A David-Blaine-in-the-making might be right here in the heart of Manila.

No, he hasn’t’ submerged himself in a water-filled tank for days or stood for 35 hours on top of a 90-foot pillar small enough to accommodate only one man. 

Not yet anyway.  But give magician Marcelle Fabbie a few more years and he might create a trick that will break the records and hold the audience spellbound.

If Blaine has been called an illusionist or one who creates a convincing piece of unreality, Marcelle says he’s a magician-mentalist.

He bends forks without using physical force but by concentrating (or so he says).  Marcelle holds the tip of the fork’s handle, concentrates, does a sleight of hand… then the poor piece of cutlery slowly curves, its tines twist right before his audience’s eyes.       

I have twice seen Marcelle’s fork-bending effect in two separate events of 88DB.com: the Easter Treat last March in Greenhills, San Juan and the Career & Entrepreneurship Fair 2008 last May at the World Trade Center, Pasay City. In both occasions, the jaws of every single person watching – from the kids, their parents, and the assorted yayas - dropped.

Kel, as he is better known in the “world of the magicians”, naturally has a few more tricks up his sleeves.  He solves rubik's cubes with his entire head (not just his eyes) covered; and he can free himself from a metal chain around his body.

Word has gotten around about Kel.  He’s performed in front of large crowds in parties, corporate events, product launches, and yes, even job fairs.  He is a fairly quiet guy who keeps to himself, but once he brings out his bag of tricks, he immediately becomes center stage.

One thing I did find out about Kel is that he likes sharing what he knows.  That’s because Marcelle is a teacher by profession when he’s not mentally bending spoons.  I guess it was only a matter of time before he started teaching the magician’s craft itself to other kindred spirits who’d like to master it as a career or a hobby.

For Harry-Potter-wannabes, or for those who’d just like to see a good sleight of hand, Marcelle Fabie, the mind-bender might turn out to be your favorite magician.

Click here to contact Marcelle “Kel” Fabie