How I Was Chosen To Become a God | Hidden Hustles

At 18, Briano was chosen by the gods to become a spirit medium. For the past fifteen years, he has hosted two gods, going into trances and giving devotees advice almost every week.
A sceptic, Wenqi attempts to make sense of such a religious practice and find out how mediums like Briano tread between the supernatural world and the mortal realm.
Special thanks to the Shui Gou Guan Temple for allowing us to film on their premises. The opinions expressed by the speakers do not reflect the temple’s stance.
Host:
Wenqi (@spinningrockets)
Crew:
Pei Fang (@pfdolala)
Hakim (@_mikahahah)
Jia Hui (@slugsouls)
Yu En (@heyyuen)
Christine (@christinemakingthings)
Editor:
Jeremie (@endswithanie)
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[@OGS.Official]

Interested in seeing some behind-the-scenes content? Watch us chat with the producers and hosts of Hidden Hustles here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bmW4XqOfaMeIsJI

[@Choonzord]

The cornerstone to OGS' amazing coverage is sincerity, open-mindedness and empathy. Even as a sceptic, these things shine through in the approach, conversations, production, and edit. Amazing work.

[@hendyk78]

Agree! Since beginning their work quality is top notch

[@OGS.Official]

Special thanks to Briano for sharing his story with us! We understand that the topic of religion can be very personal but at OGS, we wish to create a safe space for open conversations so that we can bridge differences and build conversations across communities. It’s not easy for our profiles to step out and share their personal stories, especially one that is so sensitive in nature. Do watch this video with an open mind and withhold judgement and comments until the end of this episode. And while each of us may have a different opinion on the subject matter, let’s all navigate the conversation respectfully. - Pei Fang, producer

[@peachesandcream5001]

Was the trance held every sat?

[@egimania848]

Curious to know did you finally signed something in December? Probably something important? 😁

[@lambo88]

@@egimania848 probably signed a cheque to pay something before GST increase!!

[@adrianaevseev7655]

🙏💖💞💖

[@SchismSphinx]

I'm not religious, but I respect the work he does. It's a social good, helps the community.

[@Hillers62]

Until he gives them bad advice...I hope he never does that...

[@robintang7304]

Why do you respect him, for what, for cheating, pretending, putting on a act. I once stand next to a medium, when he took a breather, he smokes a cigarette.

[@ttan7293]

@@robintang7304 please have respect for different religions! are you even singaporean!

[@robintang7304]

You don't know the meaning of respect. Seems like you are shallow in general knowledge. Can you prove to me or from any source that is true what you guys so proud of? Is blind faith and beliefs.

[@ttan7293]

@@robintang7304 i have reported your comment for hate speech, there is no room for such discrimination in singapore

[@StarrySunnie]

I am a Buddhist follower and believe in Mr. Briano’s voluntary work. It is one of Benevolent act of kindness for reaping good deeds by helping people especially involving Buddhists Deities and Buddhas. May Buddhas and Deities continue to help World of People where more people in need of help 🙏🏽🙇🏻‍♀️💐💐❤️❤️❤️ Thank you very much, OGS host and it’s team for sharing this rarest video.

[@Emma-in1br]

Pls don't equate this with Buddhism. Many Chinese folks confuse their religion as Buddhism when they practise a mixture of taoism, Tibetan Shamanism etc. Buddhism doesn't deny the existence of deities and gods but the true dhamma (buddhist teachings) focuses on the cultivation of morality, concentration and wisdom instead of relying on mediums. Some mediums are genuine and some not. I have been to such places when young and I have no doubts that some mediums are genuine and have been very helpful. But I'm a true Buddhist now when I discovered the actual teachings of the Buddha.

[@Emma-in1br]

And this is a taoist temple not a Buddhist monastery

[@sirtanchannel5848]

​@Emma i understand, however in the context of singapore, many of the Chinese Buddhists here actually practice more of a syncretic belief made up of buddhist, taoist, confuscious and folk elements. And I believe that we should refrain from trying to stick to one thing strictly and instead try to find ourselves in this beautiful balance that which is practiced by many here in Singapore 😄

[@Timholle]

@@mohdkhushairimohdrejab1616 ??

