Festival in Bangkok and Shanghai respectively, the fans and the girls are craving to see which country would their potentials and talents bring them next.

Be updated with the latest happenings about Asia Festival and MNL48, follow the group’s official social media accounts.

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @mnl48official

Website: www.mnl48.ph

MNL48 wowed their fans in another remarkable and charming 4th single ‘Ikaw Ang Melody’ mall tour and shared their preparations to divert their nervousness and excitement before the show on August 17, 2019 in Riverbanks, Marikina City.

The show was on spot as MNL48 members Aly, Jamie, Alice, Ash, Kyla, Grace, Rowee and Jem teamed up with Kenkyuusei members Frances, Essel, Karla, Jean, Trish, Nile, Sam, Gia and Mela, who opened the 4th mall show for ‘Ikaw Ang Melody’ promotional tour with the performance of their version of ‘First Rabbit’. Also, this is the 3rd time that Kenkyuusei joined MNL48's mall tour for the promotion of the group's latest single and for them, every performances felt like it's the first time as the crowd gets bigger and louder each tour.

When asked on what are their preparations in their mall tours, Kenkyuusei member, MNL48 Gia, said “we have to wake up 6am in the morning everyday to practice our singing and dancing skills plus ‘yung walks namin as pioneer models dahil naging part kami ng Tokyo Girls Collection.” Additionally, she’s still on her game in spite of having her studies and trainings simultaneously – soon we’ll be witnessing her variety of walks and impeccable stage presence in terms of model ramps and catwalks.

Meanwhile, MNL48 Senbatsu were unstoppable as they outburst cuteness in their performance of ‘So Long’ and ‘Ikaw Ang Melody’. Indeed, the fever was undeniably reached not only the fans but the all the people with their catchy music single.

These performances wouldn’t be this amazing without the preparations of each members and MNL48 center, Aly, revealed that they are having Mobile Legends Tournament and playing PUBG before mall tours as their strategy of diversion to get rid of the feeling of nervousness and excitement in order for them to have an energetic performance and savage the stage. She also added, “ito po ‘yung way para ma-transfer naming ‘yung energy naming sa stage.”. They really know how to achieve ‘VICTORY’ in both ways – MNL48 was a certified gamer on their own game in stage.

Furthermore, MNL48 were jam-packed with mall tours, concerts, TV and radio guestings for their 4th single promotion – Philippines’ idol group will also be gracing the international and local stage starting off with the their 2nd appearance in AKB48 Asia’s Festival as performers on August 24, 2019 in Shanghai, China. Also, they will also be performing in the biggest and mostawaited J-pop culture festival in the Philippines, COSLANDIA 2019 happening this November 1, 2, and 3 at SMX Convention Center in SM Aura, Taguig City.

Be the first to be updated with the latest happenings of MNL48 including the announcement of the most-anticipated 4th single Handshake event to be announced soon by following their official social media accounts and website, and download the MNL48 Fan Club App available on Apple Store and Google Play for free.

Website: Mnl48.ph

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @Mnl48official

YouTube: MNL48

Mobile Application: MNL48 Fan Club App

Philippine’s J-pop Idol, MNL48, invaded the crowds of Cavite and Valenzuela by continuously promoting their compelling and bop 4th single ‘Ikaw Ang Melody’ at Vista Mall Daang Hari and SM Valenzuela on August 9 and 11 of 2019.

Indeed, the storm never bothered them as MNL48 kicked off the first ever live performance of the Kenkyuusei (KKS). Moreover, Kenkyuusei started their journey in Vista Mall Daang Hari performing their own version of ‘First Rabbit’ and will be intensifying the future with more surprises as MNL48 Frances enthused that ”this upcoming launch po, marami silang aabangan specially in runways, catwalks and marami pang iba na sobrang interesting para lang sa MNLoves”.

MNL48 senbatsu conquered the heavy storm that never hindered them showing off their love for MNLoves as they perform the going epidemic ‘Ikaw ang Melody’ and ‘So Long’ in Vista Mall Daang Hari and SM Valenzuela.

MNL48 Aly was overwhelmed with the support and love of MNLoves despite of the calamity as she stated that “We’re very much thankful kasi pumunta sila kahit may bagyo, umuulan sa labas and of course sa mga malalayong MNLoves na pumunta dito, sobrang na-appreciate naming ‘yon and sana mag-ingat sila and no to puyat!”

The unquestionable support of MNLoves was again proven as they surpassed the expected audience because of the heavy rain “Worth it ‘yung pag-punta dahil nakita ko sila, kahit may bagyo masaya kami na makita silang nagpe-perform” said by an avid fan, Glen Paul B. Poblete.

Surprises are unending as they announced that they will be performing in the upcoming COSLANDIA 2019 on November 1, 2 and 3 at SMX Convention Center SM Aura, Taguig City. Also, they will be internationally gracing the stage of AKB48 Group Asia Festival 2019 on August 24 in Shanghai, China.

