Power ballad duo Air Supply, best known for their love song hits produced in the 80s, is in the country once more for a number of shows, including one big night at the Araneta Coliseum on Oct. 3. The tandem of lead singer Russell Hitchcock and chief songwriter Graham Russell will again serenade both their die-hard fans and average listeners who have grown accustomed to hearing on radio familiar tunes from them.

The Australian success has continued performing to this day, with their shows strongly banked on the past hits they scored which made them a household name among sentimental Filipinos. When asked what made it possible for them to stick together this long, the high-pitched Hitchcock, in an exclusive interview, told the Manila Bulletin, “Graham and I are the best of friends. We love performing and recording together and traveling all over the world with our music.”

He and his partner Graham have a common denominator when it comes to their names: Russell. That may have contributed to their being one all this time. So strong the “Russell” connection is that their Filipino promoter Steve O’ Neal (a big fan of the group) decided to name his new-born daughter Russell, notwithstanding the gender concern of naming a baby girl as such.

The tall, superbly talented Hitchcock picked “All Out Of Love” as their single best representing the essence of Air Supply being a group that delivers admirable slow-tempo pop songs. However, he chose “Lost In Love” as the one that’s most vocally appealing, describing the piece as a “beautiful song.”

Air Supply arrives in Manila today, meets the press before going to Clark Expo in Angeles City, Pampanga tomorrow for their first show. On Friday, the “Russels” fly to the hometown of living legend Manny Pacquiao with a scheduled gig at Lagao Gym in General Santos City. Saturday night belongs to the Manila crowd with the two due for a concert at the Big Dome.

Next stops will be in neighboring countries Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Then the two returns on Oct. 12 for a show at Koronadal Cultural Center in Koronadal City.

Aware of how well-loved his group’s music in this side of the globe is, Hitchcock noted, “We have always loved coming to the Philippines because our fans there are amongst the best in the world.”

Other Air Supply hits through the years are “Now and Forever,” “Every Woman In The World,” “The One That You Love,” “Keeping The Love Alive,” “I Can’t Wait Forever,” “Even The Nights Are Better,” “Sweet Dreams,” “Making Love Out Of Nothing At All,” “Two Less Lonely People,” “Here I Am,” “Lonely Is The Night,” and “Goodbye.” The act is one of those groups who can really boast the hits-filled track record enough for a full concert’s repertoire.

They have remained active in the business and recently did the indie projects “Free Love” and “The Singer and the Song.” Plans to come out with a new studio album next year are in the works.

Having been to the country for quite a number of times, Air Supply knows the quality of musicians here. With that, the door to record with a local name soon is not far from their minds. “Filipino musicians and performers are extremely talented. We would certainly be interested in a collaboration,” they implied.

As for their Philippine tour ahead, both Russel and Hitchcock are thrilled, especially that they have prepared an exciting new show with new players, and new songs.

It’s likely that this won’t be their last date with Filipinos, having said, “We will keep coming back as long as we are invited.”