[@adelmadison]

Wtf the production level is insane… was as if I’m watching a movie Great set up, camera, mic, editing etc As someone’s who’s into film production, I’m in love. Great work OCS😍

[@ahyapchow2459]

NOT EVERYONE CAN GO INTO TRANCE , YOU GOT TO BE PURE MIND AND HEART TO BE CHOSEN TO BE A MEDIUM.

[@deepalil1085]

My great grandmother was a medium. In trance she would speak the languages she doesn't even know. Cultures are similar all around the world.

[@v4nnyz]

Another banger by the OGS team! Lately I've been getting interested in some aspects of some religions (just gathering knowledge!) and I've read about spirit mediums not too long ago, really happy to see a video about them! The editing helps the atmosphere of the video too. :)

[@OGS.Official]

Thank you for the kind words! It really motivates our team when we see encouraging comments like yours :) Side note, if there are any interesting religious practices that you would like us to cover, do let us know as well. It could provide inspiration for the next video on our channel! - Pei Fang, producer

[@eshintan]

How about speaking in tongues! Its in a similar vein to the subject of this video.

[@pohtato000]

Briano: it's like different people touching one big elephant this is so true. lowkey mind blown.

[@duckseatingbread]

ya!! am not a religious/spiritual person but that line rly helped enlightened how diff ppl make sense of the world we live in

[@ww3032]

Iirc this was a story from Buddhism. Very good analogy.

[@OGS.Official]

Just to provide some additional context while producing the story - as someone who is not very religious and has not have any experiences with the supernatural, it can be hard to relate to some of the anecdotal experiences that Briano shares, especially since every religion tries to be the "true" one. So while trying to make sense of what he said, I posed him this question to which he very open-mindedly answers to what was being said in the video. This was the analogy that stuck with me and I'm glad that it helped put things into perspective for some of you guys too :) - Pei Fang, producer

[@sdqsdq6274]

@@OGS.Official hmm you witness is a non violent act , i have seen weird ones like self inflicted pain which i presumed are different gods ?

[@memyselfandi7529]

Wow, I've got so much respect for you Briano! Though I'm Catholic by faith, I trust all religion brings forth goodness to everyone. I'm so glad to stumble upon this video clip Thank you for sharing your story, my friend

[@jag4064]

Thanks to OGS team for always making abd sharing meaningful content videos!

[@qswxhn4331]

Love this kind of content that is observed with open-minded mindset and willing to explore!! Kudos who ever propose this topic in OGS content brainstorming🙌🏻💪🔥

[@xeldith5579]

Another amazing video produced by OGS, really open-minded approach and editing with really great questions asked. Thank you for also showing the fear, anxiety and other very human emotions and aspects to this hidden hustle, touching on even family. Thank you for also not shying away from ‘controversial’ questions. All put together, it makes for a brave, insightful and deeper approach into exploring the profession and culture :)

[@LeonTai]

OGS killing it with the production quality 🔥

[@LeonTai]

The editing also really nice; the video editor confirm very handsome

[@baseplatecharlie]

keep doing what you're doing OGS, always looking forward to the team's work

[@nasilemakletakicecream]

“Is like different people touching one elephant. You can see which part you are touching. “ Wow, those are surprisingly wise words

[@jasoncheng4170]

that is true

[@GarvinGoeiPsikologi]

the words quoted from the Udana (The Buddhist's Holy Scripture)

[@elizabethysm86ysm2]

I actually love watching this kinda of topic, it gives me the sense of understanding of other religions and why.. I totally respect each other religions, regardless of what religion they are in.. Thank you for sharing this video

[@taykangsheng4418]

Great video. I think it’s really important to document down such happenings in Singapore for our descendants.

[@MISSpiggiie]

Love the visuals for this one!

[@duckseatingbread]

wa that trance segment w the editing and shots...rly loved this great docu!! the ending too ...

[@janessakoh860]

Very informative and interesting… first time I saw such an eloquent medium…I’m impressed even though I come from a different religion.

[@charliegabriel7431]

I really like the way OGS approach towards the "unknown", with sincerity and open minded view.