But wait, there’s more! MNL48 ‘Ikaw Ang Melody’ invaded the Myx Chart and for them to be on top, MNL48 Jamie, invited the fans to keep on voting every single day and let everyone enjoy the charm and beauty of the music.

MNL48 enticed the crowd by announcing that in the following mall tours they will be selling the most-awaited 4th single CD album with an invitation for the upcoming Handshake Event and more surprises to MNLoves.

Don’t forget to download and stream their newest single available on their official YouTube Channel and be the first to be updated by following MNL48’s official social media accounts and website, and download the MNL48 Fan Club App available on Apple Store and Google Play for free.

Website: Mnl48.ph

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @Mnl48official

YouTube: MNL48

Mobile Application: MNL48 Fan Club App

MNL48 Ash, Gabb, Yssa, Cole, Lei, Shaira and Shaina astonished their fans, friends and family with neverbefore-seen performances as they celebrated their birthdays during the August Seitansai event at Movie Stars Café last August 10, 2019.

As they become another year older this month – Ash and Gabb on August 31, Yssa on August 30, Cole on August 27, Lei last August 9 and twins Shaira and Shaina on August 12 – the girls delighted the crowd with their breathtaking performance of Ariana Grande’s “One Last Time” after second year Senbatsu opened the show with their fourth single coupling song ‘So Long!’.

The stars of the event charmed the audience with exclusive solo performances. Cole opened their mini concert as she performed the hit High School Musical song “When There Was Me and You”, Sarah Geronimo’s “Tala”, Taylor Swift’s “Long Live” and an acoustic of “Two Voices One Song” from a Barbie movie with MNL48 Andi. Lei unleashed her powerful vocals by singing KZ Tandingan’s version of “Rolling in the Deep”, Jung Kook’s English rendition of “Euphoria” and had a little contest with MNL48 Sheki, Abby, Alice, Ecka and Belle on who can sing Beyonce’s “Love on Top” the highest.

MNL48 twins Shaina and Shaira shared the spotlight for the first time as they performed “True Colors” live on ukulele, “Speechless” from the live-action Aladdin movie, TWICE’s “Fancy” and “What is Love” followed by an explosive dance number of “Awadama Fever” and “Gimmie Chocolate” with MNL48 Ash.

“Sobrang nakakatouch po kasi ang daming pumunta po ngayon kahit first time po namin sa Seitansai at feeling ko naman po nagustuhan ng mga fans ‘yung mga performances namin. Siyempre pinaghandaan din namin ni Shaina ‘yun kahit medyo alanganin sa oras ‘yung pagpapractice pero siyempre, gusto rin naming makita ng mga fans na ginagawa namin ‘yung best naming para matuwa at mag-enjoy sila,” Shaira said.

“’Yung favorite part ko po dun sa performance na ginawa namin siyempre ‘yung dalawa po kami sa Speechless at sa’ka sobra kasing nailabas namin yung true colors na gusto naming iparating. Aside po dun, ‘yung last performance din namin sobrang memorable po ‘yun kasi first time din naming magpeperform na dalawa po kami,” Shaira expressed.

On the other hand, Yssa revealed her keyboard-playing flair before the attendees by playing “River Flows in You” by Yiruma and her arnis skills after dancing to Blackpink’s “Kill This Love”, Little Mix’s “Black Magic” and “Swalla”.

Gabb owned the stage by flawlessly rapping to Nicki Minaj’s “Super Bass” and flaunting her strong voice through singing “When I Look at You” by Miley Cyrus, “Someone Like You” by Adele and dancing to “Señorita” by Camilla Cabello, and more. Last but not the least, Ash wowed the audience by jiving to hit Japanese songs “Chiisana Koi No Uta”, “Fuwa Fuwa Time”, “Anniversary” and K-Pop song “La Vie en Rose” by IZ*ONE.

“Very overwhelming [‘yung Seitansai] kasi ‘di po namin inexpect na madaming pupunta ngayong day, alanganin kasi may mga work at school ‘yung iba pero ‘yun ‘yung pinakamasarap at pinakamasayang natanggap ngayong birthday namin,” Gabb said when she was asked about how she felt performing before her MNLoves.

The Seitansai concluded with the MNL48 Undergirls’ performance of “Gingham Check” and the celebrants joining the Senbatsu girls for the performance of their latest single “Ikaw Ang Melody” which was released last July 25 and succeeded by its music video last July 27. They also promoted the upcoming event Coslandia 2019 which is a J-Culture festival happening on November 1, 2 and 3, 2019 at SMX Convention Center Aura.

Make sure to stream “Ikaw Ang Melody” on MNL48 official YouTube channel and be updated by following MNL48’s official social media accounts and website. Download the MNL48 Fan Club App on Apple Store and Google Play for free to keep you posted.

