
MNL48 (2022)
MNL48 Logo
MNL48 (in short for Manila48) is a Filipino girl idol group based in Metro Manila, Philippines, the 3rd international sister group of AKB48, after Indonesia's JKT48, and Thailand's BNK48. The logo color of MNL48 is based from the blue motif color of the Philippine flag.
MNL48 Theater will be located at Centris Station Mall in Quezon City Philippines and will open soon.
Contents
History
- On March 26, during the encore of Shuku Takahashi Minami Graduation "148.5cm no Mita Yume" in Yokohama Stadium Concert, the VTR released on the screen and announced that AKB48 will have a new formation of overseas sister group: BNK48 of Bangkok, Thailand; MNL48 of Manila, Philippines; and TPE48 of Taipei, Taiwan.
On September 17, Hallo Hallo Entertainment, the agency behind MNL48, officially signed a partnership agreement with ABS-CBN Corp., one of the major television stations in the Philippines.
On October 13, Hallo Hallo Entertainment announced the registration and audition tour dates for MNL48's 1st Generation members.
On November 10, Hallo Hallo Entertainment holds 1st audition for MNL48's 1st Generation.
On January 20, ABS-CBN's "It's Showtime", officialy announced the top 200 members who qualified for the next round of competition. Throughout the competition, the aspiring candidates fought all the way to secure the top 48 spots, which are judged based through a combination of panel of judges and online voting via the MNL48 app.
On April 22, the "Meet Your Oshimen" was held at TriNoMa in Quezon City, Philippines, where three hundred lucky ticket-holding fans met and greeted their favourite MNL48 aspirants.
On April 28, after 3 months of competition, Shekinah Igarta Arzaga was hailed as the Center Girl. Six days after the "Meet Your Oshimen", the 1st General Election took place at ABS-CBN, where Alice Margarita De Leon was elected as the overall team captain, as well as the team leader of Team MII. Members Ericka Joyce Sibug and Kaede Ishiyama were also elected as team leaders of Team NIV and Team L, respectively.
On June 3, the MNL48 1st Fanmeeting was held at Eton Centris Elements. The 1st generation members performed the Tagalized version of Aitakatta, Heavy Rotation and Sakura no Hanabiratachi for the very first time.
On June 8, less than week after the 1st Fanmeeting, two former top 7 members, Trixie Tano and Zen Inot announced their plans "to graduate" the group due to personal reasons. Their places were replaced by Ella Mae Amat and Ashley Cloud Garcia, who were part of the Top 16 girls of the group. Other members Mae Batocael and Vanessa Yap also said that they are leaving, paving the way for Alyssa Nicole Garcia and Princess Erica Sanico to take their spots in the rankings within MNL48. To fill the gap left by the four members who exited, Sandee Garcia, Coleen Trinidad, Francinne Rifol and Niña Editha Guirnalda were plucked from the roster of trainees, dubbed "Kenkyuusei," as replacements.[2]
On September 28, ABS-CBN's Star Music released their MNL48's debut music video Aitakatta - Gustong Makita.
On November 25, the group released their 2nd single music video Pag-ibig Fortune Cookie, along with their CD single release.
On December 24, the group released their first digital single Amazing Grace, performed by MNL48 Gospel Unit. The song is an acapella rendition from Chris Tomlin's version of Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone).

MNL48's first concert at New Frontier Theater
On January 27, the group participated for the first time in AKB48 Group Asia Festival Concert in Bangkok, where they performed with other international sister groups of AKB48 including JKT48, BNK48, SGO48, AKB48 Team SH, and AKB48 Team TP.
On January 31, MNL48 announced it's 2nd Generation Audition in their social media pages, the audition was privately runs until February 28, where 21 girls were selected and will be a candidate for 2nd General Election. According to MNL48's Producer Paulo Kurosawa, Only 48 members will be chosen to be a part of MNL48 Second Year and the one who didn't made it will graduate to their group.
- On February 17, the group released the 2nd single coupling song MV Teaser Palusot Ko’y Maybe, performed by Team NIV and centered by Coleen Trinidad
- On February 23, the group released the 2nd single coupling song music video Palusot Ko’y Maybe
- On February 26, the group announced the Senbatsu lineup for the upcoming 3rd single release.
