Another surprise announcement last Saturday caught fans off-guard….but in a good way this time. MNL48 will hold a Fan Meet on June 3, 2018, Sunday at Elements @ Eton Centris. This event will mark a bunch of firsts: the first official MNL48 event since the General Election last April 28, the first event of the girls as official members (they were technically still candidates during the handshake event), and the first time the fans would have to pay for tickets to the show.
The tickets are priced PhP750.00 for Blue and Php500.00 for White. The Blue tickets are for premium seating and will allow you to sit closer while the White tickets are for the general audience section.
The prices seem low compared to other fan-meets, but there’s a catch: there’s literally no data with which we can compare. Plus, while the announcement mentioned performances by the girls, we don’t know yet if they’ll just dance to AKB songs, or they’ll perform their own localized version for the first time.
I think this event is a litmus test: to see if the J-idol type event will work when access is restricted to paying customers. It is as much an event for the fans as it is testing unchartered waters. It pays to remember: the idol industry is one vast money-making scheme, and whether we accept it our not, a lot of the Filipino fans love getting their idol fix for free.
MNL48 has been selling official merchandise for almost a year now, and I don’t think sales are all that great. The light-sticks did roll a bit but as they’re essentially entry-level starter sticks, that’s to be expected with the influx of new fans. I can’t help but think what would happen if HHE will release photo-sets on June 3. That would be the true signal that the idol merchandise train is rolling and the management will then be able to see who sells and who doesn’t.
I am not expecting a full-house on June 3, but HHE has to start selling shows to make up for lost timeno. The over-all organizing of the event – the security, the logistics, the technical crew, and the staff’s ability to adapt to unforeseen situations – will make the difference.
The girls were also given a makeover by AKB48’s own stylist. While the girls’ make-up and style were done by professionals, this is the first time that a stylist who has works with idols has given them a do over. I’m not sure if their hair-styles were also her idea, but the effect is phenomenal. Amazing what wonders a real idol stylist can do to fledgling members of the 48 Group.
Currently, I’d award the “Best New Look” to Ash and Gabb because the effect of their change in hair-styles is massive. They look more “idol” than before.
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MNLife as a program is going from strength to strength. From the calm atmosphere of the MNLife segments to the chaotic fun of MNLaugh, the girls are providing good entertainment to wotas who’ve come to expect these kinds of variety from their idols. It’s still no AKBingo, but it functions in the same way: introducing the girls to a wider audience. It won’t guarantee an upsurge in the number of fans, but take note: it took me years of watching AKBingo and other 48 Group shows before I “jumped on the bandwagon” so they say.
The important thing here is that there’s a show that is accessible to people who want to see it, and they could judge if the group is worth their time. I love the show because it shows the girls in action, makes them used to the camera, and teaches the girls how to function properly in a production. It can be used to gauge the girls on their progress and their effect on the camera and can also highlight some weaknesses they can work on.
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As promised, I’ll comment on the duties and responsibilities of the MNL48 Group Captain. Let’s begin with why MNL48 would need a group captain in the first place. Unlike what became the norm in the 48 Groups, MNL48 began with three groups active. With 48 full members plus trainees, there’s a real need for single point of contact between the management and the members. While each teams have their own captains, the Group Captain will be like an over-all coordinator and the person that AKB Group General Manager Yui Yokoyama will reach out whenever the need arises.
If you managed to watch the girls elect the Group Captain, you can see that there’s a common rationale behind their choices: wealth of experience. Alice Margarita De Leon isn’t your typical MNL48 member: she was the only candidate among all the girls who auditioned who’ve had experience as a professional idol. She is a “senior” (sempai) in many aspects. Unlike the other members who are either girls that have “idol” aura, talented girls who can make good celebrities and/or models, or anointed “saviors”, Alice didn’t just live in the idol culture – she is an idol. She already has an idea of what MNL48 will have to go through to succeed and you’d want that kind of person as your over-all captain.
I. The MNL48 Group Captain shall enforce teamwork among all members and teams
– I’m not sure what to make of the term “enforce” and its relation to teamwork. I would guess that the Group Captain must enforce the rules and foster teamwork? Or maybe it’s indicative of how the Group Captain must make sure each and every team and member are working together.
II. The MNL48 Group Captain shall plan shows taking into consideration each member’s ability and talent. She shall be given full access in coordinating with the producer, management and production.
– Now, this is a surprise. What this basically means is that the Group Captain seems to have a real say regarding the planning and producing of shows. That’s if this duty actually holds any weight at all. But as it stands, it is particularly empowering.
Of course that doesn’t mean Alice can make decisions on her own or overrule those made by the production staff, but it’s a huge power and responsibility.
III. The MNL48 Group Captain shall serve as the overall leader for any activity, event and performance that would require the participation of majority or all of its members.
– This one’s pretty much given. An extension of one of the most basic of team captain duties.
IV. The MNL48 Group Captain shall oversee all members and monitor all the teams’ concerns, progress, and achievements.
– Another big surprise. The Group Captain has always been expected to monitor members’ concerns, but I had no idea she would also be tasked to monitor their progress and achievements. This can potentially be big down the road when the girls will start to have their own projects, milestones, and bookings.
V. The MNL48 Group Captain shall be the overall spokesperson of the group if and when the need arises, such as in presscons, guestings, and interviews.
– Again, another extension of a Team Captain responsibility. This time Group Captain speaks for the whole group.
VI. The MNL48 Group Captain shall speak on behalf of the group if and when the General Director of AKB48 Yui Yokoyama needs to talk to MNL48.
– Yuihan’s official contact? Cool. Nuff said.
The girls are busy preparing for June 3, and I’m really praying for its success. Yours truly will be there, of course. But since this event is monetized, I won’t probably be able to record a video. But maybe I can take some shots of the line outside. That’s all for now, I’m gonna hop off and watch MNLife.
You can buy tickets to the MNL48 fan meet here.
