Y’know, all things considered, I’m somewhat tempted to make my Project 365 about Philippine magic two months long, particularly since I haven’t settled on a theme yet for September, to begin with. Or maybe just eliminating themes altogether until December, where I can talk about issues in magic that need to be tackled for the new year or something.
Either way, even after the end of August, I would still definitely be having some topics about Philippine magic, since these stories are really riveting and interesting, to say the least.
Anyways, speaking of riveting and interesting, today’s topic is the group known as the Magician’s Foundation, Incorporated. Founded by businessman David Lim through other charter members like Wanlu, Danny Luchavez, and Domenico Tapiador, this group was the first glimpse of a continuing crusade by magicians in elevating the art form and looking out for each other.
Many magicians have been in the country for far longer than the lifespan of Magfi, but only in 1990 did a group by magicians for magicians truly come into fruition, and Magfi was it. Working as a valid organization under both Philippine law and even the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Magfi earned its stripes in the art by assembling a who’s who of magicians out there, including current luminaries such as Jeffrey Tam, Ronnie Moraleta, and a host of other names out there.
While the MCP was mostly a coming together of closeup magicians in its initial stages, Magfi was housed in the tradition of great stage acts, and to this day, even if it has opened up to welcome a few other performers in other genres, it is still the fabled stage acts devised by Magfi members that tend to be etched in everyone’s memories.
In 2004, under Doc Ronnie, Magfi earned the coveted Superior Quality Ring Award from the IBM, thereby cementing its status as one of the most prestigious congregation of magicians not just in the country, but perhaps even in the world.
It’s groups like these that really assure the magic world that the Philippines will continue being a country of note in the world of magic. It’s hard to imagine Philippine magic without IMC or Magfi being there at the forefront, giving the world a chance to take notice of just what we have to offer.
While doing the whole Project 365, I realized that for some weird reason, I am waaaay ahead on schedule. Today is supposed to be day 231, but according to my count, I’m already all the way up to 241, when I posted my Q and A segment with Mr. Rannie Raymundo.
In any case, I do believe I haven’t particularly missed any days at all, so I’m just going to go ahead and realign our calendars at this point, by coming up with a Project 365 megapost here that should put me up to speed. I completely lost count, so I guess the easiest way to pull this stuff off correctly would be to clear out my backlog here, and then just do things correctly from hereon.
Anyways, I need to talk about two topics today to make the grade and send us back to proper numbering, so for now, let’s discuss more stuff about the Philippine magic industry by opening up with this demotivational poster…
And with that one and hopefully only demotivational picture out of the way, why don’t we introduce you to the toast of the town today, this man known as Ruther Urquia?
Ruther Urquia is currently the toast of the town, being one of the most popular ventriloquists in the country today, along with other remarkable individuals such as Rael, Ony Carcamo, and Wanlu. While it’s true that Wanlu has won “Talentadong Pinoy” on TV5 in the past, it cannot be denied that Mr. Urquia’s impact as a grand finalist in Pilipinas Got Talent is also certainly worthy of mention, considering the man’s very storied quest to the top of the heap.
While many have gotten to know Mr. Urquia only this year, most of the magic community recognizes Ruther as a veteran, who has been performing for the longest time, both as a magician and as a ventriloquist. Through his efforts, he has established himself as one of the premiere performers of the country, even having taken part in the much-hyped show called “Illusive,” where he took to the stage with fellow magicians like JB dela Cruz, Nap Perez, and even young crooner Charlie Green. The man has paid his dues, and is certainly no new kid on the block.
With a wide arsenal of puppets and a very varied set of characters going with each puppet, Ruther took the country by storm when he made his way into the hearts and minds of the Filipino audiences through Pilipinas Got Talent as one of the grand-finalists, losing out only to Jovit Baldivino. Since then, Ruther’s stock was on the rise, as he made his presence felt on TV shows like Showtime, and finding himself more and more surrounded by opportunities to take his craft to even newer heights.
I hope to meet this man before the end of the month, so I can write even more about him by then. For the moment, I guess it would suffice to say that I’m a fan, considering how much I respect the very challenging art of ventriloquism.
For some reason, this old post didn’t show up in my blog, so I’m showing it again…
.:229/365: Q and A With Ony Carcamo:.
For now, I will split up individual profiles and their subsequent Q and A sessions, unless I find the need (for space) to combine the two in one entry due to the sheer number of people I get to interview. That way, in case I feature a personality and their Q and A comes in after they get featured, I can just post the Q and A session with ease afterwards.
