Members of the American rock band “Journey” on Sunday morning arrived in the Philippines for a concert and they were welcomed at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by Filipino front man Arnel Pineda.

Lead guitarist Neal Schon, who discovered Pineda via video-sharing Web site YouTube, said he is “very excited” about their upcoming concert, which is set to be held on March 14.

Pineda said his band mates were surprised that he was at the airport to personally welcome them.

“They never thought na pupunta ako dito to greet them. Na-sorpresa sila,” he said.

Pineda said he and his band mates are scheduled to practice in the Philippines before flying to Japan where their Asian tour will kick off.

According to Journey’s official Web site, the band will perform in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka in Japan before going back to Manila for the March 14 concert. From Manila, Journey will proceed to China.

 The band is performing for first time in the Philippines and China. On the other hand, Journey last held a show in Japan in 1998, the Web site said.