MANILA — Before MNL48 rose to prominence as one of the Philippines’ most recognizable idol groups, its first generation members underwent a large scale televised selection process through ABS-CBN and the network’s long running noontime program It’s Showtime.
The nationwide auditions began in late 2017 as part of the Philippine expansion of Japan’s iconic AKB48 franchise created by legendary producer Yasushi Akimoto. The local project was managed through a partnership between Hallohallo Entertainment and ABS-CBN, marking the first major attempt to introduce the Japanese “idols you can meet” system to mainstream Philippine entertainment.
Thousands Joined the Auditions
Aspiring Filipina idols aged 15 to 20 registered online and attended screenings nationwide, with more than 4,000 applicants participating in the search for the country’s first official AKB48 sister group.
Unlike traditional talent competitions, MNL48’s audition process emphasized fan interaction and relatability alongside singing and dancing ability. Public voting through the official MNL48 app became a major component of the selection process, allowing fans to directly influence rankings and outcomes in a format inspired by AKB48’s famous General Elections in Japan.
It’s Showtime Became the Main Stage
The Top 200 finalists were first introduced to national television audiences in January 2018 through It’s Showtime. Contestants performed AKB48 songs, joined personality showcases, and participated in elimination rounds as viewers gradually became familiar with the aspiring idols.
The televised exposure significantly boosted public interest in Japanese style idol culture in the Philippines, introducing concepts such as Senbatsu rankings, Kami 7 placements, trainee systems, and fan driven voting mechanics.
The selection process eventually narrowed down to the official first generation lineup through public voting and MNL48’s inaugural General Election.
Sheki Arzaga Named First Center Girl
On April 28, 2018, MNL48 officially revealed its first generation members during the General Election results announcement.
Sheki Arzaga emerged as the top ranked member and was named the group’s first “Center Girl,” a prestigious role in the AKB48 system typically given to the face of a song or performance.
Joining her in the “Kami 7” or Top 7 were:
- Abby Trinidad
- Sela Guia
- Tin Coloso
- Zen Inot
- Alice De Leon
- Trixie Tano
First Generation Members
The initial MNL48 lineup included 48 official members alongside Kenkyuusei or trainees.
Among the first generation members were:
Abelaine Trinidad (Abby)
Alice Margarita De Leon (Alice)
Althea Itona (Thea)
Alyssa Nicole Garcia (Alyssa)
Angelica Mae Batocael (Mae)
Aria Gilead Cariño (Aria)
Ashley Cloud Garcia (Ash)
Aubrey Binuya (Brei)
Christine Ann Coloso (Tin)
Cristine Jan Elaurza (Jan)
Dana Leanne Brual (Dana)
Daryll Matalino (Daryll)
Dian Marie Mercado (Dian)
Ella Mae Amat (Ella)
Ericka Joyce Sibug (Ecka)
Eunice Diane Santiago (Eunice)
Eunys Abad (Nice)
Faith Shanrae Santiago (Faith)
Gabrielle Skribikin (Gabb)
Guinevere Muse (Gia)
Hazel Joy Marzonia (Hazel)
Jemimah Caldejon (Jem)
Jennifer Nandy Villaruel (Jaydee)
Jessel Montaos (Essel)
Jhona Alyanah Padillo (Aly)
Kaede Ishiyama (Kay)
Khyan Jewel Cacapit (Jewel)
Kyla Angelica Marie De Catalina (Kyla)
Lara Mae Layar (Lara)
Lorraine Leigh Lacumba (Lei)
Madelaine Epilogo (Madie)
Marsela Mari Guia (Sela)
Mary Grace Buenaventura (Grace)
Necca Adelan (Necca)
Princess Labay (Cess)
Princess Erica Sanico (Erica)
Princess Rius Briquillo (Princess)
Quincy Josiah Santillan (Quincy)
Ruther Marie Lingat (Ruth)
Sayaka Awane (Sayaka)
Shaina Duran (Shaina)
Shaira Duran (Shaira)
Sharei Engbino (Sha)
Sharlene Trixie Tano (Trixie)
Shekinah Arzaga (Sheki)
Valerie Joyce Daita (Joyce)
Vanessa Yap (Van)
Zennae Inot (Zen)
Mainstreaming Idol Culture in the Philippines
The MNL48 selection process became a landmark moment in Philippine pop culture, introducing mainstream audiences to Japanese idol systems rarely seen on local television at the time.
Through ABS-CBN and It’s Showtime, viewers became familiar with concepts such as General Elections, Senbatsu formations, fan voting culture, and idol rankings. The project also helped pave the way for the growth of the local “aidoru” scene, inspiring future Filipino idol groups and expanding interest in Japanese pop culture nationwide.
Years later, the first generation era of MNL48 continues to be remembered by fans as a defining chapter in the evolution of Philippine idol entertainment.