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.

Silvan Prayogo gave a presentation in 2012 Semarang Tourism Forum in Grand Candi Hotel on the third of April 2012, Semarang. Silvan Prayogo, as a captain of Semarang Magic Community promoted Semarang Magic Community and Garuda Merlion Magic Convention during the forum

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.

IBM 115 Award for the Garuda Merlion Magic Convention Magic Competition (12th of April 2012)

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

Silvan Prayogo lead the meeting / discussion in the 10th Gathering

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 MagicCommunity and 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.

Yustika Fatima: performed a magic show

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 magicconvention 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.

Rowman Romiruz performed acrobatic cards

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 Garuda Merlion 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 Magic Convention. 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.