[@iiDreamzxc]

Thank you for giving us a glimpse on this topic! I have always heard stories of medium (tiao dang) but have never seen one in person before so this is really eye-opening and interesting to learn about ☺

[@catechin29]

Thanks for bring in Briano's mom's perspective into this too !

[@nigellow8153]

Huge respect for Briano. Thanks for sharing!

[@serpentsforhair]

Nice job on the editing and sound; interesting topic, thanks for picking up on this one (:

[@alvinpoon9805]

This is a very good write-up! Looking forward to any continuation on this topic! =)

[@GetOffUrPhone]

Amazing work, always been curious about this profession

[@codyisworking7307]

really meaningful content & solid perspectives shared!

[@lemonong2332]

Amazing story and cinematography!

[@sohu86x]

This is super cool - like an ethnographic report on spirit mediums. Very good video.

[@jalanjalan7099]

Great video and editing. Like watching a movie. Keep producing videos! And the content is fantastic

[@qkchia1593]

I'm a senior citizen. I appreciate the frankness and humility in this exchange. Briano's end remark is a piece of wisdom. I hope u wl do a video on the bearers of the rocking sedans during the Jade Emperor's (Kiu Ongg Ya) birthday celebrations.

[@theunraveler]

Interesting. I dont believe in the supernatural but Brian seems sincere. All the best!

[@Bananaapple272]

Very good educational video for the new generation that is unaware of all these traditions we have

[@jovenaloon4035]

Love it !! Great work u all :)

[@kakid4516]

He's a real nice kind man 😍😍😍😍 and he explained it very nicely. Yes I think we didn't know about the secrets thats the world has been hiding. 😍

[@ordln4ry]

Cool content ! Keep up the good work 🎉

[@wint-oo7up]

great and good quality video, do more this kind of topic!

[@lyrav2024]

A gift for humanity to know things beyond what ordinary humans cannot percieve.

[@jadeybubbletea9292]

Wow, thank you for this. Learnt something new :)

[@kaspertheroundghost]

Very good video 🥹! Love it!❤

[@kcl6641]

Well done. I got better understanding of temples and medium.

[@kittyinthebox2430]

Wow I'm surprised how comfortable it is to watch this video. Really good, humble delivery with Netflix documentary level production

[@billyseah1584]

i am totally agree he mentioned....."the elephant is the universe"

[@kn-bj8mp]

Remind me in 30 days!

[@pangkiatloh4555]

I think the deity staying at 5th & above dimensions. Namo Amithaba Budho🙏🙏🙏

[@Jumpoable]

This is just shamanism performed in a Chinese (Daoist) sociocultural setting. In Core Shamanism, we don't really call entering the trance state to perceive non-ordinary reality & connecting with spirit guides as "possession", it's more like a collaboration with Spirit. Really amazing that this temple does not permit their mediums to receive angbao (money) for this service.

[@Dii86]

Love this video.

[@jokovers]

ive seen videos of spirit mediums and related experiences from other malaysian or taiwanese youtubers but haven't actually seen a singaporean one! interesting video.

[@HakkaMoi]

I have alot of videos featuring spirit mediums from Singapore that I interviewed 😄

[@jokovers]

@@HakkaMoi i'll check them out!

[@HakkaMoi]

@@jokovers Hope they'll be of interest to you 🙌🏼

[@KinWong-uw5xz]

Being sceptical means one has very superficial in understanding religion. This stuff is very real. People who got chosen doing this medium job is a very privilege , honour and great blessing.

[@user-ut4pd4qo3x]

Thank you so much for making this video. I've always wanted to know how other people think of this from a Western perspective. Keep up the good works, love and peace❤

[@PapuaKini]

We have similar things like this is Indonesia, usually during Cap Go Meh. We call them Tang Sin or Tan Ci. I have watched their parade in Pontianak ( West Kalimantan), Gorontalo and Manado in Sulawesi. Big once a year celebration. They tend to inflict wounds with sharp objects like sword and javelin. Then 'priest' will wipe the wounds the the wounds will be healed.

[@hwhuang5788]

I have known a few Jitongs and all have long lives more than 90 years old. A friend's sister had started trance in a padi field and then became a Jitong for 七仙女.

