Semarang Magic Community Magic Show at Trangkil Sugar Factory

Semarang Magic Community Magic Show at Trangkil Sugar Factory

Author: Silvan Prayogo, BSc., MSc. Biotech (Semarang Magic Community Captain 2011 - 2012)

Last update: 30 April 2012, Monday

Semarang Magic Community was great honored to perform magic shows at Trangkil Sugar Factory in Pati city, Central Java Province, Indonesia on the 28th of April 2012, Saturday, from 20:15 up to 21:15.

Trangkil Sugar Factory held Selamatan Giling (thanksgiving celebration for sugar milling). The event presented various entertainment for the factory's employee and their families. Public audiences were also welcome (mainly residence of Trangkil village).

Dr. Harry Prayogo, D'Rowman Romiruz, Ferdian Rahardjo, and Silvan Prayogo performed magic shows on behalf of Semarang Magic Community. We departed from Mitra Laboratory Clinic at 11:30 am on the 28th of April 2012. Then, we had a great lunch at Rahayu Restaurant in Demak at 13:00. Despite the heavy traffic, we arrived in Pati city at 14:45. We toured around the tranquil Pati city.

We took an hour rest in Kencana Hotel (Pati city) before we headed to Trangkil Sugar Factory. We arrived at the factory by 17:20. The helpful staffs of Trangkil Sugar Factory immediately welcome us and assisted us in preparation for the magic show. The staffs let us prepare in their huge laboratory, next to the stage.

After a series of dances and songs, our turn to entertain came at 20:15. Silvan Prayogo was the first Semarang magician to perform. He produced a sword from a silk and several more fantastic magic shows with dice, coins, and the feather rings. Silvan Prayogo also invited a boy among the audiences to help him capture a dragon.

Then, D'Rowman Romiruz replaced Silvan Prayogo's spot and continued with a heart pounding magic show. D'Rowman Romiruz made audiences gasped when he, blind-folded, stabbed on balloons. The balloons were hold by a gentleman audience on several critical locations of his body. D'Rowman Romiruz also astonished audiences with umbrella production and mask magic effects.

The third Semarang Magic Community magician to perform was Ferdian Rahardjo. Ferdian Rahardjo is one of the youngest Semarang Magic Community members. He's a year 9 student (third year Junior High School) of Domenico Savio. He performed on behalf of Semarang Magic Community last February 2012 in Children with Disabilities Foundation in Semarang city. Ferdian Rahardjo performed a complete 10 minutes-magic show routine that consists of silk magic, cane productions, and umbrella productions. He inspired children at Trangkil sugar factory as a young magician.

The magic show parade was ended with the performance of dr. Harry Prayogo, a senior magician from Semarang. Dr. Harry Prayogo performed playful comedy magic acts with children. Dr. Harry Prayogo fooled a boy with burning handkerchief. He also transformed a burning tissue into a bowlful of candies.

It was a great journey to Pati city to entertain at Trangkil Sugar Factory. Semarang Magic Community looks forward for more great magic activities to share the joy of magic.

Note: more photos are available in Semarang Magic Community Facebook.

Articles related to  Garuda Merlion Magic Convention and Semarang Magic Community (e.g. translation, profile generation, publishing, etc) are created by Silvan Prayogo in Yogostar. 

Behind The Scene: The Making Of Garuda Merlion Magic Convention

Behind The Scene: The Making Of Garuda Merlion Magic Convention

Author: Silvan Prayogo, BSc., MSc. Biotech (Semarang Magic Community Captain 2011 - 2012)

Last update: 22nd of April 2012, Sunday

Garuda Merlion Magic Convention officially ended on the 13th of April 2012, Friday, at 21:40. However, the magic convention shall always be valued and remembered as:

1. The first magic convention in Indonesia organized by two magic organizations from two countries: Semarang Magic Community (Indonesia) and International Brotherhood of Magicians  115 [The Great Wong Ring] (Singapore).
2. The most economical magic convention in Indonesia. Price range was Rp. 100 000 - Rp. 125 000 (approximately $USD 11 - 13) per person for a two-days magic convention (12th and 13th of April 2012), which featured awesome magicians nationally and internationally. By the way, dinner was included in the price. :)
3. Semarang Magic Community (SMC) is the first and the youngest Indonesian magic community to organize a magic convention with foreign nation's magic organization. SMC by April 2012 was only 1 year and 9 months old.

