MNL48 gave their fans an early Christmas gift by holding a Christmas mini concert at the Movie Stars Cafe on December 23, 2018.
With a set-list featuring performances of all their songs from both of their singles, the event also featured some announcements that delighted the idols and most especially, the fans.
Team M-II members described the song “First Rabbit” as one of their favorite tracks because the lyrics mirror their challenging journey in MNL48.
“’Yung lyrics pa lang ng ‘First Rabbit’ ay humahalimbawa sa MNL48 journey namin from the start until now. Kung paano kami nagsimula at kung paano kami ngayon nag-grow as one with you MNLoves,” Alice said.
Team N-IV performed “Palusot Ko’y Maybe” (Iiwake Maybe), also from their second single. The team also wore the song’s signature uniform for the first time, drawing cheers from the fans as AKB48’s Iiwake Maybe uniform is one of the group’s most recognizable outfits.
Team L on the other hand, performed their own Team Song “Umiindak na Saya” from AKB48’s “Skirt, Hirari”. This marks the first time all teams having individual team performances in the same event.
The group also performed “Aitakatta-Gustong Makita”, “Talulot ng Sakura”, and of course, “Pag-Ibig Fortune Cookie”.
Aside from the performance of their hit songs, hundreds of fans who attended the event also got to watch their Oshi perform a holiday favorite song “All I Want for Christmas” while MNL48’s new sub- unit, performed the special Christmas single “Amazing Grace” live. This marks the first time this sub-unit consistng of Brei, Belle, Rans, Aly, Faith, and Sheki, performed the song live.
As the girls wrapped up the mini concert, MNL48 once again performed their second single, “Pag-ibig Fortune Cookie”, which is currently on the number one spot on iTunes and the leading music channel in the country, Myx Daily Top 10. The single has currently sold 20,000 copies, thereby giving the group its first Platinum-certified record.
As 2019 approaches, MNL48 is already gearing up for their guestings for both local and international shows starting off this coming January and February. As previously announced, Sheki, Abby, Sela, Brei, Gabb, Rans, Jem, Mari, Faith, and Coleen will be flying to Thailand to take part and join their sister groups — AKB48 (Japan), JKT48 (Indonesia), BNK48 (Thailand), SGO48 (Vietnam), AKB48 Team TP (Taiwan), and AKB48 Team SH (China) at the “AKB48 Group Asia Festival 2019” on January 27, 2019 to be held at Impact Arena, Bangkok.
Gabb shared that being part of this event is the biggest blessing and opportunity for her. “Unexpected po kasi maraming deserving makasama sa top 10, and for me to be included is such a big opportunity. Promise po na hindi po namin kayo bibiguin.”
Sela also noted her excitement for the first Asia Festival 2019. “It’s such an honor to be part of this amazing event kaya naman po puspusan na ang pag-prepare namin kasi finally matutupad na ang pangarap naming makasama ang sister groups namin, kaya naman we’re very excited to
meet them, the Thai people, and of course, try their Thai food.”
In addition, MNL48 also announced that 10 lucky Fan Club VIP members will be given free VIP tickets to witness the much-anticipated gathering of AKB48 groups, the details of which will be announced in the coming days.
The MNL48 Senbatsu is also set to perform to the grand finals of 2019 J-pop Anime Singing Contest as special guests organized by the Embassy of Japan on February 16 at the SM Mall of Asia.
To get the latest news and updates on their upcoming events, you may follow their official social media accouts:
Website: www.mnl48.ph
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram: @mnl48official
YouTube: MNL48