[@JaniceQH93]

Nice vid... Loves this content

[@annagracewang]

what an amazing and v cool edit

[@aidenenterprise9534]

Thanks for sharing this video Hope u could do more educational video on taoist.

[@tankgod888]

There's also hardworking apprentice who wants to be medium and the method is to keep praying the God/bosses until he recognize and select you. All about fate also. If not u can go for different temple Department like interpret Tong Shing (red thick chinese calendar dictionary) , Chinese almanac to analyse current year destiny for consultee.

[@hawaiianpizza7]

thanks for sharing, definitely great to hear from the person himself as this has always been taboo to ask about.

[@chickenman2048]

The Elephant quote sounds similar to the Jain story of the blind men and the elephants. Every blind men will say different things about the elephant depending on where they touch but it is all one big elephant. A cool snippet of wisdom.

[@stefanyoei221]

Love this channel so much, can u do more video like this kind of thing, also can help me improve im bad english

[@lecherhao86]

Great video! I believe in the supernatural. What we can't see doesn't mean it doesn't exist. And mediums are usually chosen to fulfill certain heavenly duty. They got nothing monetary in return and some even sacrifice their relationship and careers.

[@mr.jeremyteo8310]

I think the headline should be rephrased as "how I was choosen to be a medium for the deities"

[@davidlaw9686]

This is very interesting. It's first time I get to hear from a practioner in English (I don't understand it in Chinese). And I totally agree with the mother. It's beyond anyone's decision. Something to do with fate, I believe.

[@hankwang8324]

Thank you.

[@lesliesia5142]

My late father (who was not a medium), used to go into trance at home when I was a kid. He would do things like somersault which he unlikely could perform normally (presume during a possession by monkey god). Despite experiencing it up close, I choose to remain a free thinker as I prefer not to let religion / superstition influence my thinking and behaviour. And the thinking of loosing control of your body during a trance is not something I can be comfortable with.

[@tanned06]

He's volunteering himself to being a medium, by that he should be cleared from all the suspicion he's using this ability as a source of income, and hence should be respected for what he does.

[@Pehtaim]

Good job

[@yorkiesweetpea23]

Believe or not, I still find it a bit disrespectful for the host to say all those things INSIDE the temple. Have some respect! Talk about your non-belieds outside! I myself don't believe in certain religions, but I ain't gonna stand inside the place and question the religion, asking for proof 🤦🏻‍♀️.

[@Jumpoable]

Exactly. Really piss poor conduct of a logical "first world" mind, doing an interview on a backwards "third world" spiritual practice. Apparently basic manners do not even matter when dealing with pagan peasants.

[@junlew2296]

Interesting!!

[@ginajoyei5879]

This temple still got trance seesion

[@tilarmeister]

Totally subscribe to the final part about different religions! People believing in different religions are like people touching different parts of an elephant - in this case, the elephant represents the universe!

[@MDIS]

Would love to meet up with Briano and learn more

[@Timholle]

I’ve heard from a Buddhist monk about these possessions & mediums. Not sure about underworld (yin) gods (there’s a saying they’re real & legit but 1 single god have many lackeys, so that’s why you see different mediums of the same god (eg. dua ya pek). However the gods in the heaven (Yang) will never possess a “dirty” human body, those medium that are possessed by those proclaimed gods in heaven (guan yin etc) are animal spirits who wants to do good & are in the process of enlightenment in a sense. They take on the identity of gods so as not to scare people. If people knew they’re a tiger spirit eg, no one will confide in them for help. These spirits have varying abilities, they aren’t very powerful so sometimes their “predictions” or wtv can be accurate & when you visit again it might not be. But end of the day, they’re benevolent and are here to help

[@leongyet9896]

Like what you mentioned,that's only one god as per deity. But he has many followers as also with ranks. The medium who has higher "practice"(修行） can invite the higher ranks exp; the general of that deity.

[@yeehuikoh3571]

Hmm the title of the video is rather misleading, I thought the entire video would also explain "how" he was actually selected to go through this path..I am sure there are many who are also curious what are the stories that happened to him before he officially decided to go down this path.

[@stevenheng3336]

Be kind to all religions whether you believe it or not... every religion have the crooks who tarnish their reputations and beliefs ..

