Dear Christmas Fairy,

Can you believe it?

Just three more days to Christmas and I will need to bid adieu to you.

That also means in four days, my 2016 Sony Action Cam #FlapperLifeMoments will conclude. That also-also means.... I will have to bid adieu to camera #2 - the HDR-AS300. 😫😫😫

Starting to feel a little funeral-ish rather than festive-ish.

As you know, my two weeks long Guess-Share-Tag-WIN contest concluded six days ago. And now that the contest is over, it is time for me to write all about my first and possibly only contest. Yes. The Grinch aka Batwoman aka mummy says, "Too much work, Flapper! If you want to run another contest, you are doing it yourself next time!"

Oh mum!


How It All Started

Once upon a time, I went to The Barkery Singapore for some baking lessons. I learnt how to bake those yummilicious Gingerbread Cookies.

Remember I left part 3 and said "Shhhh... More to be revealed soon"?

This was it!
Part 3 is all about the contest.

How the contest idea came about was quite silly, really. After our failed attempt to decorate those gingerbread cookies, mummy decided to see how many of those cute cookies she could stack on me. Yep! My mummy can be quite the bo-liao (nothing-else-better-to-do) but because I love her, I will entertain her silly ideas.



While editing my 'X'mas Special at Barkery' series of videos, Uncle Nic sent me the photos that he took. I saw this photo and the light bulb above my rocket scientist head lit up.

This photo was the inspiration behind my Guess-Share-Tag-WIN contest.

"Mum! Mum! I think we should run a contest with this photo! Let's put a big question mark to block the cookies and have people guess how many cookies I stacked!", I exclaimed excitedly.

"Flapper... you want to run a contest? You trying to kill me ah?", mummy said.

"Kill you, no. Run a contest, yes!", I smirked at mummy.

Mummy sighed.

"Okay Flapper. If you say so....", mummy conceded in resignation.


It started out as a simple and fun idea... really.

In my blonde mind, I visualized the contest to be really simple and fun. Just have people guess how many cookies I stacked in total and the first correct entry wins the prize. Since this stacking thing was done at The Barkery and the photo was taken by Uncle Nic, I immediately asked both Auntie Ann and Uncle Nic if they would like to sponsor the prizes.

I planned to keep it that simple, like very simple.

Then another light bulb lit up.

I looked at mummy with THAT look... THAT smirk... and said most cautiously, "Muuummm.... don't you think it will be a great idea if we can get all my sponsors and collaborators together for the contest? You know how you always tell me that my sponsors should be with me through my life moments? How great will it be if we can bless another doggie with prizes that represent my life?"

Mummy glared at me.
She glared at me hard.

"Flapper-Ah-Choo... you are not serious, are you? ALL your sponsors and collaborators? You sure????", mummy retorted.

I knew she got my drift.

I promptly got to work and pitched the idea to all of my sponsors and collaborators. The only thing that could really happen was... they said no. Nothing to lose. Really. Not like I get paid for running this contest!

Lo and behold, Christmas Fairy!

I received overwhelming response of participation from the sponsors! Woohoo! Of course, that meant from that simple idea, it became a tad bit more complicated.

Not one nor two sponsors... SIX sponsors.

Oh boy... What did I get myself into?!?!?!

I obediently sat down to work out the mechanics of the contest. With all six sponsors participating, I had to make sure I had a solid plan on how to track the entries. I also had to make sure it did not look like some bogus contest.

To the contest drawing board, I went.

I had an idea about what prizes I would love from each sponsor but pitching it to them was another thing all together. I did not want to come across as I was only mooching products out of them but yet at the same time, I wanted to make sure that whatever prizes that was offered, represented my collaborations well and most of all, it was something that could benefit the prize winner.

From putting the prizes together to the "How To" of the contest, what started out as a simple and fun idea became a tad bit more complicated but when I started to see the prizes the sponsors were offering, I gasped and exclaimed,"O.M.G. mum! This contest is turning out to be very very exciting.... the top prize is sitting at a some $600 worth of products and vouchers."

That was when I realized... the contest had become real. Very real.

What started out as a simple fun idea... became very real [and serious] when all six sponsors replied affirmative to sponsoring the prizes.

And all that Social Media mechanics!

For those who knows Batwoman will know that she is not a tremendous fan of social media. As she always says,"My Facebook account is kept alive to maintain Flapper's account... and like seriously, every time I think I have learnt the new damn features, blardee Facebook (and Instagram) would have a new update and I'm back to square one! Damn it!"

There were many occasions where mummy considered deleting off my Facebook page as she was getting absolutely pissed off by the algorithm changes. But sentimentality of having maintained my account for four years and counting, she cannot bear to do it.

So imagine this... running a contest means Batwoman needs to figure out all that social media mechanics!  Can you see the invisible fire blasting out from above her head? I would feign ignorance and snore in my comfy birthday bed as she struggles to work out the contest and social media mechanics. I have long mastered the art of pulling my infamous emo face while mummy's beady eyes threw daggers at me.