Garuda Merlion Magic Convention was not an overnight dream come true. It required months of preparations, patience, and determination of men and women in Semarang Magic Community and The International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM)115 Singapore.

This brilliant magic convention idea was proposed by Mr. John Teo (the president of International Brotherhood of Magicians 115 Singapore) on early September 2011 via email. Mr. John Teonoticed Semarang Magic Community website and has followed our progress since. He supported our visions and missions. Hence, he advised a friendship magic convention between Semarang Magic Community (SMC) and IBM 115 Singapore.

Garuda Merlion Magic Convention originally planned as a small magic convention in Semarang(Indonesia) between Semarang Magic Community (SMC) and International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) 115 Singapore. Hence, it was originally named "Mini Magic Convention". We did not expect the convention would be attended by people from out of Semarang. However, we gladly welcome guests from all over the world.

Mr. John Teo eased our mind. He said that profit gaining is not the aim of the magic convention. The magic convention is only for friendship and magic appreciation. IBM 115 Singapore came to Semarang, Indonesia, at their own cost. They even shared the convention cost with Semarang Magic Community. We gratefully appreciate their generosity and dedication for magic in Indonesia.

SMC was so excited about Mini Magic Convention. We hurried IBM 115 Singapore to start the convention in November 2011 or December 2011. However, the proposed months were impossible due to the busy schedule in November 2011 (IBM 115 Singapore anniversary) and December 2011 (e.g. Christmas, The 8th AMA Convention in Hong Kong, and New Year celebration).

January and February 2012 were not good either to have a magic convention because many magicians would be fully booked (i.e. Chinese New Year and Valentine's Day). Thus, the convention was decided to be held on March 2012.

Unfortunately, on mid February 2012, IBM 115 Singapore requested that the convention should be held later after March 2012. Thus, we agreed to have the convention on the 11th up to the 13th of April 2012.Mr. Kenneth Chia, Mr. Pambudi Sunarsihanto and Mr. Bernard Sim from IBM 115 Singaporeassisted preparations of Garuda Merlion Magic Convention. They provided valuable ideas and suggestions for the magic convention arrangement.

As a simulation on how the convention would feel like, SMC organized the 9th Gathering, which was an open (public) event called "The Magic Nite" in Istana Restaurant on MT Haryono Street 836, Semarang. [Click here to read more about The Magic Nite]. The Magic Nite allowed us to evaluate our management for a big scale event. We noticed our weaknesses and improved within two months.

Magic Nite made us aware that the following guidelines must be applied for the magic convention:

1. Minimize unknown variables.
2. Singaporean guests receive priority time allocation.
3. SMC and IBM 115 control the magic convention.
4. SMC must be able to quickly respond to any emergency.

Unknown variables include weather, traffic condition, potential tardiness, indecisive participants, etc. Initially we would like to take the Singaporeans for a road trip out of Semarang. However, the travel time would be too long (approximately 3 - 4 hours for one way trip). Furthermore, the traffic condition would be unpredictable. For example, if there was an accident somewhere along the road or if the Merapi Volcano erupted, then the traffic jam could take hours.  We noticed this problems weeks before the magic convention when we surveyed the cities of interest. It would be long hours and tiring for those who participated in this journey. Thus, we decided a short distance road trip to Bandungan(approximately 1.5 - 2 hours drive from Semarang). This would also ease a spare car to quickly go back and forth to Semarang if any urgent matters happened.