- On March 29, the group released the 3rd single MV Teaser 365 Araw ng Eroplanong Papel, centered by Shekinah Arzaga
- On April 5, the group released their 3rd single music video 365 Araw ng Eroplanong Papel.
On April 6, MNL48 held it's first own concert, "MNL48 First Generation:Living the Dream the Concert" at New Frontier Theater in Quezon City, Metro Manila where all members including trainees performed and 2nd generation, candidates was introduced to promote for it's 2nd General Election.
On April 11, the group released the 3rd single 365 Araw ng Eroplanong Papel. This is the first single to include a song from SKE48's 21st single and is covered by Team L. This is the last single participation of Sayaka Awane, Lorraine Leigh Lacumba, Quincy Josiah Santillan and Shaina Duran. And also, this single contains a voting ticket for the upcoming MNL48 2nd General Election.
On April 27, 2nd General Election was held where Jhona Alyanah Padillo new center was announced.+2nd General Election, Seven 2nd Generation Candidates and Five Kenkyuusei (Trainee) were promoted to MNL48's official members and was assigned to their new respective teams.
On May 1, Twelve members from the 1st Generation graduated from the group. However, some of them returned as Trainee including some of unchosen 2nd Generation Candidates as Mr. Paulo Kurosawa announced that there will be a collaboration with Tokyo Girls Collection during their press conference, they was chosen after the audition process. [4]
On May 10, Princess Labay was dismissed from the group due to her violations.
On May 23, Quincy Josiah Santillan resigned from the group.
- On June 5, the group released the teaser of the 3rd single coupling song music video Igai ni Mango, centered by Marsela Mari Guia. First SKE48 song to covered to Filipino version
- On June 8, the group released the 3rd single coupling song music video Igai ni Mango. The music video was took place at Star City Amusement Park in Pasay City.
- On June 9, Sayaka Awane graduated from the group. She's originally included in the 4th single Senbatsu lineup but Althea Itona will now be part of the Senbatsu's main song from being an Undergirls center
- On July 25, the group released the teaser music video of the 4th single Ikaw ang Melody, centered by Jhona Alyanah Padillo
- On July 27, the group released the 4th single music video Ikaw ang Melody
On September 6, the group announced their 2nd independent concert entitled "MNL48 2nd Generation Concert: No to Oshihen!". The location of their 2nd concert will be held on Star Theater in Star City Amusement Park, Pasay City, starting October 6.
On September 15, Ashley Cloud Garcia graduated from the group.
- On September 21, the group announced the Senbatsu lineup for the upcoming 5th single release
- On October 2, the group release the teaser of 4th single coupling song music video Gingham Check, centered by Coleen Trinidad, and it’s the first Undergirls unit song. Also, they announced the relocation of the 2nd concert because of the fire incident happened in Star City, where the Star Theater located.
- On October 7, Jamela Magbanlac and Jessel Montaos graduated from the group.
- On October 15, the group released the 4th single coupling song music video Gingham Check
- On October 16, the group announced the 5th single main song High Tension
- On October 28, the group released the teaser of Gingham Check performance version
- On October 29, the group released the dance performance version of Gingham Check
- On November 8, the group released the lyric video of High Tension
On November 25, the group released their 5th single High Tension, centered by Gabrielle Skribikin.
On December 10, the group announced for their upcoming 1st stage PARTY ga Hajimaru yo, a revival from AKB48's Team A 1st Stage. The Shonichi stage was scheduled on December 17 by Team L, but it was delayed for 3 times due to schedule conflict.
On January 13, Daniella Mae Palmero dismissed from the group due to violations.
On January 18, the Shonichi of MNL48 1st Stage, started by Team NIV.
On January 25, the Shonichi of Team MII on MNL48 1st Stage.
On January 26, the day after the Shonichi stage of Team MII, Faith Shanrae Santiago graduated from the group.
- On February 9, the group release the teaser of the 5th single music video High Tension, centered by Gabrielle Skribikin
- On February 16, the group announced the Senbatsu lineup For the upcoming 6th single RIVER
- On February 19, the group released the 5th single music video High Tension.
