J-pop is determined to give K-pop stiff competition in the country.
A Tokyo-based company is currently on the lookout for “fresh talents” that will form the first batch of MNL48.
“We’re looking for young, gifted female artists, with the right attitude and leadership qualities and the vision to be part of an international group,” said Paulo Kurosawa, president of HalloHallo Entertainment.
The all-girl group of all-around performers, dubbed MNL48, will be the Philippine counterpart of a thriving Japanese pop franchise that started with AKB48.
Now, the pop phenomenon has crossed over to other Asian cities: Jakarta, Indonesia; Taipei, Taiwan; and Bangkok, Thailand. Manila is the latest city to play host to the auditions. The Tokyo-based firms HalloHallo Entertainment and AKS Co. Ltd, have teamed up with ABS-CBN for the television component of the search.
Filipino girls between 15 to 20 years old are encouraged to join the group, via an app. For further details, visit the website, mnl48.hallohallo.com
In the meantime, the MNL48 audition truck is traveling across the country. After the tryouts in Sta. Lucia East, Starmall Alabang, LRT Legarda Station, Immaculate Conception Institutions and Sta. Maria, Bulacan, additional sessions will be held at Marquee Mall, Pampanga (Oct. 28 and 29); Tutuban Mall, Divisoria, Manila (Nov. 4 and 5); Atria Mall, Iloilo (Nov. 11 and 12);
and Robinsons Galleria Cebu (Nov. 18 and 19). —BAYANI SAN DIEGO JR.