MNL48

File:MNL48.svg
**MNL48** (in short for **M**a**n**i**l**a**48**) 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.

## History

* 2016
* 2017
* 2018
* 2019
* 2020
* 2021

On March 26, the planned project for the formation of **MNL48**, BNK48, and TPE48 was announced during the 2016 AKB48 Single Concert at the Template:W Template:W.[1]

On December 3, during the visit of AKB48 Team 8 members in the Philippines, the MNL48 was first introduced to the general public, as well the launch of the MNL48 app, which will serve as the gateway for aspiring applicants.

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).

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. [3[1]]

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 8, the group released the 3rd single coupling song music video Igai ni Mango, performed by Team L, centered by Marsela Mari Guia.

On June 9, Sayaka Awane graduated from the group, originally she's part of 2nd year Kami7. Due to her graduation, Althea Itona will be now part of Senbatsu lineup for the upcoming 4th single release.

On July 26, the group released their 4th single Ikaw ang Melody, which was centered by Jhona Alyanah Padillo; and last single participation of Ashley Cloud Garcia and Mariz Iyog.

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 October 2, the group announced for the relocation of their 2nd concert venue, due to the fire incident happened in Star City (where the Star Theater located). Therefore, the concert for Team MII and Team NIV would now be located at Movie Stars Cafe in Eton Centris, Quezon City. For Team L, their concert venue will held in TIU Theater, located in Makati City.

On October 7, Jamela Magbanlac and Jessel Montaos graduated from the group.

On October 15, the group released their 4th single coupling song music video Gingham Check, centered by Coleen Trinidad. In this music video, Kaede Ishiyama wasn't included due to her movie participation in Seikimatsu Blue.

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 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 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 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.

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.
## Members

**MNL48 Members**

* **Team MII**
* **Team NIV**
* **Team L**
* **Team Unknown**
* **MNL48 Trainee**

## Sister groups

* AKB48
* SKE48
* NMB48
* HKT48
* NGT48
* STU48
* JKT48
* BNK48
* AKB48 Team SH
* AKB48 Team TP
* CGM48

## 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

### One Shot Units

* MNL48 Gospel Unit
* TGC Senbatsu (TGC選抜)

### Non-music Units

* Game Senbatsu (ゲーム選抜)
* Janken Senbatsu
* Pokémon Senbatsu

### Single Units

* Senbatsu (選抜)
* Undergirls (アンダーガールズ)
* Sulong Senbatsu

## Soloists

### Outside MNL48

* Ashley Cloud Garcia (Former member)
* Lorraine Leigh Lacumba (Former member)
* Sharlene Trixie Tano (Former member)
* Ericka Joyce Sibug (Former member)

## Discography

* Singles
* Digital Singles/Collaborations
* Other Songs

 \*\*
Krystal Ft. MNL48 | 2018.10.31
 01
 02

* 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

 02
 03
 04
 05

## Stages

### MNL48

1. **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

 Seikimatsu Blue
 MNL48 Present : 2020 Vision
 on love, even for a short period of time. Erika is a hopeless romantic
 MNL48 Present : Chain
 MNL48 Present : By, Us

## 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

## 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

* [1] [2]
* [2] [3]
* [3] [4]
* [4] [5]