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Davao to host conference of Asian magicians in September


For the first time ever, Davawenyos will be in for a four-night magic extravaganza when around 300 top Asian magicians show off their spell-binding tricks in magic jams on the sidelines of the 9th Asian Magic Association (AMA) Conference from September 14 to 17. “This is the first time the Philippines will host this convention... and it will be in Davao City! [On the sidelines], there will be magic jams for four nights, to be performed at different venues around the city," said Davao magician James Infiesto, who convinced AMA officials to hold this year's convention in the country.  

Magic of illusion by Kuya James Infiesto. Asian Magic Association photo
As one of Davao City’s finest magicians, Infiesto can perform almost all the magic tricks  –  from pulling a rabbit from his hat to making an object float in the air – for the amazement of his audience. “As the lone Dabawenyo member of AMA, our city mayor Sarah Duterte has given me the task to closely coordinate with all people and agencies concerned to make this event a big success,” Infiesto said. Infiesto, who is also a multi-awarded chess player, is the deputy sports chief of the Davao City Mayor’s Office.     In preparation for the AMA conference, the local government has mobilized all concerned agencies to make the guests safe and ensure that their stay “will be full of fun,” he said.
Yu Ho Jin displays terrific sleight of hand magic. Asian Magic Association photo
Why Davao and not Manila? On the choice of Davao for the conference venue instead of Manila, Infiesto explained: “Security was the primary concern of AMA president Mr. Dai Wu Qi, who is Chinese." "The (tragic) bus hostage-taking incident in Manila on August 23, 2010, where eight tourists from Hong Kong were killed, had left some questions on the security of tourists in the national capital," he added. Infiesto noted that the Hong Kong Magic Society is one of the most popular magic groups in Asia.   He requested Mayor Duterte to write AMA president through Mr. Cris Castro, the Philippine AMA director, offering Davao as the magic conference venue for this year. The mayor assured AMA participants of full security while in the city, and also described the unique tourist experience Davao could offer, he said. The AMA board of directors unanimously approved Davao City as the host of the 9th AMA convention.   Over 300 magicians   Infiesto said he initially expected around 1,000 participants from all over Asia. “But in light of the territorial rift between China and the Philippines in the West Philippine Sea, we will be happy to have more than 300 magicians coming,” he said.   On the sidelines of the convention, there will be performances such as stage and close-up magic competitions. “Normally, the champion of AMA or Asia will be invited in Europe and in the United States to perform his winning act,” Infiesto said.   A junior stage magic competition open to amateur magicians 15 years old and below will also be held.   Other events during the convention include a dealer’s booth where all the latest gadgets used in magic are displayed, and lectures from guest performers coming from the United States, Australia, and France.   Among those who have confirmed attendance are Korea’s Yu Ho Jin, who was crowned as 2012 World Champion of Magic in Blackpool in England in the recently-concluded International Federation of Magic Societies (FISM or Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques); and France’s Germain Pilou, the 2006 World Champion of Magic Grand Prix for Stage Magic.   Also to perform at the Davao stage is Australia’s Tim Ellis, a performer, author and lecturer in the world of magic and illusion. He holds the Guinness Book of World Records of the longest magic show: 75 hours (which he did in Melbourne in 2004).   Another is Jordan Gomez, who is famous for his award-winning act in which he makes CDs and M&M’s appear, vanish, multiply, and change color. This act has taken him all over the world, including the World Championships of Magic in Beijing.   Also coming is the magician-couple Mark and Pinky, who bagged Malaysia’s Book of Records for the fastest 14-costume change, which they did in 58 seconds.   “Filipinos and other spectators who will watch the nightly magic show will definitely have the greatest experience of their lives,” Infiesto said. “Even we, professional magicians, are awed when we watch them perform,” he added.   AMA was established on April 28, during the Hong Kong 2003 International Magic Convention. It was founded by the Taiwan Black Hat Magic Club, Magicians’ Association of Hong Kong, China Guangdong Acrobatic Artists Association, Siam Magic Club of Thailand, Inner Magic Club of Philippines, and Korea Alexander Magic Family.   The first AMA convention was held in 2004 in Shenzhen, China, which hosted again in 2006.  Bangkok, Thailand was host two times: in 2005 and 2008. Magicians also convened in Hong Kong twice: in 2007 and last year.  The remaining two venues were Jong So, China in 2009 and Toba, Japan in 2010. The Manila-based Inner Magic Club, the only recognized magic society in the Philippines with approximately 100 members from all over the country, is also coming for the Davao event. Also joining the event are several magic clubs from Davao, Cagayan de Oro City, General Santos City, Tagum City, Iloilo City, Quezon Province and Metro Manila. — LBG, GMA News
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