And if you are like me (which makes up majority of the magicians in Singapore), chances are you do not exactly take great interest in big scale magic (particularly with escapes).

I was cursing Thor and Vogue while making my way over to the Singapore Flyer for the New Year’s Eve Countdown. I thought it’s a privilege to cover the event as a guest at first. However,  getting squashed through the crowd certainly wasn’t enjoyable.

Then came the pleasant surprise.

I attended the event’s cocktail party as a guest. There were free flow of drinks and sweet delights. It was a prize presentation ceremony to award Lawrence and Priscilla the prestigious Merlin award and crown the two, as Sir Lawrence and Lady Priscilla. I had a chance to talk to Tony Hassini and as always his hair stole the limelight away from him.

and Merlin Award goes to.... Lawrence and Priscilla Khong!

Just a little background information on the Merlin award,  it is a prestigious title presented only to those who have achieved the highest level in their craft, both on the national and international stage. Some of the criteria includes talent, showmanship, originality, skills and above all the rare ability to entertain under any conditions. Some of these recipients includes Penn & Teller, David Copperfield, Criss Angel, Lu Chen and more recently, JC Sum and ‘Magic Babe’ Ning.
Now in Singapore we’ve our very own grand magicians for the year, Sir Lawrence and Lady Priscilla.

What better way to end the night than performing a death defying stunt! Lawrence and Priscilla were lifted up high, trapped in a cargo box and were  given just 3 minutes to escape before it detonates in mid-air. They were heavily chained, and literally more than 10kg worth of cuffs all over.

Suit up and ready to go!

Before it all started, Lawrence decided to make it harder for himself and that much more enjoyable for us. The duo gave themselves only 2.45 seconds to escape from the cargo box. As a skeptic I wasn’t sure if its that much harder for the for the both of them.

A mega scale escape!

Quite frankly the first part of the escape was a little dry. But then it came. By 2.15, the cargo exploded. Nothing was found. And then the spectators realized, we just got “punked” because they were high up at the platform on the other side.

All smiles after a very successful escape!

Right in front of your eyes. With no explanation.

That was Magic.

Theory11 artist Dan White is currently in Shanghai working on a new project with Armando Lucero – and they wanted to pass along a great opportunity for any and all qualified magicians.

The duo is looking for great close up magicians from all over the world to perform in a new and prestigious environment. If you think you’ve got the goods or know anyone that does, let them know via the application here.

Note that due to the nature of the space, only magicians 18+ will be considered. Full information can be found at the links below.

Tom Devoe, blending in with the Singapore landscape!

Tom Devoe is not your typical magician. Rather he is a mind illusionist. He is currently in Singapore as part of his world trip which began on his birthday this year. He has traveled to India and Hong Kong so far and will continue on to travel to Australia, New Zealand, the Cook Islands and the USA, performing every step of the way.

Devoe decided to embark on this world trip after his last year in University. Why you may ask? “I want to travel the world and I love what I do so why not combine the two?”. he explained. “It also makes me a better performer too” he added.

Leaving Wales, his hometown on his 21st birthday, his world trip so far has not been easy. Adapting to the climate is one challenge. Tom only had three words to describe the weather in Asia and that is “HOT HOT HOT”.

This being his first time in Asia, Tom is amazed with the sights and sounds he saw. The poverty in India and the 24 hour McDonalds that we have in Singapore are some of the few things he mentioned. “Lots of poverty and people sleeping. It was hard to see. I was caught in a monsoon and the steel roof was torn open by the wind…. I was in a boat in a typhoon and I thought I was going to die. Everything that happened so far has kept me on my toes.”.

What’s his take on the Asian Cuisine we offer? Being allergic to rice, Tom has tried out all the possible Traditional Indian Cuisine in India and all the noodles in Hong Kong . WOW! He is looking forward to his next destination which is Australia, where he will satisfy his cravings for burgers and steaks. What does he have to say about Singapore Cuisine?… He likes the Singapore Sling and might be trying the Fish Head Curry.