If I find the need to have more personalities featured, not to worry, I’ll just jampack a day or two with two or three performers, just so I wouldn’t waste the space.
I wanted to ask “why do magic?” Maybe I’ll ask them all and compile *that* into one post in the future…
For now, here are the questions I asked sir Ony (And the questions I’d be asking everyone else, actually.), and his answers…
1. Who influenced you to become a magician? How long have you been one?
My father was my first influence. He was a magic afficionado. I remember when I was in grade 1, our teacher asked us what we’d like to be when we grow up. I said I wanted to become a magician. That was my first dream. My father gave me a gift when I was 11–a magic set! That started my magical journey. I’ve been doing magic until now.
2. How do you define magic? As you are also a mentalist, how do you define mentalism?
For me magic is an entertainment art form that mixes illusion and reality and puts the audience into a dreamland. Mentalism is a branch of magic that demonstrates the power of the mind.
3. What is your best experience while performing?
My best experience? Everytime I tried a new act and it killed my audience. I feel great when I do something very well the first time.
4. What is your worst experience while performing?
My worst? When I “accidentally” revealed a trick’s secret because of a bad manipulation.
5. Which layman celebrities do you think would make great magicians?
Politicians are great magicians.
6. What advice can you give to those who want to become magicians?
Doc Ronnie is often regarded by most young magicians as one of the biggest influences in the local community, and with good reason.
A general medicine practitioner by profession, Doc Ronnie arguably had magic on his mind long before medicine, having been influenced to get into magic as early as nine. His emphasis on fundamental soundness has always been one of the most important first lessons most aspiring magicians learn from him, and he certainly exemplifies his own principles and standards in magic.
Having been interested in magic for the longest, time, it didn’t take long before he shifted back into the art with a lot more gusto when, after becoming a doctor, he read the Usbourne Complete Book of Magic and Magic Tricks in 1994. As he went through this book, flashbacks to classic magicians like Paul Potassy went through him, and his interest in magic was rekindled and it has never been put out since.
A former member of the hallowed albeit now-defunct Magician’s Circle of the Philippines in 1995 and one of the charter members of the Inner Magic Club, Doc Ronnie’s contributions to Philippine magic, in being a very powerful and reliable ambassador to the mainstream world in an industry often derided as a haven for outcasts and misfits, his mere presence has added an air of legitimacy about the art. His desire to expand magic across the nation has also led to him being one of the leading people to consult and approach for magic items and resources.
Most of his biography can actually be found here, but I certainly feel compelled to mention that in the magic world, Doc Ronnie is one of the people I am most grateful to, because he has always been a voice of reason and encouragement to me throughout my magic career. He has been nothing but supportive of me, and has a good eye for detail, being able to determine a person’s strongest suits as a performer and finding the right words at any given time to help them play to their strengths better.
Having said all of that, I guess it’s easy to say that I think very highly of Doc Ronnie. There’s no reason for me not to. And just because I figured it would be cool to do so, the video I included above highlights something about Doc Ronnie that doesn’t involve magic, and it’s his insatiable love for toys, particularly from Thor of the Avengers. Having been a consistent figure in ToyCon since 2007, I have met the man in toy conventions about as often as I have met him in magic conventions.
.:239/365: Q And A With Dr. Ronnie Moraleta:.
1. Who influenced you to get into magic? How long have you been into it?
It could have been my uncle, who eats balled up torn pieces of paper, which he magically reappears in between his buttocks and the television show “The Wonderful World of Magic” hosted by actor Bill Bixby. I started probably between 8 or 9.
2. What is magic? In your case specifically, what is mentalism?
For me Magic is making the impossible possible. I was introduced to Mentalism through Melbourne Christopher’s Magic Book and during that time Mentalism for me was all about Mind Reading and Predictions.
3. What was your best experience while performing?
The best would always be when people applaud, laugh and tell you how they enjoyed your show, how amazed and amused they were and when they give you a big tip!
4. What was your worst experience while performing?
Nothing really, except I feel bad when I make a mistake, but I make sure the mistakes are minimal and unnoticed as much as possible.
5. Which layperson celebrity, local or foreign, do you think would make a great magician?
Eddie Garcia with a mustache. A very convincing Magician in my opinion.
6. What is your best advice to everyone reading this who’s interested in getting into magic or mentalism?
Start reading the basics first then go into videos. Try everything first then specialize as to which branch of Magic you belong. You can do the other branches for pleasure, but the one you specialize, you do it professionally. Then do as many shows as you can.
.:240/365: Rannie Raymundo:.
