Air Supply’s Graham Russell and Russell Hitchcock

With Air Supply’s five hugely successful Philippine concert tours in the past 25 years, one would think that its millions of local fans would have achieved the ultimate in musical satisfaction that another live engagement by the popular group would elicit little interest or excitement.

But Pinoy music buffs can’t seem to have enough of the celebrated soft rock duo and its captivating music that they instinctively keep clamoring for more even before the final note of its last performance has faded into memory.

Classic hits like “Here I Am,” “The One That You Love,” “Even The Nights Are Better,” “Two Less Lonely People In The World,” “Every Woman In The World” and “Now And Forever,” among many others, have proven to be attractive magnets to countless audiences who have avidly packed Air Supply’s performances here during the past two decades.

In response to insistent fans’ demand, Air Supply is coming back for the nth time to Manila to perform at a major concert on Oct. 3 at the Araneta Coliseum in Cubao, Quezon City that will highlight its 2009 five-city tour billed as “Air Supply: Now & Forever.”

The concert series to be produced by Steve O’Neal Productions will also include shows on Oct. 1 at Clark Expo in Pampanga; Oct. 2, Lagao Gym, General Santos City; Oct. 12, Koronadal City, Cotabato; and Oct. 15, Doha, Qatar.

To be featured as special guests are the phenomenal rockabilly band Bembol Rockers and the sexy girl group Posh.

Air Supply returns to the concert scene more than one year after its successful “From The Heart Tour 2008” series that featured sold-out shows at the Araneta Coliseum and four other major cities.

After achieving breakthrough performances and international exposure when it opened for Rod Stewart during his tours across Australia, America and US and Canada in the late 1970s, the band continued its rise to the top with its 1980 debut album, “Lost In Love,” which became an instant success in the US, selling over two million copies and spawning the hit singles, “Lost In Love,” “All Out Of Love” and “Every Woman In The World.”

Aside from “Lost In Love,” the succeeding albums, “The One That You Love,” “Now And Forever” and “The Greatest Hits,” accounted for sales of more than 20 million copies, while the other singles sold over 10 million copies.

In 1983, Air Supply’s stature as an enduring force in modern music was cemented when its recording of “Making Love Out Of Nothing At All” on “The Greatest Hits” album sold over seven million copies.

It was through the live performances of Air Supply, however, that it endeared itself to millions around the globe and established the band as one of the most popular singing acts of its generation.

“Air Supply: Now & Forever” is presented by Hyatt Hotel & Casino Manila, House of Obagi, ABS-CBN and RJ100 FM in cooperation with Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, American Rag, BusinessMirror, Philstar Online, Face & Figure Center Manila, Perez Optical, Hard Rock Café-Makati, R Sun, IFM, Crossover, Jack TV, ETC, 2nd Ave and Franz Burger.

Tickets to the Big Dome concert are available at Ticketnet outlets at SM Department Stores and at the Araneta Coliseum ticket office.

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In response to A ‘Heartless’ Scenario

We are printing the official statement from Butch S. Raquel, VP – Corporate Communications of GMA Network. This is in reaction to the column item we published on Sept. 8 titled “A ‘Heartless’ Scenario”:

“This is in response to your Celebrity World column in Manila Bulletin last Sept. 8 titled, “A ‘Heartless’ Scenario” where you talked about the careers of Kapuso artists Heart Evangelista and JC De Vera as having been affected by the issue between their talent manager Annabelle Rama and GMA Network’s senior vice president for Entertainment TV Wilma Galvante.

We wish to clarify that the issue between Ms. Rama and Ms. Galvante has no effect on the projects GMA Network has given or will be giving both Heart and JC. Both talents have existing contracts with the Network and the management continues to honor these contracts.

Both JC and Heart are lead stars in the on-going afternoon drama series – ‘Sine Novela Presents: Ngayon at Kailanman.’ Likewise, Heart is set to star in another primetime soap. She was supposed to work with Richard Gutierrez in ‘Patient X,’ a co-produced film with GMA Films, but she was replaced by another talent due to health reasons. JC, on the other hand, will be given another project, the details of which remains confidential at the moment.

