MNL48 breaks open ‘Fortune Cookie’ in new single
FOLLOWING the success of their debut single, “Aitakatta — Gustong Makita,” MNL48, the Philippine sis - ly released their second single in a “give back” event for their supporters.
At their "Handshake" event, the idol group sang the Filipino version of their Japanese counterpart’s song “Pag-Ibig Fortune Cookie” in front of a huge audience inside Movie Stars Cafe in Quezon City.
Based on AKB48’s 2013 hit, “Koi suru Fortune Cookie” (“Fortune Cookie in Love”), the song also has its versions in Indonesia and Thailand and was sung by its counterparts in their respective countries (“Fortune Cookie Yang Mencinta” of Indonesia’s JKT48 and “Koi suru Fortune Cookie - Khúkki sèiyngthay” of Thailand’s BNK48).
A tradition practiced back in Japan by AKB48 and its sister groups, the all-Filipina song-anddance band also took time to shake hands with their fans after
the launch of their new single. It provided an opportunity for the members to communicate with their supporters, creating a unique bond between the two parties.
“Come to think of it, they always come to our events, they buy our merchandise or album, and also everytime we have an event, they always come early in the morning. So this handshake event is their time to meet and handshake with their oshis (Japanese term for favorite member). This is also our favorite event as it’s an opportunity for us to thank them one by one personally. It’s really tear-inducing seeing them so happy,” member Gabrielle Skribikin told TheManilaTimes, adding that their fans are called MNLoves.
Brand new MTV
The music video of the new single was launched on the same day as well. Much like their debut single, the MV was inspired by AKB48’s version, which includes random people dancing to the tune of Pagibig Fortune Cookie from schools
Most of the parts in the MV were shot at the Quezon City Memorial Circle where the group performed in a charity event few months ago. “The [ making of the] music video was very fun because we were able to interact not only with the fans but also the common folk giving us bigger chance to encourage them to listen to our music,” member Marsela Guia recalled. The new MV also showcased the new Senbatsu (selected members) for this single, where Shekinah Ar- mained as the frontrunner. While the members of the old Senbatsu from the previous single were retained, there were new members included to form the 16-girl main unit.
One of the newest additions to the team, Kaede Ishiyama, said she
she will be included in the single. “I’ve wished that I would be included in the Senbatsu for too long. I went through the Future Girls, then the Undergirls, and now I am a part of the Senbatsu,” she excitedly told ManilaTimes. The
Lorraine Leigh Lacumba described her inclusion in the second single Senbatsu as a “bigger opportunity, and a bigger responsibility” that was given to her and the rest of girls.
As for their message for those who supported them since Day One, Ishiyama qouted a line from the single,
“Kunggustongmaging masuwerte,huwagmongkalimutang
reminding them that they should always smile and they will always love them, while Guia said that they will give back to their fans by improving themselves even more.
Along with its two other tracks — “Palusot ko’y Maybe” and “First Rabbit” — Pag-Ibig Fortune Cookie was re-released on December 1 under HHE and Star Music. It also went on sale online through the Hallo-Hallo Mall and at Lawson convenient stores across the country and will be available on digital platforms on December 21st.