MNL48, an all-female singing and dance group, stated on Wednesday that they are glad of the emergence of idol groups in the Philippines.

MNL48 Sheki stated during a press conference that it was difficult for them to build their reputation in the market as they attempted to mimic the popularity of the Japanese all-girl group AKB48.

“Siguro po dahil parang we are the P-pop idol (group) here in the Philippines and as seniors, naranasan namin lahat ng mga firsts,” MNL48 Sheki stated.

“First achievements, first bashing, first lahat. And nahirapan din po kaming ma-establish ’yung group namin dito sa Pilipinas but sobra po akong naniniwala na ’yung pinaka na-contribute po namin rito sa Pilipinas is our uniqueness.”

“We were able to spread a new culture and influence them. Alam naman natin ng mga Ppop groups ngayon na nag-uusbungan na po talaga,” she said. 

“I’m very proud po na kahit papaano ang MNL48 parang nakapagbigay tayo ng help sa kanila and na-follow nila ‘yung footsteps namin … P-pop rise.”

MNL48 Sheki stated that the group was excited to share their knowledge with other P-pop groups and to watch them flourish. This weekend, MNL48 will play at the Pinoy Pop Convention (PPOPCON) among other idol groups in the country.