Often known as “The Boss” and “The Manila Enforcer”, the man known as Rannie Raymundo is equally famous for being one of two or three most revered Filipino magicians in the worldwide magic community, and for being the man responsible for the monster hit song “Why Can’t It Be.” An artist and a performer through and through, most people would be surprised to know that he has been into magic for almost as long as he has been musically gifted.
Mr. Raymundo exudes class, mystery, and sheer charisma when you see him performing. As a very esteemed lecturer who has taught and demonstrated his magic in international conventions through the years, it’s easy to see that The Boss has made his mark as a Filipino magician in more ways than one, and has certainly earned his accolades through sheer talent and a very passionate work ethic. This is one man who is not afraid to emphasize that he is quite the perfectionist, and doesn’t hesitate to speak his mind when it comes to magic.
In doing so, the Philippine magic world is all the better for it. As one of the most vocal pillars of the industry today, Rannie Raymundo has successfully proved his longevity as a magician with the sheer number of people who can actually look past the fact that he wrote “Why Can’t It Be,” which, in my opinion, was the OPM song of note in the year it came out. If the average person can remember that The Boss wasn’t only the singer and composer of such a timeless hit, but even recall that he is one Hades of a magician, then there is nobody who can possibly deny how influential Rannie Raymundo is, whether it be among his contemporaries in the magic or music industry, or even in the mainstream.
Despite all of these, and despite whatever anybody else may say, The Boss’s success has always reflected back upon Philippine magic as a whole, as through his life experiences as well as his being one of the founding members of IMC, as well as one of the most prominent names in Magfi (An organization I hope to bring up next week or so.), he has always used it as an opportunity to harness the talents of other magicians. If there ever was a glass ceiling in the world of magic, The Boss took every opportunity to break it in favour of a deserving performer.
For that, and so much more, the Manila Enforcer will always hold an important place in Filipino magic history, and inevitably, magic history throughout the world as well. Not too shabby for a man who is undisputably a Renaissance man, being very much capable of “doing it all”, so to speak.
.:241/365: Q And A With Rannie Raymundo:.
1. Who influenced you to get into magic? How long have you been into it?
My father! I started magic when I was 7. I was very lucky to have travelled around the world at that age. I went all around Europe and the U.S. The first stop wold always be the magic shops. My father was an amateur magician. He was always the life of every party. He had incredible chops with a deck of cards. He did gambling routines. Probably my first recollection of its kind. He was also great in body loading. Later in my magical life, I found out that The Great Raydu (Manila’s finest magician in the 40’s) was my great grandfather. I was bound to become a magician.
In the mid 80’s there were less than a handful of close up magicians and a handful of stage magicians. In the early 90’s we were already a handful. We used to meet in an obscure apartment in Makati. We then formed MCP..MAGIC CIRCLE PHILIPPINES, then later became IMC. Then magic just started to grow.
I will be 43 so that would make me a magician for 35 years now.
2. What is magic? In your case specifically, what is mentalism?
Magic is an art! Just like music… it is a language that all can understand. Magic could be many things from the shallow to the very deep. An escape from reality, alteration of reality, distortion of reality, ENTERTAINMENT. Making the impossible possible and the possible impossible.
Mentalism- a branch of magic that uses the power of the mind as the theme. Pseudo mind reading and the likes. It is also one of the most abused branch of magic in many ways. In the advent of Derren Brown’s popularity…. every Juan, Pablo and Harry, wanted to do mentalism. It takes character, perhaps age and wisdom to make this believable. Having a wise ass kid with no presentation skill and wisdom to do it, perform such magic, really ruins this art. It becomes just a puzzle.
3. What was your best experience while performing?
Every performance is a wonderful experience. From the good and the bad. I do have some memorable performances though. There is nothing like seeing wonderment in the eyes of your lay audience… but there is a different kind of satisfaction to fool and amaze a huge room of magicians.
I was in a magic convention abroad…. Someone asked me off the cuff to do my “Boss Ultimate Mind Reading”. I obliged.. I pulled out a single card and laid it on the floor.. I said name a card… The magician said 5 of spades…. I told him to pick up the card and lo and behold it was the 5 of spades. Cut to the chase…. i did it again and again four more times with the same result.
Another great experience was having the Great Tommy Wonder watch my RAYTRIX act from behind me. It was also great to have greats such as HOward Hamburg, MIckey Silver, Curtis Kam, Roberto Giobbi, Rafael Benatar, Chris Kenner etc… watch my lecture and performances in Vegas.
