Get To Know Quadlips: The First Global Girl Group Of AKB48 And Their Journey So Far

If there’s one thing you need to know about AKB48 and its sister groups throughout Asia, it’s that each one of them wave the banner of their culture loud and proud. This is what has shaped their identity since AKB48 formation in the early 2000s, from the sister groups in Japan to those spreading their cheer and music throughout the rest of Asia.

Serving as AKB48’s first global unit, Quadlips is the embodiment of what everything the AKB48 groups have always represented, with its members — leader Feni from JKT48 (Jakarta, Indonesia), Hina from SKE48 (Sakae, Nagoya, Japan), Cole from MNL48 (Manila, The Philippines), and Fame from BNK48 (Bangkok, Thailand) — taking their unique individual cultural identities to the rest of the world together. Since their debut in early 2024, the quartet have made waves across Asia, backed by the support of their respective established fanbases, while gaining more and more new listeners along the way.

From new releases like “Wings Grow Back” and “IDGA” to holding fanmeetings across the region, Quadlips continue to take on 2025 and making it their year, with no plans of slowing down.

With this, Billboard Philippines caught up with Feni, Hina, Cole, and Fame, to talk about their journey together so far, fun facts about themselves, their future plans and more.

Billboard Philippines: It’s been more than a year since Quadlips made its official debut. Looking back as a group, how would you describe your journey so far?

Cole: I feel like it’s really been a whirlwind. We’ve had so many unforgettable moments together and we grew together a lot. We’ve been on a lot of international stages, we’ve held fanmeeting in, like, Japan and Indonesia, and we’ve performed a lot in Thailand. Most of all, even if we’re nervous when we perform, the energy from our fans makes everything worth it.  

During that time, you’ve performed in multiple countries across Asia, met many of your fans, and had a lot of experiences together. For each member of the group, what would you say has been your favorite moment so far since your debut?

Feni: I have a lot but maybe going to other countries for our fan meetings? Those are the best memories of my life because, you know, working in another country is not easy. You need to prepare your mind, your body, your everything. It’s difficult but I’m really proud of our members because they can do it and I’m really thankful for our fans everywhere!

Hina: I also have a lot of good moments but, for me, probably performing at the SKE48 theater. It’s my best moment because I could finally Quadlips to [SKE48] fans for the first time. Since our debut, they had been waiting for me to bring Quadlips to Japan so it’s something I won’t forget!

Fame: For me, it was when we went to perform at Nippon Haku in Thailand. That time, we had a lot of fans that had always just watched us online. But this time, they came to meet us, so that moment, before we went on stage, they were like, “Quadlips! Quadlips! Quadlips!” At that moment, I felt so happy!

Cole: One of my most memorable moments was in Thailand during the Songkran Festival. It was a water festival and we got to perform on a big stage and I really had fun because we got to be silly while we were performing. It was chaotic but we had so much fun!

Since your debut, you’ve released a number of singles already.

For those who have yet to discover QUADLIPS and your music, if each member were to recommend one of your songs for them to listen to, which would it be and why?

Feni: For me, the easy listening one, “Overdrive”! For the people who don’t follow Quadlips yet, this song can be very calming, so I want to recommend it!

Cole: I’ll recommend “Lip Gloss.” It’s bubblegum pop and just a really really cute song!

Fame: For me, I will recommend “CHECKLIST” because it has a lot of cool parts from each member. It’s just catchy and fun!

Hina: For me, “Wings Grow Back” because the dance is fun and easy to follow and we want everyone to try the dance together.

In order to get to know you even better, for each member, what is one fun fact about yourself that your fans probably don’t know about yet?

Feni: Oh my, I think my fans know everything already because I tell them everything since I joined JKT48 since I was 11 years old. But maybe for those who don’t know me yet, I’m an introverted person! The first time you meet me, you’ll probably not see that I’m an introverted person and say that I’m an extrovert.  But in between our work and schedule, I need to recharge myself and go to a silent room and read a book.

Fame: For me, I think our Thai fans know about this already, but for those who don’t I have a lot of hair extensions! It’s my beauty secret! Some people wonder why I sometimes have long hair or other times have short hair. So yeah, that’s my secret. (Chuckles)

Hina: Maybe, for me, when I’m alone in our room, I can go a day and not eat. I don’t know why but I just don’t get hungry. It’s because I love eating together! I don’t recommend it but when I’m staying somewhere alone, I just don’t get hungry!

Cole: For me, I feel like not everybody knows, but I can play a lot of instruments. I can play the guitar, the drums, the keyboards, a little bit of the bass, and I can sing!

As a group, what is one goal Quadlips want to achieve together before or for your second anniversary next year?

Fame: For me, I want to have a fanmeeting in Thailand and I wish one of our songs will go viral!

Hina: For me, I hope Quadlips can have a fanmeeting in the Philippines! 

Feni: For me, I want to hold a concert for our second anniversary!

Cole: Same! And for us to make more memories as a group!

Speaking of your fans, you have a lot of them here in the Philippines who are excited to meet and watch you perform again. What message do you have for them?

Fame: I’ll say something in Tagalog! Mahalaga kayo sa akin (You’re important to me)! Thank you for your support and see you soon! Excited na ako (I’m excited)!

Cole: For all our Filipino fans, thank you so so much po. All your love, your messages, and your cheers really mean a lot to us. You’ve kept us going through even the hardest days. You inspire us to keep going and growing so we will always give our best in everything we do. We can’t wait to see you guys again! Please know na mahal namin kayo (that we love you)!

Feni: Please stay safe and healthy! Take care always!

Hina: I hope that we can make many more memories with you. Salamat po (Thank you)!

Finally, what else can we expect from Quadlips this 2025?

Feni: We can’t say it yet but we’re planning a big surprise for you guys! It’s something that will make you happy so please, keep supporting us and we will see you soon!

Listen to Quadlips’ music below: