Mixed nationality girl group Quadlips is now making waves across Asia, including in the Philippines.
This four-member group—composed of Feni Feni Fitriyanti from JKT48 (Indonesia) taking the lead, alongside Aoumi Hinano, known as Hina, from SKE48 (Japan), Ashley Nicole Tanael Somera, or Cole, from MNL48 (Philippines), and Nunthapak Kittirattanaviwat, or Fame, from BNK48 (Thailand)—is pioneering as the first global sub-unit of the acclaimed Japanese idol group AKB48 and its 48 Group systems.
Founded in Bangkok, Thailand, Quadlips debuted on March 11, 2024, with their English digital single “Catch Me Kiss Me.”
Their music, known for its distinctive fusion of hip-hop and R&B, is primarily in English.
Since their debut, Quadlips has released several singles, including “Over Drive,” “Checklist,” “Lipstick,” “Wings Grow Back," and their latest song "IDGA."
PEP.ph (Philippine Entertainment Portal) and other members of the local press learned more about the group during their press conference on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Seda Vertist North in Quezon City.
At the event, the Quadlips members expressed that they truly feel the weight of being the inaugural sub-unit of AKB48 while also representing its sister groups on an international platform.
Feni expressed, "We really understand that we will present as Quadlips. We are, JKT48, SKE48, MNL48, and BNK48.
"But here, we are still 48 crew members, but we are Quadlips... The pressure [keeps] going. They will not be leaving, but we should do our best here.
"So when we come back to our crew, we can have something to tell everyone that Quadlips is really amazing."
Building on Feni's statement, Cole acknowledges, "We are very aware of the legacy of AKB48."
She further explains that their goal is to bring something fresh and distinct from the 48 Groups, adding, "AKB48 has its own charms and own genre. And we're here to give that edgy pop, girly pop vibe."
Feni continued, "It's different vibes within our 48 crew character. But in Quadlips, we can explore more like hip-hop songs, swag songs, sexy songs, or R&B songs, something like that.
"But it's really amazing for me joining Quadlips because I can try everything here."
THE MAKING OF QUADLIPS
Quadlips proudly embraces its diverse background, with each member originating from a different country.
Cole sees this diversity as one of the group's key strengths.
She remarked, "I feel like Quadlips is very diverse po, and since we're from different backgrounds, it serves as our identity as Quadlips."
Each member was carefully selected for the sub-unit project from their respective 48 groups.
Despite their prior involvement in a 48 group, the members revealed that they underwent nearly two years of intensive group training.
Recalling her training experience in Thailand, Cole shared one of the challenges she faced during this period.
She said, "It feels very heartwarming, actually, that the first time I went to Thailand, to be honest, was really difficult for me.
"Because, you know, us Filipinos are very family-oriented. So, it was a big adjustment for me in Thailand that we stayed there for... almost two years.
"With only the support from the management and the girls. So, I'm very grateful that they're very kind and very understanding also.
"And very strict when it comes to Quadlips. And when it comes to me, they're very caring."
During this time, the group naturally encountered various pros and cons of being in a multi-cultural group, especially regarding language.
Feni explained, "We can learn our cultures. We try to speak Thai, we try to learn Tagalog, and we try to speak Taiwanese, and also we try to speak Indonesian."
Cole added that while they all communicate in English, they still face occasional miscommunications.
Cole told the press, "There will be times there will be miscommunication... It's inevitable, but it's what makes us unique. It's what makes Quadlips, Quadlips."
Another culture shock some of the girls faced was the Japanese emphasis on punctuality.
Fame shared her experience: "In Thailand, when we have a meeting or when we have a schedule, right? If the time is like, 'You have to meet us at 4 P.M.'
"So, Thai people are going to be, 'Okay, 4 P.M. I will go 4 P.M. or 4 one minute P.M."
Hani added, "But in Japan, Japanese culture, it has to be like, prepare 15 minutes, 10 minutes, or 5 minutes. And before 5 minutes, 5 to 10 minutes."
Having grown accustomed to Japan's strict approach to time, Hani recalled their first training session where she arrived early, only to find that her fellow members and even their Thai instructor arrived exactly on time.
Hani shared, "That time, you guys [the members] don't come. And teacher also. Thai teacher. Thai practice teacher also don't come, so I'm worried.
"[I was like], 'Don't have [training] today? I have mistake?' So I'm so very worried. I cannot forget about that."
QUADLIPS' NEW SONG: "IDGA"
The group also presented their new song, "IDGA," at the press conference.
Cole remarked that the song stands apart from their previous releases, emphasizing it as a "breakup anthem."
She said, "The music is really different from 'Wings Grow Back' because our next song is more school vibes.
"More playful, more charming, a little bit more fun than 'Wings Grow Back.'
"'Wings Grow Back' has more emotional meaning, like metaphorical meaning po siya."
Feni added, "It's girl talk. And like, maybe if you guys have partner, like boyfriend or girlfriend, and sometimes you have different mind, and you guys like, how to say it?
"And you guys break up."
As the leader of Quadlips, Feni has played an active role in the production of their songs, contributing to the concept, costume design, and choreography.
She expressed her gratitude to their management company, A-Nexus and CREAT8 Stories Inc., for trusting her with such a significant role.
Feni shared, "I'm trying to get involved with it and become the senior there. I have a lot of time with the management and sharing my idea there.
"But, when I'm trying projects, I'm really happy because the management is really open with my ideas, like, 'How about this one? How about this one?'
"And they're really open about that. I'm really happy.
"So, when the management asked me, 'Maybe you want to make a concept for our new music?' And I said, of course, yes."
She added, "Because I like to do fashion and I like to make something, how to say..? Like, graphic for the concept for the music video.
"And this is really, really important experience for me because the girls really help me. Like, they really support me.
"So, I'm really thankful for my management, my members and the girls, and everyone who supports me. It's really big, big experience that I cannot, I cannot forget about this."
When asked which P-Pop or OPM artist they would like to collaborate with in the future, Fame promptly answered, "SB19!"
She elaborated, "I really admire how they perform—it's so amazing and cool!"
Cole chimed in, "I feel like our vibe and genre are quite similar."
QUADLIPS: GRATEFUL FOR SUPPORT
Of course, the group conveyed a heartfelt message of gratitude to those who have supported them from the beginning, as well as to new listeners discovering their music.
Fame stated, "Thank you for supporting us from the start until right now...
"And we hope we're gonna make like a lot of memories and you will remember our moment for a long time when you come to meet Quadlips."
Cole said, "For me, I want to tell the fans that we wouldn't be here if it weren't for your support.
"Thank you very much po for everyone who's been supporting us from the start and to everyone who's been who's already discovering us.
"We hope that we make more memories with you guys and see you guys very, very soon."
Hani expressed, "We are happy to be back in the Philippines, and we cannot wait to meet the Filipino fans, and we want to perform a lot on the stage. Mahal kita."
Meanwhile, Feni shared, "For me, I'm really excited to meet the people at the Philippines because we will perform with our hearts, of course...
"And we're excited to meet all of the fans and face-to-face, and I want to really know more about Philippine people, so I can't wait to work here."
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