When we talk about the rise of P-pop and “Filipino idol culture” in the mid-to-late 2010s, a group that may have gone over most people’s radar is MNL48, the official Philippine sister group of the best-selling, beloved Japanese idol collective AKB48. Hailed as one of the pioneers of P-pop and an OPM act that bridges the gap between local and international audiences, MNL48 have undergone changes, challenges, and everything in between.
As is common in Japanese idol culture, MNL48 evolved with multiple lineup changes, having members leave, graduate, or be dismissed. However, despite these, their longevity proved to be a testament to their adaptability.
The search for thousands of auditionees, with girls aged 15 to 20, began in early 2018 through a talent search segment on the noontime variety show It’s Showtime. Unlike other sister groups, MNL48 debuted with exactly 48 ranked members, following AKB48’s Senbatsu Sousenkyo ranking system, which happens annually. Here, the fans — now known as MNLoves — vote for their favorite members to be “chosen” as official members.
Members ranked 33 to 48 are called the Next Girls, while 17 to 32 are the Under Girls, and the Top 16 are the Senbatsu. The Top 7, also known as the Kami 7, are the elite members who perform globally with AKB48 and would also go on to receive special training and endorsements. Lastly, the Center Girl is the top-ranked member and the face of MNL48. April 28, 2018 marked MNL48’s official debut on It’s Showtime, announcing the Top 48 ranked members with Shekinah Arzaga as the group’s first-ever Center Girl.
MNL48 released the music video for their single, “Aitakatta – Gustong Makita,” under ABS-CBN’s Star Music label in August 2018. A month later, on September 14, 2018, they released their debut EP Aitakatta on September 28. In November, they released their second single, “Pag-ibig Fortune Cookie.” Before the end of the year on December 23, the group had their first mini-concert at Movie Stars Cafe in Quezon City.
MNL48 started 2019 with a bang, joining their sister groups at the AKB48 Group Asia Festival in Impact Arena in Bangkok, Thailand. The group’s Second Generation began in February and March, with 20 new members being selected. In March, they released a third single, “365 Araw ng Eroplanong Papel,” and held their sold-out concert, MNL48 First Generation: Living the Dream the Concert, at New Frontier Theater in April.
With the COVID-19 pandemic, 2020 proved to be a challenging year for MNL48. Early in the year, auditions for the group’s Third Generation were held, alongside the introduction of a new promotion-demotion system, which replaced the forced graduations format. In December 2021, for the first time in a while, they held an on-site event, the MNL48 Mini Handshake Event, at Novotel in Quezon City.
As COVID-19 restrictions eased, 2022 became a “comeback” year for live events. In April, MNL48 released their seventh single, “No Way Man,” a Tagalog version of AKB48’s song. Later on, they joined the first Pinoy Pop Convention (PPOPCON) in July at the New Frontier Theater and Smart Araneta Coliseum, performing alongside SB19, BINI, BGYO, Alamat, Press Hit Play, and 4th Impact.
2025 is set to be a period of growth and rebirth for MNL48. With over 100 members having come and gone since their debut, the group shows no signs of slowing down. As they march toward a new era and vision, April 2025 saw the launch of MNL48 Inc., a new company based in Japan and the Philippines under LiveBuzz Productions, marking the end of their partnership with Hallo Hallo Entertainment.
The highly anticipated comeback, Reboot & Rise 2025, took place on April 27 at SM City North Edsa. It served as a mini-festival celebration and send-off to the graduating members. In preparation for the next generation of idols, MNL48 have opened auditions this year, which began on May 5.
Despite the challenges they’ve faced, MNL48 remain determined to start fresh and move forward with their Fifth Generation. As they continue to evolve, the group’s journey reflects their commitment to growth and their promise to showcase Filipino talent on a global stage, ushering in an exciting new chapter for both the group and their fans.
A version of this story originally appeared on Billboard Philippines’ June 2025 Issue.