When asked about the hardest part of this World Trip,  he cites that being away from friends and family is without a doubt the biggest challenge. Tom will be returning home on his 22nd birthday, exactly one year after he left. As Tom continues to pursue his passion during this trip of his, we wish him all the best in his future endeavors!

Tom will be in Singapore till January, performing and doing his mind illusions. You can check out this blog here.

AXN teams up with one of the hottest and nicest magicians in the world: Cyril, a superstar magician in Japan and across the Internet, Cyril is now bringing his special brand of magic to Asian TV audiences for the very first time.
Starts 19 Nov, Every Thurs, 9pm (SG/PH), 10pm (HK) only on AXN!

This is the very first time Cyril has brought his magic to this region, performing in the streets of Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan. So be sure to tune in!

On the same note, don’t forget to check out Cyril: Simply Magic Blogger Contest for your chance to attend the exclusive preview screening of Cyril: Simply Magic and win other great prizes!

Neil Patrick Harris, member of the board of directors at The Magic Castle, is featured in a post published by the New York Magazine. People like him bring out a lively and fun vibe to Magic which is often deemed geeky or attention seeking. Magic is sharing his limelight now with his recent astounding performance in the Emmy’s and his blazing Hollywood career.

NPH for next US general Elections anyone?

Read his featured profile article here!

The Magic Castle still impresses after 46 years…. For those who haven’t visited The Magic Castle (me!)…Here is a in depth review and personal recount of one’s visit to the exclusive club. You know you are a good/famous magician if you are ever invited to perform there. Read the extensive article by clicking on the link below!

“The Allure of The Magic Castle”

Picture taken from www.okto.sg

We did a post about Dean Wong appearing as a finalist on Okto’s One Minute of Fame a few days back, and now I’m glad and ecstatic to share the good news that Dean Wong is officially the One Minute of Fame Individual Category Winner! Hurray!

According to okto, Dean Wong edged out 6 other hopefuls to claim the most coveted prize of the competition, after lighting up the recording studio with his performance using the dlites. No pun intended.

Doing his thing!

To see his acts in the semi-finals and finals, click here.

Watching Dean perform, I have to say that I’m really impressed at his young chap. His performances ain’t the most spectacular ones I have seen, but that doesn’t discount the fact that he is one heck of a performer. His choice of music, his choreography and how he hits the beat and grooves to the music each time when he performs is simple a delight to watch. The one minute time frame is also perfect because it leaves the audience wanting more.

Plus all of his magic is self-taught through many trial and errors which make it even more admirable. Respect. Oh, did I mention that he is only 11?

Dean has certainly taught me a few lessons and once again RDM would like to extend our hearty congratulations to him for winning the One Minute of Fame!

Cheers.

Feel free to post your well wishes to Dean here!

Join Virtuoso, Bone Ho plus an estimated 78000 card artists from all over the globe in this online mega event BY CLICKING THIS LINK.

The production cost of the DVD which has taken them 5 years in the making, chalks up to the highest ever cost of $72000. The most ever required to produce a flourishing DVD. As expected from the Virts, their site,sneak previews, teasers, short videos and tutorials can be summarised with one word… QUALITY.

This is because for the first time, there is a magician in the finals! Cheers!

This name is Dean Wong, and for his One Minute of Fame Act, he would be presenting his magic act, infusing both music and simple dance steps to make sure that his act stands out.

Picture taken from www.okto.sg

Dean’s passion for magic was inspired by Criss Angel, and he constantly searches the internet and read books to satisfy his magic cravings. A independent learner, All of Dean’s magic is self-taught!

Be sure to catch Dean’s magicial act on National Day only on okto!

It’s official! The historic magic town, Blackpool will be hosting the next FISM which will take place in 3 years’ time.

However there’s been many comments made as to whether Blackpool is a suitable host even though it won the nomination by an overwhelming majority at the General Assembly. Criticisms include poor lodging standards and run down facilities. The event also takes place a month before the Olympics, which could mean surging air ticket and lodging prices.

Let’s just hope something works out. *Cross fingers*