4. What was your worst experience while performing?
I can’t recall one honestly. I always manage to turn things around to my advantage. It is something the “Old dogs” talk about. We hardly talk about new sleight and those stuff… we always talk about situations. Having that knowledge and experience… we can always work things out. The only bad experience I can muster to remember had something to do with the aircon or the humidity problem of the performing venue. It affects the sleights as well as the deck.
5. Which layperson celebrity, local or foreign, do you think would make a great magician?
Best lay celebrity who would make a great magician… no one from this generation I’m afraid.
6. What is your best advice to everyone reading this who’s interested in getting into magic or mentalism?
Research all you can. Know the history of things. Meet the masters. Be humble and know that you have a lot more to learn. Be original!
Regarding mentalism….. don’t just learn the trick… research on actual facts, learn to act the part. Add some years perhaps. Take your time!p
You know what? To absolutely do justice here, allow me to pretty much quote one of the charter members of this group, Dr. Ronnie Moraleta:
It was on the fateful night of September 25, 1996 when a group of officers and members of Magic Circle Philippines held a meeting at Lou Hilario’s former residence at Dita St., San Antonio Village, Makati. Present then were Ferdinand Flores, Cris Castro, Ronaldo Moraleta, M.D., Marcelino Alviz, Laurence Chew, Ibarra Deri, Leo Domapias, David Elefant, Ramon Ello, Lou Hilario, Rannie Raymundo, Renato Samson and Jose Luis Valenzuela. The group discussed on the formation of a more efficient and better Magic club with the main objective of uplifting the standard of Magic in the Philippines.
Lou Hilario suggested the name Inner Magic Club, thus the birth of IMC.
The club was formally registered, through the efforts of Attorney Cyril Regalado, as a non-stock, non-profit organization with the Securities and Exchange Commission on January 31, 1997 with SEC # A199701908.
Initiated primarily by Ronaldo Moraleta, M.D. with the help of then President Ferdinand “Chubby” Flores and Cyril Regalado, Inner Magic Club became Charter Ring No. 328 of the International Brotherhood of Magicians on July 30, 1997. Charter members of Ring 328 are: Herman Gil Aquino, Ronaldo Moraleta, David Elefant, Rosauro Julio, Renato Samson, Edison Chua, Ferdinand Flores, Cyril Regalado, Marcelino Alviz, Jesus Elbinias, Leo Domapias, Mark Soriano, Emily Miranda, Vincent Hugo and Napoleon Perez. It was also on this month that Filipino magicians gained worldwide recognition in the realm of Magic as IMC represented the Philippines for the first time at the 20th World Congress of Magic, more popularly known as FISM, in Dresden, Germany. Cyril Regalado even competed in the Close Up competition.
Oozing with enthusiasm, the club’s first public performance directed by Rannie Raymundo on October 17, 1997 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Little Theater entitled Salamangka Atbp. – A Journey to the World of Magic was a huge success! After this it was apparent that IMC would grace TV and charity shows continuously up to this day.
In 2003, IMC together with other Magic clubs in Asia, founded the Asian Magic Association, an alliance, which aims to unite the major Magic societies in Asia. Cris Castro who most of the time was present during the meetings eventually became and currently seats as one of its directors. Another good news came during the First Asian Magic Convention held on September 24 – 26, 2004 at Fuyong, Shenzhen, China, as Marcelino Alviz bagged second place in the Close Up competition.
Inner Magic Club was focused on forging ahead in reaching its goals as it marked another page in Filipino Magic history on September 24, 2005, on the launching of its second major and highly successful Magic show entitled “Magic ‘To!!!” at the Philamlife Theater, U.N. Avenue, Manila. Indeed, IMC’s future is looking extremely healthy and the best is yet to come!
Quite a mouthful, isn’t it? Well, needless to say, the IMC is one of the most esteemed and hallowed groups of magicians to this very day, and it is one that has gained so much worldwide recognition not just because of its illustrious members, but also because of the many steps they have, as a group, taken to assure that Philippine magic will continue to live on.
Thursday night last week was a historic night for the Disenchanted Kingdom and the rest of 99.5 RT as they took over 121 Bar and Grill in Pasong Tamo extension to bring to their friends and listeners “DK-Oke,” an awesome night of music and drinking, where you get to go onstage and perform with a live band and you on lead vocals.
I got there fairly early, fully prepared to sing one song and only one song: “Nobody,” by the Wondergirls. Prior to that, though, seeing Lou Skywalker, Anna Q5, Marf, Cleo, and of course, King DJ Logan, was quite a sight for sore eyes. Everyone was in a festive mood, and this was going to be quite a night for the show, its listeners, and the station as a whole.