On March 13, they announced the 3rd General Election on It's Showtime, where the Team NIV performed 1!2!3!4! YORISHIKU! The event was slated on April 25, but it was later postponed the event due to COVID-19 Pandemic. Their voting timeline will be on March 15 until November 30.
- On March 1, the group announced the 6th single coupling song Sampung Taon ng Sakura and the center is Jemimah Caldejon
On March 15, the 3rd generation member were announced, and will joining to 3rd General Election. A week later, Querubin Gonzalez withdrew from the group, also her candidacy for 3rd General Election.
On May 27, selected members Abby, Coleen and Sheki were participated on ONE LOVE ASIA, along with the other AKB48 Groups, and performed Koi Suru Fortune Cookie.
On May 29, Yiesha Amera Ungad withdrew her candidacy form the group. She's only a Muslim member to entered for 3rd Generation Election.
On June 10, Francinne Rifol graduated from Team MII, which she was originally included on 6th single Senbatsu line up, was replaced by Alice Margarita De Leon.
On August 31, the top 3 members from Janken Senbatsu, which was held last November 3, 2019, was announced and formed Baby Blue unit, where Jan will be the leader of their unit.
On September 1, Baby Blue has released their debut single Sweet Talking Sugar.
On September 11, the group had a event of Team Regroup, where Team MII, Team NIV and Team L have a live stream on YouTube, to take a chance for fans to see again their favourite Oshis until October 2.
On September 30, Mr. Paulo Kurosawa announced that the 3rd General Election would be the top 36 promoted members, and the top 37 to top 48 would be their 3rd year Kenkyuuseis. On the same day, Ericka Joyce Sibug announced her graduation. She stated that she will cease her from Idol World.
On October 30 to 31, they have a virtual event of Miss Halloween Pageant, hosted by Sheki and Belle. Also on the same day (except October 31), Jillian Shane Pilones withdrew from the group and her candidacy; and Chelsey Yssacky Bautista, Ericka Joyce Sibug, Lorraine Leigh Lacumba, Loulle Angelyn Villaflores, and Valerie Joyce Daita were now graduated.
On November 23, they have a virtual live titled MNL48 Sulong Pilipinas Fundraising Show, in line for donations and support to the victims of Typhoon Ulysses (Vamco), which slammed in Luzon Island last November 11 to November 13.
On November 25, their unit (Baby Blue) released their 2nd single NEGASTAR, two days before the release of 6th single RIVER.
On November 27, their 6th single main song music video, RIVER, was released, followed on iTunes / Apple Music and auto-generated tracks on YouTube was released their coupling songs on the same day. Following on next day, the full single was released on streaming devices.
On November 28, the 1st preliminary results revealed on their social media accounts. On the same day, Aubrey Ysabelle Delos Reyes graduated from the group.
On November 29, the 2nd preliminary results announced on their social media accounts, before closing their voting lines for their 3rd General Election.
On December 1, the official closed their voting lines for the upcoming final results of 3rd General Election.
- On December 13, the group released the performance video of RIVER
On December 23, the group released their 2nd digital single entitled HASHLOVE.
On December 30, the Duran Twins (Shaina Duran and Shaira Duran) and Erica Maria Macabutas were terminated from the group due to the rule violations.

MNL48 3rd Generation (2021)
On February 6, their third general election announcement started. The top 48 members were announced in no particular order, which means that they will be the 3rd year members of the group. On the same day, Jhona Alyanah Padillo, Nicelle Joy Bozon, Glaciana Marie Pelagio, and Jashmin Iballo were now graduated from the group.
On February 13, they announced the top 48 to top 17. The top 48 to top 37 will be their 3rd year Kenkyuusei members. The newly members from 3rd generation candidates were ranked within top 36, they were promoted to Team Unknown.
On February 20, they announced the top 16 to top 1 Senbatsu members for 3rd year, as well on upcoming 7th single release and their new Kami7 members. Also, Abby was hailed as their 3rd year center girl.
On February 25, Lorelaine Sañosa and Ruth Carla Dela Paz were graduated from the group
On March 17, the group announced that their new overall captain is Shekinah Arzaga, replacing Alice Margarita De Leon. On the same day, the announcement was also made that they will joined with fellow P-Pop groups BINI and BGYO, as well as the other artists from ABS-CBN Star Music and Star Hunt in an upcoming live event on March 19.
