You have seen him perform his world famous illusions in the World's Greatest Magic TV specials, magically produce a race car out of thin air in Genting Highlands, Malaysia in 2007, or on Criss Angel's Mindfreak TV series. He has toured and headlined shows all around the world, from Malaysia to Las Vegas and everywhere else in between. 

We are very, very honoured to present to you, for your reading pleasure :-

                                  In The Spotlight : Ayala  

TMA : Firstly, congratulations the formation of your company Ayala EFX . Can you tell us  a little bit more about it?

Ayala : AYALA EFX was an idea that I got from many years ago by using my knowledge and my experience in the service of the entertainment business. AYALA EFX is based in 3 locations: A 4000 sq. feet shop, a 500 sq foot workshop and a dance studio in Las Vegas .

We design, consult, built, and repair anything related with shows : Scenery, Special effects, props, costumes, illusions, etc. we work on any kind of metals and wood for the props making projects. For our consultation services, we direct and guide performers into their act or shows to get the more audience acceptance and positive response. My background besides being a performer is based in Acting , Drama and theater, body expression, carpentry, tailoring , welding , mask making, wood carving and drawing.

TMA :  You certainly wowed all of us here when we caught your show here in Malaysia back in 2007. We love your high energy style of performing. Is there any magician who has influenced the way you perform your magic?

Ayala : The way I performed just happened … I loved magic acts like Shimada, Johnny Hart or Fred Kaps, large production shows like David Copperfield, Siegfried and Roy or Tihany, but none of them influenced in the way I perform. Being Latino I guess I got it from my heritage but my movements and the style I have came from MEXICO ,  where my roots are.

TMA : How about your influences outside of magic?

Ayala : I can say that I got lots of influence from other sources besides magic…

I wanted to be like Michael Jackson…the way he dressed, the way he moves, his energy to perfom.

I wanted to be like Michael Flatley…dance, perform and fly like him.

I wanted to have the darkness creativity of HR Giger.

I wanted to have the mixed styles of a flamenco dancer and a matador.

I wanted to be able to speak like Ricardo Montalban.

I wanted to express myself like Antoine De Saint Exupery’s  “The Little Prince”.

I wanted to carry my Aztec-Mayan roots with me at all times.

I think… these are my influences.

TMA : What got you into magic? Do you remember the first trick you ever learned?

Ayala : My father show me a trick called “Chinese people and flowers” a pretty clever card trick.

TMA : You started off performing in Mexico and since then your career has taken you all over the world. Could you tell us some of your more memorable moments as a performer?

Ayala : Yes ! I have been traveling a lot…and I love it !!!

Memorable moments?

- The day that I saw my name and my picture at the marquee of the Harrah’s Hotel in Las Vegas headlining Spellbound

- People chanting my name before the show at the opening of "Ayala . The Time is now" at the Metropolitan in Mexico returning to my country after 15 years of absence.

- When Shimada (my idol) gave me the “Academy of Magical Arts of Hollywood - Magician of the year 2000”

and to be honest….I have much, much more !

TMA : What is it like working with Criss Angel on the Mindfreak series?

Ayala : Working with Criss Angel is fantastic! I learned a lot from him. We have a long history together we knew each other since we were kids. He is one of the creators of this new era of new approach to our art…

Definitely he made his mark …I’m very proud of my old friend and honoured  to be part of some of his projects…he is a “family man” and for the people that they do not know him….a great person.

 Ayala in Malaysia, 2007.

TMA : What is the most important trait a magician must have to be a good magician?

Ayala : You need to ENTERTAIN !!!

TMA : What’s the secret to your success?

Ayala: I think that I haven’t  succeeded yet !

TMA : If  you could go back in time and do it all again, would you change anything? If so, what would you do differently?

Ayala : For me:    

-I would it be less of a procrastinator.                   

-I would eat better and exercise (believe or not, this make you a better performer).

For others:    

- I would be more considerate.

- I would collect more friends.

TMA : What does 2010 hold for Ayala and Tanya?

Ayala : We don’t know, few years ago we decided…NOT TO PLAN…it is more exciting !

TMA :  Any chance you’ll come down to Malaysia again?

Ayala : Not at the moment …but I will try to come back to perform for the people that cannot afford to pay the “Genting Prices”.

TMA :  If you could change one thing in magic, what would it be?

Ayala : I will change the easy way for some organizations to give away prizes to “magicians” that do not perform, do not entertain, rip off other artists and to those who used magic as an easy way to call themselves “artists”.

TMA :  Do you have any advice for aspiring illusionists in Malaysia?

Ayala : Of course ! Do something else !!!  May you find the cure to cancer ! And then…after that …you will join the Magic Annexe !  Haha.

TMA : Any parting words for all your fans in Malaysia and all around the world reading this?

Ayala : I do not have fans …come on,  I’m not Criss Angel ! I just have lots of friends !!

TMA : Once again, it's been a pleasure.  Thanks for your time.

Check out Ayala & Tanya's website at :-  www.ayala-tanya.com