I sang first, and lowered the bar sufficiently for the rest of the night, but with Cleo singing “Alone” at top form, it was rather difficult to keep the bar low, although Ms. Nancy Jane and her friend CJ did have fun singing “Torn” and “I Touch Myself.” Overall, it was an insane night, and hearing Logan belt out “With Or Without You” and Marf sing “I’ll Be” with gusto definitely drew a lot of reactions.
At some point, the King asked me over onstage to perform a bit and entertain the audience with my magic and mentalism act, and I happily obliged. I decided that doing the Michael Finney classic, the Lady and the Rope, would be most suited for a wonderful volunteer as Ms. Nancy Jane herself…
I love this routine.
Overall, I must say this was a pretty awesome night, and I can’t complain about how things turned out. With the DK hoping to do this on a monthly basis, and with the show just firing on all cylinders as of late, and the couple of days a week I’ve been guesting with them, I must say that the Disenchanted Kingdom is looking towards exciting times en route to its first anniversary.
It was pretty hilarious what happened last week, though…
KDL: So, if we guys all ended up trapped in the Amazon, and we had no choice, who would we be gay for among the four of us?
Lou Skywalker: Kel looks like a softie. I think I can take him. I ain’t gonna be a pitcher.
Marf: I think I’d go for Lou. He’s hairy.
Cleo: Marf, you’re Chinito! I guess that means Kel will go for you!
KDL: Wait, dammit! Why is nobody gay for me?!?
Uh-huh…
.:For The Lulz:.
Remember this infamous picture from when Facebook controversially deleted Alodia Gosiengfiao’s accounts?
Gasp! How could they?!?
This was always why I believed in Friendster far more than Facebook, no matter what everybody else says. After all, they’d never delete an account for no reason at all, would they?
Richard Gutierrez (Not to be confused, again, with the douchebag actor.) is not a legend in the strictest sense of the word. Neither is he a pillar of Philippine magic.
But I’ll be damned if anybody could say he isn’t one of the best at technical execution anyone has ever seen.
Trycks, as he’s fondly called by his friends, is often regarded as a machine. The things the man can do with his hands are simply jaw-dropping, and nobody can deny that his technical execution is always on top form. I’ve known Trycks for about four years already, and every single time I see him, I can’t help but respect his skill and dedication to his craft. Hands as adept as his cannot be human hands. They just can’t.
He’s been doing magic on and off for twelve years. He started learning magic through books from bookstores in Manila. Cheapskate that he was at the time, he couldn’t afford the books and read them in the bookstore. Then again, he chose his influences well, as he patterns himself after Dai Vernon and Ed Marlo, and he is a big fan of pure sleight of hand magic, especially with cards and coins. He practices rigorously, and through his practice, he manages to master amazing feats of sleight of hand over time, and his tenacity at mastering sleights is nothing short of amazing.
While many would notice that Richard’s weakest suit would have to be his patter, he can get away with it because he’s really a sleight of hand expert. This is the kind of guy Penn would kill for if he didn’t already have Teller: someone who is a master of sleights, and has the physical attributes necessary for telling a story without using words. He is also an excellent instructor of magic, and this is why he dreams of having his own magic book or video published when the time comes.
Trycks has a lot of faith in the Filipino’s ability to compete in magic, especially in the close-up world. With guys like Jeffrey Tam tearing it up in the international circles, Trycks’s observation about our capabilities is spot-on and betrays his familiarity with our local community.
I don’t know who originally said this, but when asked for a quotable quote, Richard volunteered this gem: the greatest pleasure in life is doing what people say is impossible. Another gem he offered up was: practice your material until it becomes boring. Then practice it until it becomes beautiful.
For someone as immensely gifted and skilled as Trycks, this man can definitely go places if given the opportunity to. I’m sure of it.
.:236/365: Q and A With Richard “Trycks” Gutierrez:.
1. Who influenced you to get into magic? How long have you been into it?
I’ve been fascinated with magic since i was 6 years old. I watched Mark Wilson every night on channel 5, and tried to catch any other magic-related shows on TV. The one who really influenced me to get into magic is my cousin when he performed to me a classic trick called the “jack robbers” and a simple card reversal effect. So all in all I’ve been learning magic for 12 years now, I’m 24, going on 25 this September. I await your presents, readers of this blog!
2. What is magic for you?
Magic = Life. My life revolves around magic, so magic is my life.
3. What was your best experience while performing?
My best experience performing magic was when TSC appeared on Drew Arellano’s show, AHA. I performed magic for celebrities like Rhian Ramos and Mark Herras, and even got featured on Chikka Minute after all that!
