Filipina Soul

Here’s the continuation of the interview I had with Rannie Raymundo. If you missed the first part, you can read it here.

Filipina Soul: One thing that not many people may know about you, is that you do magic tricks. You’ve been around the world meeting fellow magicians and are recognized in a number of international organizations. Obviously this is a passion of yours. How did you get your start as a magician?

Rannie: I got started at the age of 7. Magic was not just a hobby for me. It was my secret passion. As a little boy, I never really got toys for presents. They would either be in the form of an instrument, a magic prop or books. I just want to add that I did have regular toys, too. I had my Tonkas and G.I. Joes.

One time in the 70’s, an international magician came to Manila. His name is The Great Sorcar. I was there with my dad, third row, excited and all. The Great Sorcar entered a box and disappeared. A few moments later, there was this figure beside me wearing a cloak. And from that small opening, I saw those great Indian eyes. It was him, The Great Sorcar. He gestured to me as if telling me to hush…Sshhh. Instantly, I became part of the magic. I was responsible for the success of the illusion. I was an accomplice of this great magician. Suddenly, the house lights went on and the master rocked the house with his appearance from “nowhere”. He immediately got up on stage to receive his ovation and in the middle of the frenzy, he took time out to single me out…he pointed a finger at me and winked. Now I’m not an expert in lip reading but I could have sworn he said in a very deliberate manner…”thank you”. I fell in love at that moment. Not with Sorcar…but with magic.

On our way out of the Folk Arts Theatre, an Indian fellow approached me and said “young man, The Great Sorcar wants to see you backstage.” My dad accompanied me and I was face to face with the master. He taught me my very first trick. And that was it…I was hooked.

So magic became my secret life. It was only known by people close to me and fellow magicians. I have created so many tricks that now I am more known as a magician than a musician especially around the world.

Here’s a funny story. I was walking in Hollywood with some of the best American magicians and they were shocked when every corner, a group of Filipinos would have pictures taken with me, would ask for my autograph and talk about my past concerts and albums. Heck, even my movies. So naturally, these American magicians who know me as a cohort in the magical arts were dumbfounded. Only then did they know who I was back home. To date, I have done several lectures for professional magicians. I have released six instructional DVDs for professionals. And I have performed magic in Europe, the U.S. and around Asia.

I love the cross-training of music and magic. I am able to apply my skills as a musician to my magic…and vice versa. Both arts, require timing, rhythm and emotion.

Filipina Soul: Do you consider yourself a professional or amateur magician?

Rannie: Technically when you say professional that would mean that is your bread and butter. On another hand, it also means being adept and polished. Magic is not my bread and butter…but I do get paid handsomely when I do so. So from a technical standpoint, it would be safe to call me a “semi-professional”. Better yet, an amateur who creates and performs magic like a professional.

Filipina Soul: Do you mix your music and performing magic tricks at your shows? Tell us about a memorable event.

Rannie: Yes, I do depending on the demographics. Performing live for many years teaches you to read your audience. You just know when it’s time for a little magic. In one of my concerts, in memory of The Great Sorcar, I disappeared from stage and instantly appeared in the balcony. In the same show, I also made Rachel Alejandro levitate while doing a number.

Filipina Soul: If you had to choose, which would you rather be more famous for, your music or your magic?

Rannie: I don’t think it’s a crime to want to be famous in both fields.

Filipina Soul: What are your other pursuits and hobbies?

Rannie: There are so much aside from magic and music. There’s sculpting, painting, writing, etc. I’m also a producer, a recording engineer (and run my own recording studio) and a businessman. I have concepts for digital films and stage plays to write, direct and produce. If God made an 8th day, I’d still be using up this time for all these. One guy asked me one time (though in relation to magic), “ what motivates you to create? What keeps you creating?” and my reply was “I just can’t help it.” Same goes for all these other interests. I just can’t stop myself from pursuing all these other interests aside from my two passions, music and magic.

Filipina Soul: What are your current projects? Are you doing any shows outside the Philippines?

Rannie: I am currently finishing two albums, a solo album which is a collection of memorable hits “ranniefied and bossanified” and the Brat Pack album (a collaboration with my old friends from the music industry, Lloyd Umali and Renz Verano). To date, we have major inquiries from Australia, New Zealand and the United States. I hope you guys really do your homework. I’m dying to share with you these new creations. One particular song from the Brat Pack is a song I wrote called “I’m Going Home”. I wrote this in a one long drive on the freeway when I was there. It’s dedicated to all Pinoys who are away from home. (FS edit: You can hear the song “Uuwi na Ako / I’m Going Home” here.)

Filipina Soul: And, to round up our interview, where’s the best place for your fans to see you, hear you sing, or perhaps get a tip or two for doing their own magic tricks?

Rannie: I have a website which is nearing completion. It’s www.rannieraymundo.com which covers anything and everything about me.

I want to thank you for this wonderful opportunity to share a little bit about myself. God willing I’ll see you all soon. Did I fail to mention you guys are a big reason why I write?

*** end interview

So there you have it, folks! Rannie Raymundo, The Boss, The Manila Enforcer himself, right here on Filipina Soul. Check out his site for the latest about this man of many talents.

Thanks, Rannie, for your generosity in allowing us this glimpse of you.

Image source: rannieraymundo.com

Tags: Rannie Raymundo, Filipino singer, Filipino performer, Filipino composer, Filipino musician

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