ICYMI: A History of the First Generation

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