4. What was your worst experience while performing?
My worst experience performing magic is anytime I perform for my relatives. They’re all hecklers, and they’re uber-suspicious even if you haven’t even moved your hands yet. I bet even David Blaine or David Copperfield would fail to impress my cynical relatives.
5. Which layperson celebrity, local or foreign, do you think would make a great magician?
If by “layman celebrity,” you mean anyone who knows nothing about magic, I’m guessing Angelica Panganiban, Angel Locsin, Heart Evangelista, and Maria Ozawa would all make awesome magicians – but I need to be the one teaching them all. No, really.
6. What is your best advice to everyone reading this who’s interested in getting into magic?
Don’t rush and try to learn everything right away. Start slowly. Let your passion carry you through. If you want to be remembered, pick your favourite routine, and master it. Make it your signature act. Strive to be the best guy out there who can do it.
Jeffrey Tam is one of those rare breeds of performers who can do it all. He can sing, he can rap, he can dance, he can do magic, and he can be funny. Some people often compare him to Bearwin Meily because like Bearwin, Mr. Tam is also quite the comedian. Except unlike Bearwin, Jeffrey Tam is actually good. Except unlike Bearwin, Jeffrey Tam doesn’t have just an extensive filmography to his name, but even several wins in national and international competitions alike. He has an extensive resume that you can check out for yourself in his site.
Jeff’s history as a performer is stuff of legend. With a meteoric rise in magic and a level of skill and presentation that is stuff of legend, he took the magic world by storm with his mastery of close-up performances and his amazing command of language, whether in English or the vernacular. Doing all of this has earned him many accolades, and few people can dispute that Jeffrey Tam is certainly one of the most popular names in Philippine magic today.
Whenever people wonder how comedy and magic could mix, people normally cite Mr. Meily when they really should be citing Mr. Tam as an example. One thing I really appreciate about Jeffrey’s performance style is that while he is unbelievably funny and outrageous, he never lets his comedy overshadow his magic. His magic always remains to be the centrepiece of his act, and he doesn’t distract from his own repertoire while he performs. In doing this, he has managed to do magic, mentalism, and put his unique twist on the act. Even though I also do comedy, magic, and mentalism, one only need look at how we each perform the Russian Roulette routine and automatically see how distinct his style is from mine, putting him in a class all by himself. It also doesn’t hurt that unlike me, Jeffrey can actually sing. I was not blessed with nearly as many talents.
In any case, inasmuch as I try to be an ambassador for Philippine magic in the online world through this blog, Jeffrey Tam has been one of the literal ambassadors because of his many travels abroad as a competing performer. Unless I’m mistaken, only The Boss, Rannie Raymundo, could possibly rival Jeffrey Tam in terms of international exposure, albeit Mr. Raymundo is an established lecturer, rather than a competitor, in most cases. Apples and oranges in that respect.
With youth, talent, and sheer chutzpah on his side, there’s nothing Jeffrey Tam can’t achieve in the magic world. He is limited only by his own imagination, in my estimate.
.:234/365: Q and A With Jeffrey Tam:.
1. Who influenced you to get into magic? How long have you been into it?
It was David Copperfield. I’ve been doing magic for almost 21 years. Professionally, for 9 years.
2. What is magic? In your case specifically, what is mentalism?
For me, magic is an art. Mentalism, on the other hand, is a belief that some mental phenomena cannot be explained by physical laws.
3. What was your best experience while performing?
In 2008, in Bristol England. I was the only Asian magician to have performed in UK’s only magic bar, the Illusions magic bar.
4. What was your worst experience while performing?
My worst? When I won the 2009 international magic extravaganza in Malaysia. I won first place, but while performing, I had six mistakes during my routine. Coins fell off the table, my microphone fell down, and I even left my chop cup backstage.
5. Which layperson celebrity, local or foreign, do you think would make a great magician?
Next question, please. Hehehehehehehe.
6. What is your best advice to everyone reading this who’s interested in getting into magic or mentalism?
Three magic words: practice, hard work, and focus. (Okay, make that four, but you know what Jeff means.)
This bit features Jay and yours truly, but it at least opens with Jay, so it’s a lot more appropriate than any of our other tandem vids online. For some weird reason, I can’t find his old website online, either, but once he reads this, I’m sure he’ll fill you guys in.