The hotel for the Singaporeans was selected on Pemuda Street in the center of Semarang for convenience. The hotel was brand new and close to major shopping malls and near tourist attractions. It was within 15 - 20 minutes drive to the magic convention location (Istana Restaurant).

Istana restaurant on MT Haryono 836 Street was selected due to its high quality of service and food at an economical price. Furthermore, we had a great gathering experience in Istana Restaurantlast January 2012 (see The Ninth Gathering: Magic Nite).

Mr. Valentino tried to get Indonesian magicians to give magic lectures and / or magic shows for The Garuda Merlion Magic Convention. However, he received negative or unclear responses. Some were not so encouraging remarks. We understand our situation. We sincerely admit that the magic convention would be our first magic convention, especially one that involved foreign magicians. Furthermore, there was nothing of monetary values we could offer for those who would give magic lectures and / or magic shows. As a reward, we could only offered a great experience and mentioning in Semarang Magic Community's online medias. Thus, we had prepared magicians from Semarang Magic Communityto give magic lectures and / or performances.

Fortunately, Mr. Paulus Sentana (former president of IBM Surabaya) and Robert Ortega (a magician from Tegal) volunteered to give a magic lecture and a magic show respectively. They gave excellent magic  lecture and magic show during the Garuda Merlion Magic Convention.

Since we rarely get overseas magicians to give magic lectures and shows, therefore, magic lecture and magic show time allocation would be prioritized for the Singaporean magicians who wanted to give magic lectures or magic shows. Thus, time schedule was carefully monitored and adjusted. Only SMC and IBM 115 had the authority to adjust the schedule.

By March 2012, IBM 115 confirmed their best magicians to give magic shows and lectures duringGaruda Merlion Magic Convention. They were Mr. John Teo, Mr. Gician Tan, and Jeremy Tan. Indonesian magicians, in disbelief, became so excited when SMC announced these amazing guest star magicians. Then, by April 2012, we received another great addition, Mr. Bernard Sim volunteered to give a unique lecture, a combination of skill and magic, it was about dice stacking. The MC from IBM 115 was Mr. Satish Kumar. The guest star magicians were truly beyond our expectations.

SMC realized that "Mini" Magic Convention was rather inappropriate for such an important event. Thus, we provided a selection of names to replace "Mini". Some of the names were as follow:

• Lunpia Magic Convention: Lunpia is the traditional Semarang delicacy.
• Extravaganza Magic Convention. Too TV show-like?
• Semarang Magic Convention (SMC).
• Garuda Merlion Magic Convention. A bit long. But nicely fit to the theme.

SMC and IBM 115 Singapore finally agreed to name the magic convention as "Garuda Merlion Magic Convention".  The name bears the symbols of the two nations involved.Garuda is the symbol of Indonesia. Merlionis the symbol of Singapore.

Promotion materials such as brochures, street banners, posters, and many more were immediately prepared and distributed weeks before the magic convention. Internet promotion was also intensified especially via Facebook and Twitter. We arranged the announcement so that it was not made too early to be forgotten or too late for anyone to notice / prepare.

SMC selected experienced and trusted crews among its members. The selected crews had served well in SMC's previous events. Their dedications were once again tested in Garuda Merlion Magic Convention. The SMC crews were Aditya Agunk, Deka Ridwantono,Dodox Decaprio, Ken Daizzels, D'Rowman Romiruz, Pratama Herry Herlambang(Tama), and Zue Nara Firdaus.

SMC was also assisted by other Indonesians such as Mrs. Benita Arijani,  Mr. Giarsito Sapto Putratmo, and Mrs. Eriyati R. Saptoputratmo who promoted the magic convention during the2012 Semarang City Tourism Forum Meeting on the third of April 2012 in Grand Candi Hotel, Semarang. Also, 90.2 Trax FM radio that broadcasted the Garuda Merlion Magic Conventionannouncement.

