MNL48 went all-out last week at the First Philippine Children’s Summit by performing as a complete group for the first time in months. It is the climax of a busy October with the release of their first album, “Aitakatta-Gustong Makita“, their first Seitansai event, guest appearances and promotions, and the release of new photo-card sets. All of that is capped with an appearance in their first charity event, an MV shoot after the said event, and the release of the Music Video of “Talulot ng Sakura” all on the same day.

Whew!

Like in previous events, Back2gaming.com was invited to cover the proceedings. This time, we were represented by Sarah Jane Galit, who went to the event on my behalf. The lovely photos you see here were all taken by Sarah, and even the members took notice. I am thrilled that I will not have to cover MNL48 events by my lonesome and her skill with the camera far outstrips my own so we will see her work in this site for many more events to come.

According to Sarah, compared to previous Hallohallo-led events, the registration was smooth. The students who came were provided food, there were no major hiccups on the registration, and the attendees were treated with the standees of the MNL48 members. I saw some pictures of fans with the standees of their oshimen. But the area was probably tightly guarded because I haven’t heard of any of the standees being taken. Not yet, anyway.

The weather cooperated last Saturday, which is good, although I can imagine that the heat of the sun was becoming a bit unbearable at around 11am (it was pretty hot where I am that day). I was told the event area was large, although since I wasn’t there, I can’t really say. I do know that they expected thousands of attendees representing various schools. MNL48’s fans were also welcome to come to the event and I think they understood that this isn’t an MNL48 event. I hope they still enjoyed it, regardless.

The MNL48 Overture was played for the first time in public, and I’m sure the fans who didn’t come to the seitansai were thrilled at finally hearing it. The group performed the three songs in their debut album, namely “Aitakatta-Gustong Makita“, “Talulot ng Sakura” – whose Music Video was unveiled later that day, and “Umiindak na Saya“. MNL48’s performances are starting to be rather predictable affairs but that’s to be expected since they’ve officially released only three songs. Although, as any fan who went to the first Fan Meet could attest, they still have one “surprise” up their sleeves. *cough*Heavy Rotation*cough*

After the performance, the staff graciously gave Back2gaming.com the opportunity to ask a question to the group. The Center girl Sheki and Group Captain Alice were assigned to answer for the rest. Here is the video, although you’d have to crank the volume up to hear them.

The group’s activities continued long after the charity event. Despite just having released their debut album, the girls had a Music Video shoot for what we assume to be their next single!

I was really surprised that such an important shoot would be done immediately after a public event when fans are known to linger around for hours. As expected, the news spread in no time. I’d have to admit that I was able to see a video clip of the shoot, as well as the numerous pictures and other scraps of info that have been popping up all over the internet. But as the single has yet to be announced, and no official information has been released, we at Back2gaming.com has decided to keep mum on anything we know about it.

We do want to show something to hype up the fans, and we do want to share news, images and pictures to the MNL48 fandom. But we’re also not going to cross the line in trying to get good footage. There are a lot of “no cameras allowed” situations when it comes to idols especially the 48 Groups, and we’ve been covering MNL48 long enough to understand that “no” means “NO“.

What I can say though, is that my initial impression of the song is positive. It certainly retains the upbeat, easy-to-get-into quality of the original. Of course I would have to hear a proper version of it, but it’s shaping up to be a really solid single and I do hope that the MV will do it justice.

The MV of “Talulot ng Sakura” also dropped that day. Released in MYX and uploaded in You Tube, the MV featured two locations: La Mesa Eco-park, and Movie Stars Cafe. There was no filter this time, and we can see the girls clearly. They are wearing new uniforms which I am told, closely resemble JKT48’s unform. MNL48 has closely followed early AKB48’s aesthetics, and it’s probably what I expected from a team that includes Shinobu-san who designed AKB48’s uniforms throughout the years.

Unlike most idol MVs, “Talulot ng Sakura” does not seem to have a story. I am personally not really into the story in any MV (I mostly ignore them), and this one looks like your classic ’90s boyband MV that features at least two locations, a group dance shot, a close-up shot, and everything in between. Not that I am complaining, since the lack of a filter is itself an upgrade. But I’ve seen this talked about in online forums that I feel that it is worth a mention here.

I like the new uniform, although it does look a bit dated for some reason. I guess maybe because it has been used by AKB48 and its sister groups a lot already? I couldn’t say.

MNL48 is really amping up their activities, and fans are really excited at the steady influx of events and new merchandise. The handshake event is slated for November, and that in itself is a major undertaking for the girls not only because it is their first time, but because they will be undertaking another one of AKB48’s traditions. Hopefully things go smoothly with the registration this time (You pulled it off on the Philippine Children’s Summit, HHE. We know you can do it!), and on future events.

I’m going to end this write-up by talking about what I feel is the significance of last Saturday’s activities. The Philippine Children’s Summit is an HHE production (being the ‘entertainment’ part of Hallo Hallo Alliance), and the presence of Movie Stars Cafe artists and MNL48 being literally getting top-billing all attest to that.

It is not an MNL48 event by any means, despite the standees that looked like sentinels keeping watch on the way to the event grounds. It was about the children, the students, and the donations and inspirational talk given to them. However, in the end, the event is far more significant out of all the things the group has done so far.

It is the first event where they performed to a very large audience. Sure, the students did not go to the event specifically for them, and many are either skeptical or even dismissive of MNL48. I would dare say that only a few of those students even listened to, much less care about, Japanese-concept idols. But the fact that MNL48 performed to a very large crowd and was exposed to a lot of people can’t be ignored.

The true impact of their performance will not be felt in the immediate future, but performing in front of as much people as possible has been the dream (or should be, anyway) of any performer from any genre. Even if MNL48 managed to attract less than a quarter of the total number of attendees, that is still a number of new fans who will hopefully follow the group.





In my desire to see the group succeed quickly, I sometimes forget that there are things you can’t do anything much about except to work hard and invest in the long-term future. The first step to becoming a fan is “knowing” about the group, it’s members and music. The second is growing fond of them. The third is the conscious decision of becoming a fan. Finally, the fourth step is deciding that being their fan is what you want. It was quick for many fans but to others, it is a long process.

Many people “knew” MNL48 that day. My hope is that in the days to come, they will want to know more.