[@OGS.Official]

It also helps to understand that despite the differences across various religions, any orthodox religion aims to guide their believers/ devotees to be morally good people at the end of the day. - Pei Fang, producer

[@handsomesquidward5926]

You dont have to film this like a horror film just because you dont believe it. This is a divine proses and gods blessing

[@MrBobbytrap100]

I am interested in going down for a visit. Do I need to make an appointment before heading down on Saturday night? If I do not speak Hokkien well, will there be a translator on site like the video? Thanks!

[@charlenetoh6371]

From my understanding, genuine temples with trance doing voluntary works are open to public regardless what your religion are. As their intentions is to help people resolve their worries and give advice to their problem. Mostly do not need appointments, unless for those very famous kind where, they trance for probably 2-4 hours a night and take limited amount of people cause it’s draining a lot of energy from them. All temples usually have a telephone hotline to call in and ask on what time and days that the trance will happen. Doing so will avoid a wasted trip there. Good luck.

[@jiaqianlim5354]

Can I know where this temple is located & the name?

[@euniceoz2791]

I have seen multiple times of spirit mediums since I was a kid. Maybe I am used to seeing it, I have never thought of this piece of culture as weird or unbelievable. Actually without the sound effects and filters added, the real sight of the entire process is not as visual with the dim light and all, the rest is quite the same as portrayed in the video.

[@nelsonlee5355]

They are Yin (nocturnal) Deities that perform rituals and conduct seances only after sunset.

[@euniceoz2791]

@@nelsonlee5355 It's not true for all Deities. From my personal experiences, I had seen multiple times that the rituals and seances can be conducted before sunset (both morning and noon).

[@nelsonlee5355]

@@euniceoz2791 I was referring to the Tua Ya Peh, De Ya Peh. Of course, the Monkey God, Kuan Gong, Goddess of Mercy etc. are diurnal Deities.

[@euniceoz2791]

@@nelsonlee5355 I see, thanks for the info. But my initial comment was about the dim light effects used in the video which darken the entire video. Since these kind of light and sound effects are typically used to present an ominous feel, so my intention was to clarify that the real visual is not really so vivid as portrayed in the video.

[@mariantia926]

From my perspectives, every religion is the same, be it Buddhism, Christian ,Hindu or Muslim and Taoism, the difference is only the approach, the method they use and utimately every each unique human being in this lifetime on earth is going after what they believe is right, their love and happiness, peace and satisfaction they get from their encountered with their faith.. Nothing is permanent even your life is fragile and so let each do what they like and watch and observe as enjoying a different perspectives. Open ming, open heart and open your thought... Totally agreed..

[@sdqsdq6274]

well i dont see the similarity , matter of fact , each are worlds apart , also religion if taught wrongly , its a double edge sword

[@wendyshoowaiching4161]

It's real. Often people give ang pau is to support temple expenses 1. Festival food for guests 2. Temple's utility expenses. Often medium is giving free public services

[@ilovecheesecakee]

Random, but I really like the thumbnail too

[@fadhlyshirazy]

Who said Chinese always want untung (profits). This person didn't accept any kind of payment

[@Timholle]

Most don’t accept payments. Or you can willingly give any amount as “donations”

[@Jo_channel88]

Nice to see more young pple make documentaries abt this practices there are books written by westerners and their experiences too check out…….

[@BadassBikerOwns]

We have a similar practice in folk Hinduism, where people get trance, usually of what we call as guardian Gods and village deities. I feel sad for non-believers, who miss out into this rich and beautiful world.

[@toixcchicken4019]

Their acting, and the dialogue.......so much better than Channel 5 drama stuff

[@nazmetv]

Thumbnail looks like narelle khengs album cover

[@looneytuneeeeeeee123]

i prefer the word deity, other religion may misunderstand taoism as "God" in chinese is mostly refer to celestial spirit not the creator of the world.

[@rhuyisia8163]

Does he conduct spell casting/healing when in trance?

[@typicalduos601]

May i know where is the temple located? Thanks in Advance!

[@OGS.Official]

Hi, the temple is located at Teck Whye, Shui Gou Guan Temple!

[@wds807]

Saw a malaysian medium in another youtube video saying the same thing. There's only heaven and earth (in this universe). Where did religions come from? It's created by humans.

