Touted the first-ever Filipina idol group, MNL48 has released its debut single “Aitakatta – Gustong Makita.”

According to 17-year-old Sheki Arazaga, the “center girl” of MNL48, the song is about doing everything to see the person one has been missing for a long time.

MNL48 was formed through the efforts of ABS-CBN and Hallohallo Entertainment. The members were carefully selected through months-long search on “It’s Showtime.”

At the recent media conference held at the spanking new Movie Stars Cafe in Quezon City, the girl group also gave a sneak peek of their song’s music video shot in Intramuros and Manila Bay. Actually, it was inspired by the original music video of AKB48’s “Aitakatta – Gustong Makita.”

The MNL48 project was announced in March 2016, then auditions started last December. It is one of the newest AKB48 sister groups outside of Japan after existing units in Thailand, Indonesia and Taiwan.

Prior to the formation of the group, some 4,143 aspirants from all over the Philippines auditioned. Only 48 made the cut and they’ve been put into Team M, N, and L each with 16 members.

MNL48 members are Sheki, Abby, Sela, Tin, Zen, Alice, Trixie, Ella, Ash, Gabb, Jem, Sayaka, Faith, Lara, Grace, Quincy, Alyssa, Erica, Nice, Joyce, Kyla, Dian, Belle, Jan, Dana, Aly, Mari, Gia, Daryll, Van, Essel, Jaydee, Shaina, Kay, Ruth, Sha, Shaira, Brei, Lei, Jewel, Hazel, Necca, Mae, Ecka, Thea, Princess, Madie, and Cess.

It was April this year when the girls started their journey as an idol group. Before launching their first single, it was announced that MNL48 First Generation will be performing daily at their very own MNL48 Theater; and will have their international training under AKS, the prestigious talent management of AKB48. They will also be the first Filipino endorsers of Tokyo Girls Collection soon to open in the Philippines.

The girls live together along with their governesses and drivers. Even if they don’t have any projects, everyone gets a monthly allowance. This is their full-time job.

The ages of MNL48 members range from 15 to 20 years old. Given the chance, they would like to collaborate with Sarah Geronimo, Maja Salvador, Morissette Amon, and Darren Espanto, all “versatile” artists, they said.

MNL48 will soon embark on nationwide tour.

Aside from “Aitakatta – Gustong Makita,” MNL48’s debut album for release next year will include the tracks “Sakura No Hanabiratachi – Talulot Ng Sakura” and “Skirt Hirari – Umiindak Na Saya,” plus instrumental versions of the three songs.