Alternate Title: MNL48 - The Ever-Sparkling Diamond
The sixth official installment of the MNL48 - Manuel Novicio Lacuesta University high school series, it is a P-Pop-themed adventure drama novel loosely based on the MNL48 documentary film by Carlo Francisco Manatad (director of 2021 Locarno Film Festival entry Kun Maupay Man It Panahon). The story follows the adventures of ordinary students-turned-idols as they join an idol group called MNL48 (Manila Forty-Eight) and embark in a world of culture to realize the aspirations of modern P-Pop idols.
The story is written in partnership with Anvil Publishing, ABS-CBN Star Magic and HalloHallo Entertainment with additional support from ShowBT, 1Z Entertainment, FirstOne, Cornerstone, GMA Music, Evosound, VIVA Records, MLD Entertainment and Kamp Korea. The story will feature an original soundtrack composed and performed by the main characters. It will also include songs from various P-Pop groups such as SB19, BGYO, BINI, ALAMAT, Press Hit Play, VXON, KAIA and HORI7ON.
ICYMI is formally launched to celebrate the 5th anniversary of P-Pop girl group MNL48 (sister group of Japanese idol group AKB48).
NO. OF CHAPTERS: 50 (+ 5 special episodes)
START DATE: February 15, 2023
END DATE: September 25, 2024
DURATION:; 1 year, 7 months
"There I was again tonight
Forcing laughter, faking smiles
Same old tired, lonely place
Walls of insincerity, shifting eyes and vacancy
Vanished when I saw your face
All I can say is, it was enchanting to meet you
Your eyes whispered, "Have we met?"
'Cross the room your silhouette
Starts to make its way to me
The playful conversation starts
Counter all your quick remarks
Like passing notes in secrecy
• • •
This is me praying that
This was the very first page
Not where the story line ends
My thoughts will echo your name, until I see you again
These are the words I held back, as I was leaving too soon
I was enchanted to meet you
Please don't be in love with someone else
Please don't have somebody waiting on you"
- Enchanted | Taylor Swift
* * *
Serendipity,
A dating programme that allows participants to be acquainted with each other to find their partners for 30 days. Some participants may succeed but some don't.
Kim Jibeom,
A single father who raised his daughter alone joining a dating programme "Serendipity" to find his soulmate.
Jibeom at first was not interested to join the programme but he changed his mind after some influences from his colleagues and family members.
Real characters involved :
• Kim Jibeom of Golden Child
• Bong Jaehyun of Golden Child
• Kim Donghyun of Golden Child
• Hong Joochan of Golden Child
• Choi Bomin of Golden Child
• Choi Sungyoon (Y) of Golden Child
• Lee Daeyeol of Golden Child
• Seo Yunkyoung of Rocket Punch
Real characters but names changed :
• Kim Jiyeon (Kei) of Lovelyz
• Kim Yeonhee of Rocket Punch
• Kim Suyun of Rocket Punch
• Kim Sohee of Rocket Punch
• Han Sabin (Han Sukjoon's daughter)
Inspired by "Picka : 30 Days to Love"
START : AUGUST 12, 2023.
END : MARCH 14, 2024.