Anyways, Jay Mata, who is totally not related to Erik Mana, is a professional mentalist who has recently decided to give up on Children’s Parties and almost all mainstream appearances (Because he refuses to be a sellout like yours truly. LOL.) in his quest to achieve some measure of “street cred” as a serious mentalist. One of the biggest followers of Derren Brown in terms of performing style, he is also one-half of the tandem known as “Kel and Jay” (Mel and Jay are not amused.), having performed multiple times as a tandem in various shows, albeit still maintaining very divergent individual careers.
The reason I’m featuring Jay Mata here despite his ready admittance that he is far from a pillar or magic in the local industry is twofold: one, he was the one who helped me turn pro in 2006 by giving me ideas about routining, and what it means to be a performer rather than just a guy who does tricks; and two, he’s my partner in crime in the magic world, and by writing about him and mentioning myself in the background, I get to avoid the uncomfortable situation of actually making an article about myself here. In not writing an article myself, I thereby underscore the fact that I don’t recognize myself as a pillar of anything in the industry, either.
But enough with the vestigial attempt at modesty. Let’s talk about why I think Jay plays a significant role in the magic industry today, and sneak in some shameless self-promotion along the way.
As a performer, Jay takes after the likes of Derren Brown. He utilizes humor, but acts in a very dry, deadpan manner, providing an immense contrast to most of his contemporaries whenever they also try being funny. This style is wholly British in nature, and he has committed himself to it. Jay’s character is an extension of himself, and his quasi-serious approach at performing often engenders comparisons between him and Erik Mana, especially since they have similar family names. Nonetheless, he has an approach that sets him apart from his contemporaries, and ensures that he never visibly overlaps with anyone else he goes with onstage.
In the tandem of Kel and Jay, many people consider Jay to be the “Teller” of the equation, mainly because of his height, and because he talks significantly less than his more boisterous, overbearing associate. Nonetheless, while they are often called “The Penn and Teller of the Philippines,” such a title is clearly only a hook to help people understand what they’re up to. Very little about their shows scream “Penn and Teller” particularly because they both talk. What keeps their performances very interesting, though, is how their very diverse styles meld together to form a coherent unit. Kel slides back from his mentalist persona and becomes a neo-classical magician with Vaudevillian influences. Jay steps up his serious persona and becomes a curious mix of David Blaine and Derren Brown. From color schemes to vocabulary choices, everything about the tandem is delineated by an invisible line that sets them apart, but also inexplicably holds the act together.
Having said that, I’m especially grateful to Jay because four years ago, he reignited a passion for magic in me that has allowed me to be doing this Project 365 now. Ironically, I’ve been into magic longer than he has, but it only goes to show that when one wants something bad enough, they will work harder at it than most anybody else. One thing Jay has made clear through his professional years is that at the risk of coming off as very haughty, he maintains a dignity as a performer that refuses to allow himself to demean the art form in the same way some unscrupulous performers may have in the past. He loves and respects the magic industry far too much to allow its name to be sullied through him, and as such, if you would liken him to a movie, he is less “Titanic” and more “Memento”. This very indie charm is what holds him in high regard: few performers would look at a lucrative booking and turn their nose up because they believe it is demeaning to the art form, but he does it more for the sake of magic, than for his own sake.
Despite his less-than-mainstream approach to things, he has still gained a lot of respect and recognition over the years, as his off-the-wall ideas often bear fruit and inevitably spill over into the public consciousness. His glass walking routine has always been a much-talked about performance, to the point that we felt compelled to have him do it again at last year’s “Bound and Gagged”, after already having it in “Laughs and Gasps” the previous year. He has lectured, taught, and overall imparted his knowledge and his rigorous sense of discipline onto other budding magicians, and most of those who heeded his advice have gone on to have respectable careers as performers both in and out of the magic industry.
For that and more, while nowhere near as historic as majority of the other figures we will be talking about this month, Jay Mata surely deserves a spot in Project 365. After all, when one has already written about Criss Angel and Bearwin Meily, anyone else is bound to be a fit in Project 365.
.:232/365: Q and A with Jay Mata:.
1. Who influenced you to become a magician? How long have you been doing it?
I got into the art after watching David Blaine’s TV specials for the 1st time. I wanted to do able to do what he did. 2. What is your definition of magic? And since you’re also a mentalist, what is mentalism?
Magic is the art of entertaining people by giving the illusion that you have superhuman abilities. I’ve thought a lot about what it means to be mentalist and I realized that it really is no different than magic… Mentalist just re-packaged it to be more intellectual and less… cartoony. It has more basis in Science than it this in smokes and mirrors but the end goal is still the same… entertainment through wonder.
