International girl group Quadlips is proving that diversity is their strongest asset.
During a press conference held on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Seda Vertis North, the four-member sub-unit proudly highlighted how their different cultural backgrounds shape their identity as a group.
Composed of Feni Fitriyanti from JKT48 (Indonesia), Aoumi Hinano or Hina from SKE48 (Japan), Ashley Nicole Tanael Somera or Cole from MNL48 (Philippines), and Nunthapak Kittirattanaviwat or Fame from BNK48 (Thailand), Quadlips is the first global sub-unit under the legendary AKB48 and its sister groups.
Cole, the lone Filipina member, shared how this multicultural setup makes Quadlips unique: “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 handpicked from their original 48 groups and underwent nearly two years of rigorous training before debuting.
Cole recalled her challenging training days in Thailand: “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.”
With members hailing from four different nations, communication often posed a challenge. Still, the group sees this as an opportunity to grow.
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 English remains their primary language, occasional miscommunication is inevitable.
“There will be times there will be miscommunication… It’s inevitable, but it’s what makes us unique. It’s what makes Quadlips, Quadlips.”
The members also shared cultural differences that led to amusing experiences. Fame described how Thais tend to follow schedules right on the dot, while Hani noted that Japanese culture emphasizes arriving well before the set time.
Hani recalled feeling out of place during one of their early training sessions: “That time, you guys [the members] don’t come. And teacher also. Thai teacher also don’t come, so I’m worried. [I thought], ‘Don’t have training today? I have mistake?’ So I’m so very worried. I cannot forget about that.”
Formed in Bangkok, Quadlips debuted on March 11, 2024, with their English single ‘Catch Me Kiss Me.’ Known for blending hip-hop and R&B, the group sings mainly in English, making their music accessible to global audiences.
Their discography includes ‘Over Drive,’ ‘Checklist,’ ‘Lipstick,’ ‘Wings Grow Back,’ and their latest single, ‘IDGA.’ (with reports from Loyd Pino)
