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In 2018, It's Showtime held a segment hosted by Anne Curtis, Billy Crawford, and Karylle searching for young girls that would become a part of the Philippines' ultimate female idol group "MNL48," Japanese girl group AKB48's fifth international sister group. After a round of challenges that tested their singing and dancing skills, the Top 200 became the 48 official members of the new group under Hallohallo Entertainment Inc. in partnership with ABS-CBN, and one of the world's top multimedia entertainment AKS. But it was just last October 2019 when MNL48 officially signed an exclusive contract with ABS-CBN alongside K-pop girl group Momoland.

The girls of MNL48 were excited to be in their new home, and we wanted to welcome them with open arms! Thankfully, we got a chance to chat with some of the girls about their lives as a member of MNL48.

Each member has their strengths and weaknesses, but we wanted to know the qualities that they think make them stand out, which their captain Alice shared, "Siguro the fact that as their captain, I was able to prove that I can work under pressure." Senbatsu member Sela says, "For me, I think it's my public speaking voice, which gives me a chance to help our group in interviews and promotions."

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When we asked them about the most memorable moment they had as a member of MNL48, most of the girls were the happiest when they became the center of one of the singles. The charming Abby of Team NIV shares, "The fact that lagi akong kasama sa Senbatsu in all the singles, it means worth it po 'yung pagod." For Coleen, it's when she's goofing around with the members, sharing, "Kapag po nagta-training kasi doon po walang camera, so lahat ng kalokohan nangyayari talaga, and it makes me happy."

As the member who has been crowned the center for three singles, Sheki has something to say to aspiring girls who want to be an idol someday, "Never stop dreaming. Kahit ano mangyari, don't stop hangga't 'di mo nakukuha 'yung dream mo. If at your first try, it didn't work out, keep in mind it's not your time yet. Ibibigay naman 'yan sa 'yo ni Lord kung para sa 'yo talaga."

The popular member of MNL48 who looks like KathNiel's love child Gabb gave a piece of advice, too. "If you want to have this, you have to go on. Kahit madapa at masugatan, you have to get back up and move forward. 'Wag magpapatinag sa mga challenges na binabato sayo, direstuhin mo at harapin mo."

After witnessing the success that MNL48 has reached within the year, they will most likely be around for a long time. Without a doubt, they're currently the nation's girl group. That's why we're excited to see what these new Kapamilya girls have in store for us in 2020!

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