I got into the idol fandom-loving scene due to friends who I’ve met online and in conventions. From praising the best grills of Love Live! and Idolm@ster, I was then introduced to AKB48, a Japanese idol group which they got their name from the notable Akihabara area in Tokyo. The group was founded in 2005 by renowned Japanese producer, Yasushi Akimoto.
I was one of the many that abused the repeat button on my phone’s music player to their songs Koisuru Fortune Cookie and Sugar Rush. The latter is actually part of the official soundtrack of Disney’s computer-animated film, Wreck-It Ralph.
Now, fast forward into 2016. AKS Co. LTD and HalloHallo Entertainment collaborated to produce MNL48, the 4th international sister group of AKB48. When the official announcement was released, idol fans and hopefuls were looking forward to this. It’s 2017 now—and a lot are regretting it to why this has been formed.
No Strict Protocols Followed
MNL48 has this very odd audition system. If you look at AKB48 auditions (or perhaps in any Japanese idol auditions for that matter), the process is very strict and idol hopefuls have to follow the protocols if they really want to achieve their dream. Those who audition for MNL48 don’t seem to mind these at all—it doesn’t matter to them if they have a kid, have boyfriends, or eating like 3-5 bags of potato chips every week, as long as they look pretty on camera, they can audition and make this their ticket to stardom.
Sadly as this article was written, there has been reports of pregnant girls auditioning regardless if these aren’t really allowed in AKB48 idol standards (or in any idol standard for that matter). Also, in all seriousness: Just who would upload a Snapchat-filtered selfie as their audition picture?
They Have NO IDEA WHAT THEY ARE GOING INTO
This is probably the most cringing part for me while following the MNL48 auditions—a lot of these people just don’t know what they are going into. They think it’s like similar to those reality star searches like The Voice or American Idol but it isn’t. On one thing, I really can’t blame them for that because as long as they think it’s their way to get out of poverty or getting their status up in the higher ranks, I guess these people would really do anything to grasp it.
Okay then—Heavy Rotation, anyone?
When it comes to song auditions, idol hopefuls were once not allowed to sing Japanese songs but instead strictly follow a list of specific songs approved by the production team and the partner TV network.
People Think It’s Like K-Pop
Again, for the benefit of people who have absolutely no idea about this thing, AKB48 is a JAPANESE IDOL GROUP. Those who audition but have no clue about J-Pop still swoop their way into the idol search because they assume it’s similar to K-Pop. J-pop and K-pop are completely two different things. Perhaps this might help out in a way.
Signs of Mishandling from the Partner TV Network
HalloHallo Entertainment teamed up with a popular TV network in the Philippines to bring MNL48 into national television. Surprisingly it worked. However, the network seemed have been mishandling it a bit that the hosts and the network itself “feel that they know what they are doing”.
One is that the hosts of the noontime show where the MNL48 talent search is happening have absolutely no idea what they’re doing. They just splash in some typical (mostly bland) pinoy humor to make it entertaining for viewers but this thing is making them look like awkward potatoes even more. The cringe level is so high that I had to turn off my TV.
It would have been better if the producers of MNL48 partnered up with a Media or TV company who is at least familiar with the 48 idol system or Japanese media as a whole that would collaborate better and filter those who are deserving to get on top or not. It’s really sad that the idol search is now being seen as mediocre because it’s not really handled well. Market and media research do go a long way.
Deserving Hopefuls Overshadowed
That sad moment when you realized that those who auditioned with so much idol potential are being overshadowed. People seemed to be more focused on the clueless ones which shouldn’t be at all. If only the organizers would pay more attention to the smallest of details and not focusing much on promoting the brand, the MNL48 search would have at least be a bit better. I have seen some profiles and just by their appearance and how they introduce themselves, they deserve to be in it. It just bothers me that if they don’t get enough “likes” on the site to get into the top.
There’s Still A Small Light at the End of The Tunnel
To be honest, it’s really hard for me to conclude about MNL48 considering the many loopholes and things that have been overlooked and missed. Well, there’s always a light at the end of every tunnel. There are LOTS of things to be done to make this idol search right. I do hope that the 48 chosen will be those who really deserve to be part of it and they will have their own shine similar to AKB and its other sister groups.
The question still remains: Is MNL48 an idol search gone wrong? In the eyes of those who know how everything goes, yes. To the clueless, they still have a lot to see and learn.
To end this, it’s time to spread in some good vibes with this catchy Filipino-Japanese pop song I’ve been listening to lately. I won’t say anything, just listen to the song. You’re welcome.