We would also like to point out that GMA Network is not conducting an investigation of the controversy between Ms. Rama and Ms. Galvante. The reason for this is that the issues involved are the same issues raised in the complaints the parties had brought against each other before the court (filed by Ms. Galvante) and before the prosecutor’s office (filed by Ms. Rama). Conducting our own investigation will require us to resolve the same factual allegations which the court and the prosecutor are also going to hear and rule upon. The Network believes that the ascertainment of the truth of these allegations is better done in a court of law or in the preliminary investigation before the prosecutor.

GMA Network, likewise, does not tolerate “conflict of interest.” We have a policy which disallows the solicitation of gifts for favors. This policy covers all employees of the Network.

We hope this clarifies the issues you wrote about. Thank you and more power.”

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TV Host Marc Cubales features the Wawa Dam in ‘Biyaheng Bulilit’

TV Host Marc Cubales welcomes televiewers to the historical Wawa Dam of San Mateo Rizal. For the initial episode of the travel show “Biyaheng Bulilit” on Channel 5, Marc will feature the majestic site nestled at the foot of the Sierra Madre mountain.

The historical site is a haven for hikers, photographers, trekkers, mountaineers and cave explorers. Surrounded by picnic huts, trekkers can also refresh their adventure by enjoying a short swim.

According to Philippine Mythology, Bernardo Carpio was trapped between two rocks in the Wawa Dam. The rocks are said to bear imprints of the mythical hero’s hands and feet. The place is filled with mystic. Flanked by limestone walls, the quiet river is truly a tranquil scene that have lured outdoor sports lovers of all ages.

The dam was constructed in 1909 by the Americans as a reservoir and pumping facility. Unfortunately it turned into a battlefield during the Japanese occupation. A marker was placed in honor of the brave men who died during the war.

San Mateo holds a special place in the heart of TV host Marc Cubales. Aside from featuring the mythical site, Marc has spearheaded several projects in Montalban. He organized a feeding program for the less fortunate children of Manggahan Elementary School and also financed the concrete classrooms in Wawa Elementary School. To enhance the peace and order in the community he also donated a multi-cab vehicle and a telephone line for the Montalban Police Headquarters.

“I was surprised when I saw the classrooms in Wawa. How can they hold classes here, it didn’t even have walls? ” Marc said.

The entrepreneur turned television host shuttles between Manila and UK, depending on his work schedule. Marc’s first taste of the stage lights came in 2003, when he worked as a model, for several fashion labels. From mall shows, he was eventually tapped to do ramp shows for famous designers.

By stroke of luck he was spotted by a representative from a UK-based modeling agency. Before he knew it Marc was in UK doing print ads for several English clothing labels. “One of them is Top Man, the others are not very popular here. I do a lot of print ads.”

Marc is based in Manchester where he also runs a real estate company. “ I travel all the time because of my business. I go to Thailand, Cambodia, Bangkok, Hong Kong and of course in Manila. ”

During a vacation in Manila many years ago, he decided to take part in an acting workshop in order to enrich his performing skills. The experience earned him a couple of hosting stints. He recently hosted “Everybody Can Cook” with Yachang on Studio 23. He is also one of the hosts of a new travel show on Channel 5 called “Biyaheng Bulilit.”

For now Marc is enjoying the best of UK and Manila. He returns to Manchester in a few weeks hopefully for more modeling assignments. Occasionally he accepts soap opera bit roles in UK’s Channel 4, “Just For The Fun Of It.”

But don’t be surprised to find him back in Manila soon. After all he is committed to come up with several projects to support San Mateo, Rizal.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings on Sept. 20 go to Imelda Cojuangco, Donna Villa, Rey Langit, Malu Veloso, Angel Samson, Tessa Castillo, Elaine Miranda, Lara Melissa de Leon, Ester Dimasupil, Vincent P. Tuazon, Chit Ramos, Katherine Marte, Lydia Go Chua, Jessica Santos Herrera, Zeniada Flores, Atty. Nemuciano Tanopo of Dagupan City, Susan Calo Medina and Erich Gonzales of Star Magic.