AKB48’s Philippine sister group MNL48 performs their first three translated songs during their First Fanmeet event held last Saturday.
The songs Aitakatta, Heavy Rotation and Sakura no Hanabiratachi were translated to Filipino as per tradition of AKB48’s international sister groups. The first song Aitakatta was performed by the MNL48’s top 48 members while members of the Senbatsu did the second song Heavy Rotation. All First Members sang and danced the third and last song Sakura no Hanabiratachi.
The translation and recording of the Filipinized version was reportedly supervised by music producer and award-winning composer Jonathan Manalo. Among Manalo’s hit songs were Orange & Lemons’ Pinoy Ako, Erik Santos’ Pagbigyang Muli and Angeline Quinto’s Patuloy Ang Pangarap.
Nagustuhan niyo ba ang Aitakatta performance ng ating MNL48 First Generation idols? pic.twitter.com/GWswl3qAs2
— MNL48 Official (@mnl48official) June 3, 2018
Here’s the MNL48 Senbatsu performing the Tagalog version of Heavy Rotation for the first time. #MNL48FirstFanMeet pic.twitter.com/Rv7IfMWZqh
— MNL48 Official (@mnl48official) June 3, 2018
3rd performance of the day! Kinanta ng inyong mga Oshi ang Tagalog version ng Sakura no Hanabiratachi. #MNL48FirstFanMeet pic.twitter.com/m2jv87CLSF
— MNL48 Official (@mnl48official) June 3, 2018
After the group sang Sakura no Hanabiratachi, MNL48’s Team Captain Alice De Leon gave a short speech thanking everyone who had supported them throughout their idol journey. “Lahat ng ito ay imposible nang wala kayo… Lagi naming iniisip kung paano namin kayo mapapasaya,” she said.
The First Fanmeet happened on June 3 at The Elements @ Centris in Quezon City.
Edit: Added more information about the performance