On March 21, AKB48 had an online press conference for their upcoming 3rd AKB48 Group Asia Festival that will held on June 27, together with JKT48, BNK48, MNL48, AKB48 Team SH, SGO48, AKB48 Team TP, and newly participation of CGM48.
On April 4, members Abby, Coleen, Frances, Sheki and Yzabel have a regular podcasts on Spotify. This was later appeared on Apple Podcasts.
On April 21, Baby Blue unit released their third single Stuck on You.
On April 26, the management announced that they suspended Aubrey Binuya due to her violations until May 25. During her suspension period, she was not allowed by the management to use her SNS and attending MNL48 related activities.
On April 28, the group celebrated their third year anniversary without any concert or special performances due to COVID-19 pandemic.
On May 15, Marsela Mari Guia graduated from the group. She is now affiliated with Star Magic.
On May 19, the group announced that they will launch their first MNL48 Game Team Masters League starting next week, witnessing the battle of the five teams between Mobile Legends, PUBG, and Call of Duty. Selected members are Abby (for Pyro Manila 48), Coleen (for Stalwart League), Sheki (for Blazing Phoenix), Klaryle (for Pink Zugaikotsu), and Yzabel (for Padayon).
On May 21, Alice announced her graduation. 2 days after her graduation announcement, the group announced that she was now replaced by Rianna on 7th single Senbatsu members.
On June 29, two days after the 3rd AKB48 Group Asia Festival Concert, Aubrey Binuya and Gabrielle Skribikin were graduated from the group.
On July 20, Anne Nicole Casitas and Mariz Iyog were graduated from the group.
On August 7, Kyla Angelica Marie De Catalina graduated from the group.
On September 8, the group released their music video teaser of Sampung Taon ng Sakura on their official Facebook and Instagram accounts.
On September 11, the group released their documentary music video Sampung Taon ng Sakura, performed by Sulong Senbatsu.
On October 8, members Abby, Coleen, Frances, Sheki, and Yzabel podcasts resumed with Season Two. Jem, Dian, Ella, Jamie, and Jan started their own personal podcasts.
On December 18, the group announced the 7th single Senbatsu line-up and the main song NO WAY MAN, centered by Abelaine Trinidad.

MNL48 (2022)
On April 1, the group release the 7th single music video teaser of NO WAY MAN on their official YouTube account, centered by Abelaine Trinidad
- After 7 hours from the MV teaser release, the full music video of the 7th single released on their YouTube account
- Unfortunately, the music video turned into private. Though it would come back hours later.
Members
Sister groups
MNL48 Overall Captaincy
- [2018.05.05 - 2021.03.17] Alice Margarita De Leon (Team MII - 1st Generation)
- [2021.03.17 - present] Shekinah Arzaga (Team MII - 1st Generation)
Units
Sub-Units
One Shot Units
- MNL48 Gospel Unit
- TGC Senbatsu (TGC選抜)
Non-music Units
Single Units
- Senbatsu (選抜)
- Undergirls (アンダーガールズ)
- Sulong Senbatsu
Former Member Units
- polar
Soloists
Outside MNL48
- Ashley Cloud Garcia (Former member)
- Lorraine Leigh Lacumba (Former member)
- Sharlene Trixie Tano (Former member)
- Ericka Joyce Sibug (Former member)
Discography
# | Cover | Title | Release date |
---|---|---|---|
01 | ![]() |
Aitakatta (Gustong Makita) |
2018.06.17 |
02 | ![]() |
Koi Suru Fortune Cookie (Pag-Ibig Fortune Cookie) |
2018.11.25 |
03 | ![]() |
365 Nichi no Kamihikouki (365 Araw ng Eroplanong Papel) |
2019.04.06 |
04 | ![]() |
Kimi wa Melody (Ikaw ang Melody) |
2019.07.26 |
05 | ![]() |
High Tension | 2019.11.25 |
06 | ![]() |
RIVER | 2020.11.27 |
07 | ![]() |
NO WAY MAN | 2022.04.01 |