Many thanks to Mr. Surya, the additional driver / staff on the 11th and 12th of April 2012, who was 24 hours ready to help should any emergency occurred. Additional thanks to the staffs of Istana restaurant, especially Mr. Mada and Mr. Parman, for their best service during the magic convention. Much appreciation to Mrs. Evie Lolana S for various assistance related to the magic convention. Last but not least, great thanks to dr. Harry Prayogo who helped organize and sponsored some of the magic convention's program.

Many people contributed to the success of Garuda Merlion Magic Convention. Both the Singaporeans and Indonesians did their best throughout the preparation and the running of Garuda Merlion Magic Convention. The magic convention is hoped to strengthen friendship among Singaporean and Indonesian magicians and appreciation to the art of magic.

Note: more photos are available in Semarang Magic Community Facebook.

Articles related to  Garuda Merlion Magic Convention and Semarang Magic Community (e.g. translation, profile generation, publishing, etc) are created by Silvan Prayogo in Yogostar.

Semarang Magic Community: The 10th Gathering

Semarang Magic Community: The 10th Gathering

Author: Silvan Prayogo, BSc., MSc. Biotech (Semarang Magic Community Captain, 2011 - 2012)

Last update: 21st of April 2012, Saturday

On the 9th of March 2012, Friday, Semarang Magic Community had its 10th Gathering. It was a close gathering only for Semarang Magic Community members. The gathering focused on the final preparation of Garuda Merlion Magic Convention. Garuda Merlion Magic Convention was a magic convention organized by Semarang Magic Communityand International Brotherhood of Magicians (IBM) Ring 115 Singapore. The convention had been a hot discussion topic months earlier.

Garuda Merlion Magic Convention would be a historical event for Indonesian magicians because it was the first magic convention in Indonesia organized and attended by magicians of two nations, Indonesia and Singapore.

The gathering discussed matters such as the convention programs,  care for the Singaporean guests, the promotional materials, the entry ticket price, tasks distribution, etc.

The discussion agreed to make the entry price as economical as possible so that many Indonesians, especially Semarang Magic Community members, could enjoy this important event. Thus, we agreed on the Rp. 125 000 ($US 14) per person for a two-days magic convention entry price tag. It was the most economical magic convention price in Indonesia since the two-days programs included magic lectures and magic shows by foreign master magicians. Furthermore, dinners and snacks were included in the entry price. The magic convention was never meant for profit gaining as the IBM 115 Singapore stressed months earlier.

Although the magic convention was estimated to run on a limited budget, we promised to do our best to care for the Singaporean guests during their stay in Semarang. We had to make this as a special occasion with whatever we have to offer.

We have surveyed several meeting / gathering locations (e.g. hotels). Unfortunately, we could not afford their offered prices. Thus, Istana restaurant on MT Haryono 836 street was selected as the convention location. We did the Ninth Gathering (Magic Nite) last January 2012 in Istana restaurant. It has air-conditioning, adequate meeting facilities (e.g. sound system, LCD screen, etc), delicious food, and economical price.

The discussion agreed to have a magic competition in Garuda Merlion Magic Convention. However, the competition was for Indonesian magicians only. The competition award should be from the IBM 115 Singapore to make it more valuable for the winners. However, there would be no monetary reward for the winners. Other forms of additional awards would be offered.

We agreed to keep looking for sponsors for financial and promotional assistance to support GarudaMerlion Magic Convention. We would also promote the convention through internet social media such as Facebook, Twitter, etc.

Semarang Magic Community also searched for Indonesian magicians to give magic lectures and / or to perform during the Garuda Merlion MagicConvention. Uncle Valentino had tried to contact many Indonesian magicians. However, none gave a confirmed positive response.

After an intense two - three hours discussion, Semarang Magic Community members indulge themselves in delicious Indonesian dinner in dinner boxes.

The gathering was made more interesting when Yustika Fatimah (our new member) andKael (Imanuel Yudi) performed magic shows. They peformed close up magic with cards. Then, Aditya Agunk and Rowman Romiruz performed skillful card florish.

