After weeks of intensive trainings and weekly performances on It’s Showtime, 48 aspirants have emerged the strongest to continue their journey to becoming the first generation members of the country’s first-ever all-girl idol group MNL48, the Filipino version of Japan’s highest-selling and phenomenal idol group AKB48.
After a live elimination last week that saw seven aspirants bid goodbye to the competition, 48 aspirants remain to face new challenges that will bring them closer to their ultimate dream of becoming an idol.
This week, the top 48 girls are divided into groups to perform every day on the It’s Showtime stage, try to impress the madlang people, and woo votes that will increase their individual standings.
The latest official ranking shows that Eunice of Cabanatuan is still leading for the fifth consecutive week, followed by Sheki of Quezon City, Sayaka of Legazpi City, Abby of Quezon City, Gabb of Pasig City, Tin of Iloilo, Alice of Quezon City, Trixie of Marikina. and twins Shaina and Shaira of Cainta.
The top 48 girls are fighting for a spot in the top seven, who will be flown to Japan to undergo training under AKS, the prestigious talent agency that manages AKB48. They will also be granted endorsement and recording contracts, a chance to perform with AKB48 and sister groups from Thailand, Taiwan, India, and Indonesia, and the privilege of headlining the daily performances of the group in MNL48’s exclusive theater.
Meanwhile, fans may vote again for their “oshi” or favorite on the MNL48 website (MNL48.ph) and mobile app, where the highest to the bottom ranking applicants and their update videos are displayed.