December has arrived and MNL48’s promotion for their second single “Pag-Ibig Fortune Cookie is in full swing. For starters, it was announced that copies of MNL48’s new single “Pag-Ibig Fortune Cookie” will be available for purchase in all the branches of Lawson convenience stores nationwide.
As a special treat, five members of the group visited the Lawson Smart Tower branch in Makati, prompting some fans to make sudden adjustments in their schedules so that they can go to the store in person. A good number of these folks were part of the group that stood in line to get inside “It’s Showtime” last Friday, when MNL48 performed their new single in the noon-time show. The same group that were denied entry to the show, but was given a chance to watch the “It’s Showtime Online Update” instead.
There were no performances that day. Just an impromptu performance of PFC where the fans again teased Sela with “Bolang Pisngi” (Ball-sized Cheeks). To be fair, I prefered that “joke” chant to “Bolang Kanin” which is literally “onigiri” in Tagalog. In the actual performance, I prefer using “onigiri” as well.
The highlight, of course, is that we can get closer to the girls if we’re going to buy a copy of the single. While I’ve already pre-ordered four copies of the single (to avail of the extra handshake ticket bonus), I bought just one that I used for the review.I took my copy from the hands of Sheki, Kay not being part of the contingent. I also wanted to see the center up-close, and managed to interact with the members. Well, most of them anyway. Brei wasn’t even looking at me, but that’s alright. I told Abby that I also live in Bacoor, took a single from Sheki, waved hi to Sela and Belle. Four out of five ain’t so bad.
MNL48 also held two radio show appearances on the same day. One group went to MOR 101.7, while the other went to the Wish Bus. The Wish Bus group’s appearance is the same as last time, but their live performance of “First Rabbit” garnered rave reviews among the fans. As is getting the norm, the fans once again trooped to where the bus was parked in Centris, and gave the girls much needed support.
It was during these two show appearances that they announced their schedule for the coming weekend. MNL48 will be going to CSI Mall Dagupan, hopefully the first stop of the “Pag-Ibig Fortune Cookie” mall tour. The group does have a following in the provinces but how large, I have no idea. Still, it’s not a bad thing to go out there and promote their single so that people will know that there is a group called MNL48 and their single is currently up for purchase.
The best news I received that is related to this event is how fans made preparations to go to Dagupan to watch the girls perform. There’s a group who’ve already rented a van, while others will take the long commute via provincial bus. The MNL48 Senbatsu gave their fans in Pangasinan a fun and exciting day with the performance of “Pag-Ibig Fortune Cookie” and “Palusot Ko’y Maybe”. The girls were happy for the opportunity, even as they experienced some technical difficulties with the microphones. All in all, the fans were happy with their performance, and the girls were really thankful to those who travelled a long way just to see them.
The December seitansai has an interesting batch of celebrants. This month’s group includes fan favorite Faith, underrated singer Brei, beat-box queen Lara, pretty Ilongga Tin, wonder-pet Essel, and Necca the destroyer. I’m half-expecting the audience to increase because, well, it’s Faith, not to mention pay-day weekend.
I hope they perform their six songs in this event, although realistically speaking, it’s just going to be three plus the games. But it’s a good opportunity to attend more events, buy more CDs and merchandise, have a cheki session with at least one, and buy the new series and the Christmas special photo-cards.
Also, the senbatsu will be there (they always are), so I’ll get to see Kay perform again. I have my ticket reserved already and this is pretty much becoming a regular thing for me. But I’ll take any MNL48 event that I can get my hands on before the Theater opens.
Finally, I was about to publish this blog entry when I received news that MNL48 will be going to Bangkok, Thailand on January 27, 2019 to join AKB48 and the rest of the Asian sister groups for the Asia Festival.
In what can only be described as the biggest 48 Group event outside of Japan, AKB48 will be joined by representatives from host BNK48, JKT48, SGO48, Team TP, Team SH, and of course, MNL48, for a day of festivities with various activities for the first part, and a grand performance for the second.
I am happy that MNL48 will finally stand alongside the other sister groups in a very crucial show of unity and sense of belonging. There are still some wotas who refuse to acknowledge MNL48 as part of the 48 Group family, and if being part of this event and performing alongside the other 48 groups isn’t enough to convince them, then probably nothing will.
The participating members have already been announced and I could hear a few fans grumbling about the selection. I’m not entirely satisfied with the line-up myself, but I also know that management playing favorites is not an uncommon thing in idol groups. Even AKB48 has girls they push (sometimes, desperately so). In fact, it is something I already expecting coming in. At least, there’s the Top 3 of Sheki, Abby, and Sela, and Faith. I’m also happy Brei, Jem and Gabb were included. Mari, Rans, and Colleen round up the list.
It seems like MNL48 is primed for a good start for 2019. But I hope the group doesn’t get too excited for it. They still have half of 2018 to finish.
