If you happen to pass by Tomas Morato, you’ll notice a certain billboard. Yep, it’s about MNL48, upcoming sister group of AKB48.
For those who don’t know, MNL48 is one of the three newest sister groups of AKB48. Yes, the AKB48. It’s difficult to be a fan of Japanese pop-culture without at least hearing about them, from their million-selling singles, to their annual general elections. After three years of negotiations, AKS (the company behind the 48 groups) has decided to give the green light for a Philippine “branch”. I was lucky to have attended its first ever fan meet where we discussed about ideas that the group – the first Japanese idol style group with actual Japanese ties – can use (you can read my account here).
Why is this billboard a big thing to us fans? Well, first off, we haven’t had much news since the fan-meet. The fans are hungry for anything. Second, it is the first billboard of any 48 Group here. In all its years of existence (with several overseas performances), AKB48 performed here only once – last year, during the Cool Japan Festival.
Third, it is a sign that things are moving. Hallohallo Entertainment is sailing through unchartered territory here, and careful planning is needed. You don’t just put out an ad for an audition and expect things to fall into place. It requires extreme effort and organization. Jpop has always been on the fringes in our country. I even had to write a piece about why we should give it a chance.
I can’t wait for this to start. For newer fans like me, it, it’s a good time to be one. For the long-time faithfuls, it’s a dream come true.
* Photos courtesy of Hallohallo Ent.