HAKO- OSHI
"Refers to a fan who supports an entire group rather than a single oshimen from that group."
WHAT IS MNL48?
PPOP X JPOP
MNL48, named after Manila the capital of the Philippines, is an all-girl sing-and-dance group produced by Akimoto Yasushi, aging 15-20 years old (average age of 16.69) with 48 members and trainees. The group is the Filipino version and the newest sister-group of the highest-selling J-pop phenomenon, AKB48, which started in Japan in 2006 and now has franchise all over Asia, including BNK48 (Bangkok), JKT48 (Jakarta) and SGO48 (Saigon), among others.
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MNL48 is the only sister group that debuted with exactly 48 members and unlike other sister groups, the search for the official members of MNL48 was televised and the ranking of the aspirants were based from the votes/likes they earned through MNL48 Plus mobile app.
The common misconception here in the Philippines is that they are imitating K-pop or Korean idol groups and a ripoff of AKB48, but in fact, they are an official sister group of AKB48 and using the AKB48 or 48G system. You can check the "48 Group" tab to see the difference between Korean idol groups and Japanese idol groups.
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Currently they are performing Filipino versions of AKB48's songs and all their songs are under Star Music which is owned and operated by media conglomerate ABS-CBN.
Are their songs still can be considered as OPM?
Well based on KBP Broadcast Code of the Philippines 2007 (as amended 2011), "Any music which is composed, performed, adapted, translated, or arranged by a Filipino – including adaptations and translations into Pilipino or a Philippine dialect of foreign works – shall be considered an OPM for the purpose of complying with this requirement. The term Filipino shall refer to a Filipino citizen or anyone of Filipino descent."
Why are the translations are a bit not natural for Filipino Audience?
Their localization or translation process were not revealed however former member Ash, revealed on her KUMU live that all the English words in the translation should be kept and the final version will be approved by AKS. So we think it is safe to say that AKS have something to do with the translation.
Why is the syllabication and pronunciation are so weird?
That is because they need to sing like how it was sang in the original Japanese track (AKB48), even the pitch of their song needs to be on point. MNL48 Sheki explained this in one of her FB live. Unfortunately, we can no longer find the recorded version of her live.
Are they lip syncing when they perform?
No, they sing live with backtrack in the background. You can find several videos where you can clearly hear them sing live during their performances.
Are they still studying or did they stop going to school?
They value education (which makes them a good role model) so they continued their study even though they have a very hectic schedules. Some are already in college.
HISTORY
Short version
MNL48 officially started when HHE sealed and announced its partnership with Philippines’ leading TV network, ABS-CBN on September 21, 2017. The two entertainment outfits co-produced the MNL48 talent search which started airing on January 20, 2018 on the network’s top-rating noontime show, It’s Showtime.
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The biggest search for the newest idol group in the country kicked off on October 14, 2017 when it roamed around Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao for its Nationwide Registration and Audition Tour and had its Grand Registration and Audition last December 2 and 3 at ABS CBN Compound to cap off its nationwide tour.
Before the reveal of the official members of MNL48, the finalists held their first Handshake event on April 22, 2018 at Trinoma Mall where more than a thousand supporters participated in the “Meet your Oshi” event.
The first ever MNL48 General Election was held at Studio 4 and Center Road in ABS-CBN on April 28, 2018. The announcement of the Senbatsu was televised live on It’s Showtime where Sheki was crowned as the Center Girl.
On June 3, 2018, the MNL48 members together with Kenkyuusei successfully held their first fan meet at Centris Elements, where they first sang the Filipino version of AKB48’s hit songs Aitakatta, Sakura no Hanabiratachi and Heavy Rotation.
Longer version
You can check this Wikipedia page (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MNL48) for the longer and detailed version of the group history.