According to the illustrious magician Harry Houdini, magic is achieved through illusion. A simple example is an illusion created by using smoke and mirrors. The illusion is called magic simply because it appears to be unexplainable. Late in his career, though, Houdini alluded to something that he experienced which he called "real magic." He apparently had acquired the ability to produce results that were in fact unexplainable. These magical results could not be accounted for even as the product of illusion.

   When dealing with an entire island that is known for its "magic", one would naturally think that there must be a magician among the crowd somewhere; right?  I had heard stories about various talented magicians that once lived on the island.  I had read about a man named Jess Butalid and another named Frank Vios and how they possessed the ability to make paper dolls dance to music.  I found no one that could give me any information on these men during my last visit.

   Just as I was about ready abandon my search, I was directed to the home of Vincente Tumala located in Cang-Asa.  Vincente has a charming wife and family and are very hospitable.  He showed me a "trick" which involved cutting a rope and then magically putting it together again.  There was one "show" where he blew smoke through a string.  He claimed to be a practitioner of the dancing paper doll phenomenon, as well as making a frying fish dance, etc.  However, to put on these shows he said required a few hours preparation time.  He even suggested that an appointment and a larger audience might be a good idea.  Magic is Vincente's 2nd source of income, motorcycle driver being his main occupation.

   I enjoyed the time that I spent with Vincente.  When I return I will be certain to allot ample time to witness the dancing dolls.  Whether it involves some sort of psychic powers, assistance from the spirit world, or just a trick, I must see it.

Vincente Tumala Cang-asa Siquijor 2004