Philippine idol group MNL48 will stage their first ever major concert on April 6, 2019 at the New Frontier Theater.
First revealed in the group’s official social media pages last February 1, the our very own 48 Group idols will finally be holding their first major stage since their debut in 2018.
The show will also be the first major J-idol concert in the country and thousands of fans are expected to watch the event which wil be directed by Direk GB Sampedro.
“Since this is their first major concert, expect them to do other things. They’ll be launching new numbers, new costumes, and new songs; expect everyone to have fun. I find it exciting kasi iba siya sa ginagawa natin dito sa Pilipinas, para akong nag di-direct ng international concert,” Direk Sampedro explained how the concert will be different from the usual MNL48 events.
During the press conference held last Wednesday, March 6, 2019 at Movie Stars Café, MNL48 Sheki, Abby, Sela, Rans, Coleen, Brei, Belle, Gabb, Ella, Jan, Dian, Kay, Coleen, Jem, Lei, Mari, and Alyssa expressed their happiness that a lot of fans are eager to get the best seats in the theater
to watch them perform in their biggest concert.
“To be honest, we are beyond grateful and happy dahil sa mga fans namin and excited to show other countries and Filipinos na ito ‘yung talentong Pilipino,” Dian said in the press conference.
The international sister group of Japan’s AKB48, who has been wowing fans not just in the Philippines but across Asia with their talent, music, and performances, will showcase their growth both as an artist and as a group as they perform their hit singles like “Aitakatta – Gustong Makita”, “Talulot Ng Sakura, “Pag-ibig Fortune Cookie” and more in an all-out production at a grander stage.
Moreover, the concert is MNL48 First Generation’s gift to their supportive fans, dubbed as MNLoves, who has been with the group since day one. Reigning MNL48 Center Sheki expressed her happiness that their dreams are finally coming true. “Super excited po kaming lahat kasi dati pinapangarap lang po namin na makapag-conert in front of many people. Sobrang special po siya kasi buong First Generation po ang magpe-perform ng sama-sama with our MNLoves, kaya sobrang thankful po kami na magkakaroon kami ng ganitong event.”
Sheki further narrated how much preparations they are going through for the upcoming concert. “Ipapakita namin na may ibubuga ang MNL48 sa music and idol industry para rin makapag-leave kami ng mark sa araw na ‘yun na hinding-hindi nila makakalimutan.”
Abby also explained how their performance in the recent AKB48 Group Asia Festival held in Bangkok helped them prepare in their upcoming concert. “Sobrang laki ng natulong sakin ‘nung concert sa Bangkok, sobrang daming ideas and lakas ng loob as an idol ‘yung nakuha ko doon, and mas na-inspire ako na makapagbigay saya sa ibang tao. Mas na-boost din po ‘yung confidence ko, na-realize ko na being an idol is about giving all your heart na walang takot na
maipakita kung sino ka and malabas ‘yung best sayo.”
“Also, we did our best to perform in front of Thai people and other nationalities, what more pa this major concert namin na magpe-perform po kami in front of you,” Jem added.
MNL48 Group Captain Alice said that they added more effort in their rehearsals because of MNL48’s Asia Festival experience. “Todo practice na po kami kasi gusto din po naming ma-meet ‘yung
expectations ng mga manunuod sa amin pero dapat nage-enjoy pa rin po kami sa ginagawa namin.”
“And speaking of concert po, siyempre nakita po ng MNLoves ‘yung growth naming mga members. From scratch po na ginawa namin or nangyari noong It’s Showtime days, ito na po ‘yung idols na ine-expect niyo, para mapakita rin namin kung anong kaya pang i-offer ng MNL48,” Alice said.
“Sobrang privilege po samin na magkaroon ng concert at malaking opportunity po talaga ito para sa MNL48,” Abby concluded.
Joining the members and Direk GB Sampedro during the press conference was MNL48’s Producer Mr. Paulo Kurosawa who strongly believes that the girls are ready for the much-awaited concert.
MNL48 is composed of 48 talented young girls, ages 15 to 20 years old lead by Senbatsu members (Top 16): Center Sheki, Abby, Sela, Brei, Belle, Rans, Coleen, Gabb, Jem, Lei, Mari, Jan, Kay, Alyssa, Faith, and Ella. The all-girl group first broke into the scene after being formed through a nationwide search televised on ABS-CBN’s noontime show “It’s Showtime”.
After their debut, MNL48 released their first single “Aitakatta – Gustong Makita” under Star Music which ranked on the No.1 spot on iTunes Top Albums upon its release and entered popular music charts like Myx Daily Top 10 Pinoy, Pop Charts PH, and Pinoy Myx Countdown.
The group followed it up with their second smashing single “Pag-ibig Fortune Cookie” that earned MNL48 their first Gold and Platinum awards from Star Music and the Philippine Association of Record Industries.
The MNL48 “Living the Dream: The Concert” is produced by Hallohallo Entertainment Inc., who is also the operator of MNL48.
Tickets are now on sale via Ticket Net (www.ticketnet.com) starting on February 22, 2019 with the following ticket prices: SVIP P5,300; VIP P4,240; Loge P2,120; and Balcony P1,060.
****With Sarah Jane Galit.