3. What was your best experience while performing?
I once performed at a debut in Clark. It was the best reactions I’ve every gotten… lots of gasps and approvals both during and after the performance. It was also the best experience in the sense that that particular gig taught me that the simplest tricks are often the best… I don’t need complicated routines to be the best.
4. What was your worst experience while performing?
You already know that. Guest spot in (TV show that we both guested in recently.). Never have I seen so little regard or respect for a performers art. I’ll leave it at that. 5. Which celebrity do you think would make a good magician?
Most local celebrities are too flashy and “good-looking” to be a magician. Their focus becomes too much selling themselves than the effect that they are supposed to highlight. A magician should have charisma but it shouldn’t overshadow the magic. I’m not that in tune with the local celebrity scene but I would say Vic Sotto back in his prime could do it. Not when he is doing slapstick comedy mind you but when he is subtle like when he hosts noontime shows. The guy manages to exude the right amount of star charisma and humility. 6. What advice can you give to those who want to be magicians?
Know what it means to perform. If you are only getting into it to impress people or be cool you will never get to the deeper levels of the art. It is about the audience not the magician. Also please for the love of god practice the trick a hundred times before you try it on real people… not five minutes after you learn the secret. It is more than just knowing how to do it.
Often drawing comparisons to David Blaine, the man known as “The David Blaine of the Philippines,” (A title he may or may not be happy about, but in my book, that’s a compliment.) Erik Mana is a 38-year old phenomenon who grew up in Canada and then proceeded to take his act to the Philippines, meeting much success and adulation from the public. With his penetrating eyes and his very deliberate way of speaking, very few people don’t take Erik Mana seriously once he hits the stage, or the streets. From his first two TV specials “Stranger” and “Mastermind”, it was very clear that Erik was meant to bring magic to new heights in the mainstream with his practically Western take on the art, and indeed, drawing comparisons to David Blaine himself, who does employ a similar style.
However, all comparisons end once you recognize that Erik Mana is his own man, and that he has a unique flavour all his own whenever he’s performing. He has run the gamut of mentalism, sleight of hand, and grand stage illusions. He has experienced road stories that would make people laugh, cry, and beg for more. He has performed in venues that he probably wishes he has never gone to. And even though he actually does children’s parties at times, I can only imagine how annoying it gets when he gets asked after performing something downright freaky, “Hey, do you do kid’s parties?”
Currently, as far as the mainstream is concerned, the first name that comes to mind when they hear the word “magician” is indeed, Erik Mana. Nobody even comes close, simply because he attacked the mainstream in ways nobody else has before, although this could only mean that there would end up being more room in the future for other mainstream magicians, which is precisely what the shows “Talentadong Pinoy” and “Pilipinas Got Talent” are amply demonstrating. What legends like Tamplin, tito Lou Hilario, and Rannie Raymundo have done for magic credibility within the community, Erik Mana has done for the mainstream, and as such, makes him worthy of recognition as one of the movers and shakers of the Philippine industry today.
I’ve known Erik from when I started in WAVE 89.1 as a jock, and I wasn’t really a professional magician yet until towards the end of my tenure there, where I really was just starting off, and nobody cared too much about what I was doing, since, hey, Erik Mana was already in the station. But instead of envying the man, it certainly made me look at what about him makes him command that kind of esteem. Of course, other more veteran magicians also command respect as performers, but more often than not, the respect they command would be among colleagues and a select few people who are not in the industry but in the know. Erik transcends that and commands respect from nearly everyone he comes in contact with.
The moment you see him, there’s just something about his demeanor that screams “legit”. It’s pretty much the same thing with David Blaine, except he doesn’t need to slur his words to seem mysterious (He’s a DJ! He’s not supposed to slur!). He does whatever he fancies to do, talks in the very deliberate but clear tone that he always does, and from there, people just can’t help but feel downright mystified, at times, even intimidated by him.
Personally, I feel that the gravitas Erik Mana possesses is his strongest suit. I can try to duplicate his material if I insisted on doing so, but I will not ever achieve the effect that he does whenever he performs his effects, especially his signature mentalism act, the drawing duplication. I recognize that my character takes my performance in a different direction from his, and as such, I can only watch him in fascination when he is at work, because unlike Penn and Teller or Derren Brown, there is no way I can attempt to emulate his style as he has truly mastered his command over his own reputation in a fashion that only he can.
So Erik, I know we don’t see or hear from each other much lately, but here’s my salute to you! Thanks for being one of the key people who put magic into the mainstream consciousness of this country more than it ever has, and know that in my personal opinion, anyone who has ever criticized you as “boring” clearly has never watched you at work. You are anything but.
