It was a heartbreaking moment for fans and supporters of MNL48 after the P-pop girl group announced that it will officially conclude its activities by the end of May 2026.
Following the announcement released by its agency, P.O.S Inc., on Wednesday, May 20, fans took to social media to express sadness and gratitude for the group that became one of the pioneering acts of P-pop in the country.
“Thank you MNL48 for being one of the pioneers of PPOP 🫶 You will be missed but your contributions, like this iconic PPOP anthem, will never be forgotten!!!,” a netizen said on X
Another netizen described the group as a trailblazer in the local idol scene, saying: “MNL48 was there when BINI was just starting. A trailblazer and a pioneer for P-POP girl groups. An end of an era that bridged generations today with a bevy of GGs in PH debuting, rising, blooming and thriving. 2,3 thank you po! Walang hanggang pasasalamat!🥹🌺.”
Some fans also reflected on the group’s resilience through the years despite facing challenges: “with mnl48’s circumstances, they had an AMAZING RUN. if any other group had experienced what they’ve been through bibigay agad. but they really gave it their all from first to fifth gen. u can never take that away from mnl48, they’ll always be a star..”
On Facebook, longtime fans recalled how the group became part of their personal memories through the years.
“I remember having MNL48 songs on my playlist while doing my college thesis. That was 2020, pandemic. Sobrang malapit sa puso ko ang First Rabbit. I used to watch these girls on Showtime, medyo cringe, but I love the rawness of it. You can see their passion and bravery despite having bashers that time. Grabe . Then, I first watched them live during PPOP CON 2022 at Araneta. I flew all the way from Albay just to see them. And I never had any regrets supporting them. 💙,” a netizen shared.
Another one expressed: “Thanks you for the 8 years I enjoyed with my fave oshi's moments including generation 3! 💙 Til will meet again someday! ❤️ They also thanked every fan who has supported the group in the past years from the first to fifth generations of the girl group line up.”
In its official statement, P.O.S Inc. said the decision came after discussions regarding the sustainability of the group’s management and future operations.
“After extensive discussions with all relevant parties, P.O.S Inc. has made the difficult decision to conclude MNL48's activities as of the end of May 2026,” they said in an announcement. “Throughout its activities, MNL48 has been supported by many fans, members, staff, and all those involved.”
The company explained that despite efforts to continue supporting the group, several operational and management concerns made it difficult to sustain activities.
“However, after carefully considering the sustainability of the management structure, the future operating environment, and the various conditions necessary to continue supporting the group in a stable manner, we have come to the conclusion that it would be difficult to continue MNL48's activities going forward,” they added.
As part of its farewell, MNL48 released the music video for its hit song “Pag-ibig Fortune Cookie,” which the group described as its final work.
“This work contains our gratitude toward all the fans who have supported us, as well as the heartfelt feelings of the members themselves. We sincerely hope you will watch and enjoy it,” they said.
The group also thanked fans, members, and staff who became part of MNL48’s journey over the years: “We deeply express our heartfelt gratitude once again for all the love and support you have given to MNL48 over the years.”
Formed in 2018 through ABS-CBN and Hallohallo Entertainment, MNL48 became the first idol group of its kind in the Philippines. The sing-and-dance group was created through a televised talent search on It's Showtime and served as the Philippine sister group of AKB48.
Throughout the years, MNL48 released songs such as “Pag-ibig Fortune Cookie,” “High Tension,” “First Rabbit,” “River,” and “Ikaw Ang Melody,” helping introduce idol culture and P-pop to a wider Filipino audience.
Last year, MNL48 first announced their plans to change both its operating company name and group name in January 2026. The group added that the move is meant to open a new chapter “while cherishing the history, experiences, and strong bonds we have built together with our fans over the years.”