We emphasized to do the best for Garuda Merlion Magic Convention. It would be our historical moment to be the first Indonesian magic organization to organize an international magic convention in Indonesia.

Note: more photos are available at Facebook Semarang Magic Community and Blog of Semarang Magic Community.

Magic Nite: The 9th Semarang Magic Community Magic Gathering

Author: Silvan Prayogo, BSc., MSc. Biotech (Semarang Magic Community Captain, 2011 - 2012)

Last update: 24th of January 2012, Tuesday

Semarang Magic Community opened 2012 with a bang, Magic Nite. Magic Nite was the The Ninth Semarang Magic Community Gathering. Magic Nite opened for public. It was held on the 21st of January 2012, Saturday, from 16:00 up to 21:45 in Istana restaurant on Jl. MT Haryono 836, Semarang, Central Java Province, Indonesia. Magic Nite shared information and programs of Semarang Magic Community in 2012 such as the coming Mini Magic Convention with Singapore IBM 115 on April 2012.

Approximately 60 people attended Magic Nite. The guests were magicians and magic properties collectors. Magic Nite was an excellent time to enjoy and learn magic. Tickets were sold at Rp. 25 thousands (± $USD 2.5) per person for Semarang Magic Community members and Rp. 35 thousands (± $USD 3.5) per person for non-members. Ticket price included dinner.

Magic Nite presented magic lectures by Mr. Paulus Sentana, the former president of IBM Surabaya Ring, and dr. Harry Susanto Prayogo, a senior magician with international magic shows experience. Mr. Paulus Sentana taught techniques to set up brilliant magic effects such as a mind-reading prediction, torn and restored newspaper magic, and many more clever ideas.

Dr. Harry Susanto Prayogo taught fantastic magic effects with simple and easy preparations. For example, transforming a silk into a real egg. An audience laughed in disbelieve when he peeled the egg shell off.

Magic Nite also had a Magic Dealer session.  This Magic Dealer session, Mr. Paulus Sentana sold a lot his magic merchandize he brought from Surabaya. Guests loved his merchandize. He sold the appearing flower bouquets, magic fans, and many more interesting items. The prices ranged from Rp. 50 thousands (± $USD 5) up to Rp. 500 thousands (± $USD 50).

Magic Nite was surprised by the appearance of The Masked Magician, Mr. Valentino. Really? This Mr. Valentino is from Semarang, Indonesia, owner of Valentino Magic Shop. Mr. Valentino (Uncle Valent) was the MC for Magic Nite. He dressed up as the legendary Masked Magician.

At 18:40 the Indonesian version Masked Magician announced dinner time. Istana Restaurant served the delicious dinner. The dinner set consisted of Indonesian style fried chicken, fried noodle, vegetables, and rice.

Soon after dinner, a magic shows parade began. Magic shows parade featuredSemarang Magic Community magicians such as Silvan Prayogo, Dodox Decaprio,Cecil Danielo, and Aditya Agunk. Guest star magicians made the magic shows parade more special. The guest star magicians were Mr. Paulus Sentana from IBM Surabaya, El Cazo Dejavu from Solo, Dimitri Aditya from Surabaya, and two magicians from The Master RCTI TV shows, Edo Shadow and Krishnaji. Bebbo Denoberto presented a different show, a stand up comedy act, at the end of Magic Nite.

Semarang Magic Community expresses gratitude to our new member, Gusti Mulya Devitto, for his graphic designs on poster, brochures, tickets, and banner. Also great appreciation to the Semarang Magic Community official crews on duty during Magic Nite, Ferdian Rahardjo and Rowman Romiruz who ensured ticketing and registration well documented. Deka Ridwantoro photographed Magic Nite. Also, many thanks to Istana Restaurant for their great service and dinner.

Note: more photos are available at Facebook Semarang Magic Community and Blog of Semarang Magic Community.