What now, MNL48?
MNL48 First Generation will be performing daily at their very own MNL48 Theater, will have their own music recording under Star Music, and international training under AKS, the prestigious international talent management of AKB48, and will be the first Filipino endorsers of a prestigious international clothing line that will soon open in the Philippines. Just wow, huh?
Some 4,143 aspirants from all over the Philippines auditioned but in the end only 48 made the cut. Indeed, the girls that comprise the newly formed MNL48 have reason to be proud.
They are Sheki, Abby, Sela, Tin, Zen, Alice, Trixie, Ella, Ash, Gabb, Jem, Sayaka, Faith, Lara, Grace, Quincy, Alyssa, Erica, Nice, Joyce, Kyla, Dian, Belle, Jan, Dana, Aly, Mari, Gia, Daryll, Van, Essel, Jaydee, Shaina, Kay, Ruth, Sha, Shaira, Brei, Lei, Jewel, Hazel, Necca, Mae, Ecka, Thea, Princess, Madie, and Cess.
But the big question on everyone’s mind now is this: What now, MNL48?
At a press conference, it was revealed that MNL48 First Generation will be performing daily at their very own MNL48 Theater, will have their own music recording under Star Music, and international training under AKS, the prestigious talent management of AKB48, and will be the first Filipino endorsers of Tokyo Girls Collection that will soon open in the Philippines. Just wow.
Sheki Arzaga revealed her mindset during the entire elimination and selection process.
“Sabi ko po sa sarili ko kung madadapa man po ako ngayon kailangan lumaban ako. Kahit paulit-ulit po akong mag-try ng mag-try kasi alam ko po na ibibigay naman po sa akin ni Lord ’to sa tamang panahon,” she said. Why did they join? Alice de Leon shared her thoughts: “We (MNL48 the first generation) want to inspire those young people na mag-strive hard sa dreams nila hanggang maging successful sila.
“Gusto po namin maging mabuting ehemplo sa mga tao nangangarap kagaya namin.”
As Pinoy counterpart of AKB48, MNL48, but of course, digs the music of their Japanese idols.
Sheki shared AKB48’s “River” is the best song to represent MNL48.
“Tungkol po ’yung song sa kabataan na nangangarap; na dapat maniwala sa sarili nila, sa pangarap nila,” she said. “Sinasabi din po nito na keep moving forward na kahit na anong dumating sa kanila, haharapin at malalagpasan po nila.”
She thanked everyone behind the MNL48.
“Ito po ang naging daan para matupad ’yung pangarap ko. Binigay po talaga siya sakin ni Lord. Ngayon po nakatayo po ako sa harapan niyo at nakamit ko na po ’yung pangarap ko.”
To be MNL48
The top seven girls, namely: Sheki, Abby, Sela, Tin, Zen, Alice, and Trixie, are flying to Japan to be trained by AKS talent agency.
“We’re very happy po na finally makakaexperience na po kami makapunta ng ibang bansa,” Trixie squealed. Now that they’re given a chance to go Japan and meet their idols, this is also their opportunity to meet their favorite girl. Who is it? “Pipiliin po naming makasama si Yui
Yokoyama,” Alice mentioned. “Gusto po namin siyang ma-meet at gusto po namin malaman paano po siya nag-strive hard para maging ganu’n siya ka determine para maging captain and idol.” Since the girls will be away from the Philippines, MNL48’s management assured the girls’ security all throughout the training. They also mentioned that the girls will have a
“yaya” to look after their needs. More, their management will provide accommodations and will give them a monthly allowance. Sweet.