[@Wuyh99]

If u go to fujian in china their trance speak different dialects

[@huiwong2263]

Don't believe dieties does not mean one is open minded, open mind person can understand n except as it is without judgement in the mind. Is an honour and virtue to be selected to work as a medium. You doing to serve heaven and mankind.

[@Justjeanyyypea]

Can someone please enlighten us on how he even got into this ? I’m really curious about the entire process!

[@charcolatier]

Same here!

[@draxiusplayz_2278]

The deities will firstly look for you in a dream, and inform you that you will have to serve for the diety. Its not possible for you to reject as in this life you are destined to help the deities to lessen the suffering of human beings etc avoid unfortunate mishaps or unlucky events.

[@kstang9441]

Only chosen ones by heavenly deities, can be a medium. If real mediums , they can really cure illness. I have a relative who was a catholic, when ill, no doctors could cure him. Luck8ly, we came across a home temple medium,who saved his life. The deity who cured him was one of the 8 immortal deities . We called this deity... immortal master Lee. Immortal master Lee told us that during his lifetime on earth, he was a hermit doctor in ancient China. He had gone through many lives, spiritual cultivating, b4 he was able to become a high deity. His aim now was to keep doing good deeds so he could one day become a Buddha.

[@egimania848]

So did you finally signed something in December? 😁

[@OGS.Official]

His prediction was that I would sign something in December of the lunar calendar, which is this January, and I did sign something quite important last week haha. But having said that, I sign documents quite frequently so... 🤷‍♀I'd say whether you see it as a coincidence, or an accurate prediction is really up to your position as a believer or a skeptic. I'm still largely skeptical, but my position has softened a little. What I learnt from working on this, was that ultimately, most people who see such mediums are looking for some answers, or for peace of mind, and for believers, these experiences give them comfort. Like Briano said, he does not accept monetary compensation for this, and we can't speak for all mediums, but I felt safe and my beliefs were respected throughout my experience. So if you ever visit a spirit medium, do exercise healthy discretion and walk away if you find yourself in an uncomfortable or dangerous situation. - Wenqi

[@egimania848]

@@OGS.Official Thank for sharing. Actually spirits do exist because I had seen others being possessed by spirits and got healed later by monks. Even hospital doctors couldn't help, they just advised patients to see psychiatrist. 😅

[@sdqsdq6274]

@@OGS.Official ermm isnt the prediction like the 12 zodiac then or some fortune cookies ,lol

[@dannychen9685]

@0:56 Daoist deities don't need to "convert" or "force proselytizing" to people of different faiths as the "Dao" means it is what it is and it flows without judgment. @5:08 Some things are indeed predestined by the Heavens and Daoist deities may seek other people to become mediums or spiritualists due to "yuan fen" or "predestined fate" to help others, all in the matter of divine timings.

[@kierkier2368]

"Ok noted with thanks"

[@sirtanchannel5848]

?

[@genghismike6186]

Wow.. i understand Hokkien

[@iasyama1999]

i stay near the temple and on mornings when they play the loud crashes and instruments it just pisses me off cause it happened so frequently and for long durations. There was one time where everyday for a month, they play for hours morning and night. Can anyone tell me what's the purpose of the performance to get an understanding if it's for a ritual or something.

[@sirtanchannel5848]

Everyday for a month? Never really seen onr so often, wouldn't say your exaggerating by sounds excessive. Most of the times this occurs once or twice a week at most

[@iasyama1999]

@@sirtanchannel5848 it was only that one month, they played everyday and I think everyone can agree that there is a limit to ones patience. It was as if they were preparing for a competition or something as they repeated the same parts over and over again which made it worse.

[@charlenetoh6371]

All genuine temples are open to public and all believers regardless of your religion, you may want to walk in and talk to the person in charge to ask for an answer and understand what is the situation rather than feeling suffocated with thoughts of why they have so much “noise” made daily for a particular period of time.

[@sirtanchannel5848]

@saiyama I have to agree with charlene toh on this, perhaps you could go to the temple personally to go check out the noise and perhaps ask about it

[@iasyama1999]

I can't take it anymore, they are waking me up every damn morning. Thats it