# | Cover | Title | Release Date | Notes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Related Singles | ||||||
** | Dalawang Pag-ibig Niya by Sheena and Krystal Ft. MNL48 | 2018.10.31 | This is a collaboration for Himig Handog 2018 | |||
Digital Singles | ||||||
01 | Amazing Grace | 2018.12.21 | This was Performed by MNL48's Gospel Unit | |||
02 | HASHLOVE | 2020.12.23 | - |
- Heavy Rotation (2018)
- Aisatsu kara Hajimeyou (2019)
- Kokoro no Placard (2019)
- Time After Time (2019)
- MNL Sanjou! (2019)
- Only Today (2019)
- Nante Suteki na Sekai ni Umareta no Darou (2019)
- Yuuhi wo Miteiru ka? (2019)
- Secret Blue (TBA)
Concerts
# | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
01 | AKB48 Group Asia Festival 2019 in Bangkok | 2019.01.27 |
02 | MNL48 First Generation: Living The Dream Concert | 2019.04.06 |
03 | AKB48 Group Asia Festival 2019 in Shanghai | 2019.08.24 |
04 | MNL48 2nd Generation Members Team Concert: No To Oshihen! | 2019.10.06 - 2019.10.19 |
05 | AKB48 Group Asia Festival 2021 ONLINE | 2021.06.27 |
Stages
MNL48
- PARTY ga Hajimaru yo (Tara na Party)
- [2020.01.25 - ] Team MII
- [2020.01.18 - ] Team NIV
- [2020.02.01 - ] Team L
- [2020.02.02 - ] MNL48 1st Generation
- [2020.02.09 - ] MNL48 2nd Generation
Filmography
Title | Director | Date | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
ICYMI : I See Me | Carlo Francisco Manatad | 2019.10.21 | The movie features various moments and behind-the-scenes of the 1st Generation Members of the group from their formation |
Seikimatsu Blue | Hashi Tetsuya | Coming Soon | Based on manga story by Shintaro Hirota, only Abby,Coleen,Brei,and Kay will participate in the Movie, the movie was expected to be premiered in Japan in September, and in December in Philippines |
MNL48 Present : 2020 Vision | ABS-CBN TV Production Digital Group (TVDG) | 2020.03.11 | Two friends, Sandy and Erika, meet for Valentine's Day: one no longer believes in love, the other believes she must not be alone for Valentine's. Together they experience a day that will change their views
on love, even for a short period of time. Erika is a hopeless romantic who believes in love and gives her all for love. Meanwhile her friend Sandy is frank and realistic and believes that "Valentine's Day is a social construct." She thinks rather than lets her emotions get the better of her. |
MNL48 Present : Chain | MNL48 | 2020.06 | A student has gone missing... and a chain message has been spreading since her disappearance. |
MNL48 Present : By, Us | MNL48 | 2020.08.28 - 2020.09.05 | Jackie gets her feelings all mixed up as her best friend Portia moves to Japan. She gets even more confused as she sorts her thoughts and realizes that Portia might mean a lot more than just a dear friend. |
Media Appearances
- It's Showtime [Abs-Cbn]
- Umagang Kay Ganda [Abs-Cbn]
- Asap [Abs-Cbn]
- Letters and Music [Net25]
- Myx Channel [Abs-Cbn]
MNL48 Events
Senbatsu Election
- [2018.04.28] MNL48 1st General Election
- [2019.04.27] MNL48 2nd General Election
- [2021.02.06 - 2021.02.20] MNL48 3rd General Election
Regroup
- [2020.09.11 - 2020.10.02] MNL48 Regroup
Miss Hallohalloween
- [2020.10.30 - 2020.10.31] MNL48 1st Miss Hallohalloween
- [2021.10.29] MNL48 2nd Miss Hallohalloween
Charity Event
- [2020.11.23] Sulong Pilipinas Fundraising Show
Masters League
- [2021.??.??] 1st MNL48 Game Team Masters League
Collaboration
- [2021.12.17 - 2022.02.04] Sheki Sings
Other Events
e-Sports Competition
- [2022.01.16] Pokémon UNITE AKB48 Group Invitational
External Links
- MNL48 Official Website
- MNL48 Official Facebook Page
- MNL48 Official Instagram Page
- MNL48 Official Youtube Channel
- MNL48 Official Twitter Page
- MNL48 Official on Spotify
Reference
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