H!P fans represent!

As much as I want to establish a humble Hello! Project group to combat the evil that is K-pop and promote authentic and top quality idol stuff from the country that gave birth to it all, I really think such effort would be futile.

Of PinoyCosplay's 3,000 average daily visitors, I'd be surprised if even a hundred listen to H!P. Less than half are gonna be fans, while short of a quarter would be hardcore wota (in an ideal world). On Facebook, the Philippine H!P pages are practically dead. I only know a couple of forums with a handful of active Pinoy H!P enthusiasts.

It was better a few years back when H!P was so hot Berryz Kobo was to Thailand as Starcraft is still to South Korea. I don't know how the local scene looked like during Morning Musume's golden era, but when the H!P Kids came around a lot of Filipinos with a thing for Japanese stuff were watching.

Following the decline of H!P in its own mainland after the departure of several big stars and the disbandment of the Elder Club, H!P groups are struggling to maintain their audience.

Tsunku seems to be banking heavily on S/mileage and he probably has plans for Morning Musume's transformation now that the girl band's roster will see changes after a solid three year-run.

However, C-ute is down to five members and there's nothing really new going on with Berryz Kobo. Buono!'s future is still uncertain now that Shugo Chara is off air. No one really cares about Erina Mano and she should die in a fire, seriously.

Despite H!P's waning popularity, though, it's still the epitome of idols for many. Its golden eggs (not referring to the Eggs) are reaching maturity and the likes of Airi Suzuki can only get bigger. S/mileage is doing really well and the next search for a new Morning Musume member could bring another Maki Goto or Mikkity. In short, Hello! Project is here to stay.

For now, let's try a little head count. If you're a fan of H!P, say it here and post a link to your favorite H!P performance or video or something. You can also e-mail me about your desire to be a part of a H!P PH group.

Spread the H!P love and show those plastic doll K-pop bitches who the real idols are!