Website: mnl48.ph

Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @mnl48official

Mobile application: MNL48 Fan Club App

A press conference for the AKB48 Group Asia Festival 2019 in SHANGHAI was held on July 31, 2019 in Shanghai, China where popular members from seven groups – AKB48 and their international sister groups – gathered to introduce the upcoming Asia Festival, left a sweet message for their fans in China and talked about their excitement for the event which will be held at the Shanghai National Exhibition & Convention Center on 24th of August.

The members who attended the press conference were AKB48 Mukaichi Mion, JKT48 Beby, BNK48 Cherprang, AKB48 Team SH Mao WeiJia, AKB48 Team TP Chen Shih-Ya, SGO48 Kaycee and MNL48’s very own Abby.

As the host of the press conference, Captain of the local Shanghai group AKB48 Team SH Mao WeiJia, introduced each overseas sister group members on stage while fans, who won the lottery to attend the event, welcomed them with cheers. The members then performed the hit AKB48 song “Koisuru Fortune Cookie”, which has gained widespread popularity in China. They also treat the audience with their on the spot performance of “Let’s Try Dancing: An Elderly Person Version”, also known as the “Public Square Dance”, led and instructed by Mao WeiJia.

Moreover, the members also shared the presents they each brought for their fans in China and showed their sample「福」calligraphy to express their gratitude in Chinese-style, showing fans their zeal for the upcoming Asia Festival.

AKB48 Group Asia Festival is a large-scale festival where AKB48 and other overseas sister groups take part in the event, and this time it will be held in Shanghai. This will be the second time the festival will be held this year as the first ever Asia Festival happened last January 27 in Bangkok.

The upcoming Asia Festival will feature 64 members from seven groups (AKB48, JKT48, BNK48, MNL48, AKB48 Team SH, AKB48 Team TP and SGO48) who will perform for the said event. The festival program will consist of a fan meeting where fans get to enjoy each group’s individuality, a high-5 event to be participated by all members, a concert with performances and special units that can only be seen exclusively at the Asia Festival 2019 in Shanghai and many more, making it a highly anticipated festival that is distinctive to the AKB48 Group.

For the AKB48 Group, this will be the first time they are holding a huge solo concert in China, and many local fans were over the moon with the announcement of the second Asia Festival for this year will be held in Shanghai.

AKB48 Group General Manager, Mukaichi Mion expressed her excitement for the second Asia Festival this year, “The previous Asia Festival was the first time it was held, and although we speak different languages and have different cultures, we overcome that and sing the same AKB48 songs, bringing our hearts together as one, and it was a very touching. This second time, we would like to join forces with all our comrades around the world and make the best concert we can. We hope you enjoy the units and performances that can only be seen here. 48 Group fans, let’s meet in Shanghai on 24th August!!”

Looking back at the recent Asia Festival held in her home country, BNK48 Cheprang is also looking forward to experience Asia Festival with her 48sisters and fans this time in Shanghai. “We are very happy to join this event again. It was the great times that we had shared our happiness, culture, and friendship together with our 48 sister groups and also fanclub. We are looking forward to meet and share the delighted experience to 48Fan and also the 48sister group in Asia Festival 2019 in Shanghai on 24th August 2019!

Sharing the same excitement for the upcoming event, AKB48 Team SH Mao WeiJia couldn’t wait to share the stage with her sister groups as they will showcase their talent in one dream stage, “We are very happy to be able to show everyone this amazing stage performance by the groups in various territories; something that can only be seen at this event. For us Team SH, we would like to follow our seniors’ examples and bring positive energy to everyone by challenging many new things. We are also delighted that we will be sharing the stage with our other sister groups! I am so excited that recently I lack sleep! Looking forward to meeting everyone, so please come to the event and we will continue working hard!”

Meanwhile, before flying to Shanghai for the Asia Festival Press Conference, MNL48 Abby expressed how honored she is to represent MNL48 in the press conference, “It’s really overwhelming, and I’m very much excited. Of course, in behalf of MNL48, I will do my best to represent our group.”

“They need to expect more power when it comes to singing and dancing because from our past experience in Thailand, we learned a lot and we will use the knowledge that we gained for the upcoming AKB48 Group Asia Festival in Shanghai to improve our performance,” Abby added, when asked what MNLoves should expect from their performance.

Aside from voice and dance trainings, Abby continued that mental and emotional preparations are also needed for them to execute a more impressive show.

Catch MNL48 Sela, Abby, Sheki, Rans, Coleen, Brei, Kay and Belle at the AKB48 Group Asia Festival 2019 in SHANGHA on August 24, 2019 at the National Exhibition and Convention Center. Tickets are on sale now at Damai and other various ticketing agents.

For more details, visit the official AKB48 Group Asia Festival website (www.akb48asiafes.com).

Follow MNL48’s official social media pages and website for more information, and download the MNL48 Fan Club App available on Google Play Store and App Store to get the latest updates.

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