Mummy spent hours and hours working out the contest mechanics and finally conceded that Uncle Nic's intial suggestion of using Google Forms is the easiest way to track the entries. Admittedly, it was not the easiest form of entry for the participants but after many discussions with Mummy, we decided it was the best way just because....

• If someone truly wants the prize, he/she would make the effort to enter the contest;
• We did not want to miss out on a correct entry;
• We wanted to be able to validate the entries... not fair to those who gave the right answer and abided by the contest rules.

One thing you MUST know about Mummy and me, we will fulfil our commitments to the best of our abilities and more than anything, we want it to be fair.

We will not tolerate cries of foul play because even though no one's watching but we will make sure we executed the contest honestly and ethically.

We even decided that we will video our prize picking process to show that the prize winners were not picked in favour of anyone in particular.

And you know what was the biggest learning lesson from running this contest, Christmas Fairy?

Learning how to work freakin' Facebook Page and Instagram... and all that rubbish with boost post. There were many moments Batwoman wanted to delete my Facebook Page account but she gritted her teeth as she struggled through freakin' Facebbok hiccups and was busy every single day of two weeks trying to figure out "what's next?" and "how ah?".

Mummy always says... "If I had known 4 years ago that running a Facebook Page would become so complicated, I would have just set up a normal Facebook account for Flapper."

Yes.

Facebook Page has been giving us so much grief, I have a feeling it might just be a matter of time....


Let the contest begin!

After days of working on the contest mechanics and artworks, I was finally ready to launch the contest on 1st December 2016... 08:00 hours.

I woke up especially early that morning to test the page out to make sure there were no glitches. Murphy's laws... the form was having display problem on mobile devices such that it was not displaying in its entirety. I broke out in cold sweat as I tried to figure out those icky HTML codes on how to get the forms to display correctly.

I was still struggling to get the form to work at 8 am and was racing against time. I was certainly late in launching the contest and Batwoman had to leave home for work at 8:40 am. I thought I may not be able to launch the contest as planned.

Finally at around 8:30 am, after a whole lot of trial and errors, by some stroke of miracle the mobile and desktop display worked. Phew!

A little late with the contest launch but better late than never.




Two weeks felt like eternity

Running the contest for full two weeks felt like eternity. Watching the entries slowly crawling in was fun... but somewhat nerve-wrecking. No denying I was hoping the contest will be a hit so it was disheartening when the response was underwhelming. But still, the contest had to go on.

Running this contest was not just about blind promotions for the sponsors but it was also the perfect opportunity to show how much each of them means in my life. So I readily accepted the proposition of giving a shout-out to each and every sponsor mid-week through the contest.

As I always say, there's a reason for my well-rounded selection of collaborations. It isn't about "lelong lelong... free I take". Even though prior to this I have done individual reviews for the products, my mid-contest posts for the sponsors gave me the chance to just talk a little about the collaborations and why each of them are important to me.

Yes. It was a lot of work. Conjuring different artworks which I ended up changing ALL the artworks eventually. Let's just call it last minute inspiration!

Like many pawrent, mummy got the jitters 7-8 years ago when she first made that big decision to put me on Wellness Core. She fell in love with its wholesome, protein-focused and balanced diet with the added goodness of supplements such as glucosamine and probiotics. So erm yeah, 7-8 years later I am still on Wellness thus not only did I rejoice when @silverskypets finally decided to sponsor both Frodo and I in August this year but also decided to gift some other lucky doggies with Wellness products for my fun Guess-Tag-Share-Win contest. . . To stand a chance to win one of the fab prizes, all you need to do is - SHARE this or any of the contest post, TAG 2 friends, #FlapperSponsorsGive and go to WWW.FLAPPERTHEDOG.COM to submit your answer/Guess how many cookies I stacked! . . Many thanks once again to @silverskypets for being one of the contest sponsors. You can also feel free to Direct Message (DM) them direct for a sample pack of food to try!

A photo posted by Flapper Choo (@flapperchoo) on Dec 5, 2016 at 11:57pm PST

I will shamelessly say... this SmartPult is my most favourite toy to date. It is not only a ball-launcher but it is a treat dispenser as well! And why it's called SmartPult? Because it comes with a Smartphone App that allows the user to control the launch and treat dispensing... and/or it can also be set on 'auto' mode. Frodo and I love love love this toy so much, we were so incredibly happy when the kind folks at @petvoq decided to offer the Smartpult as the TOP PRIZE! We have the Treat-and-Dash too and sorry I have not had the chance to do a review yet but it's also pretty darn fun! It's otherwise... a treat gun. . . You see, I decided to collaborate with @petvoq because they do give thoughts in creating lifestyle toys and items for pets. Their toys encourages reward-based training too which we raised our paws in full support. If you get a chance, you should pop by their webpage - petvoq.com - to check out their products. THEN you will truly understand why I am so happy to be collaborating with them. 😎😎 . . ​Sooooo.... if you want to stand a chance at winning the SmartPult or the Treat-and-Dash toy, ​my Guess-Tag-Share-WIN contest is stil running all the way till 15th Dec 2016. All you need to do is SHARE this or any of the contest post, TAG 2 friends, #FlapperSponsorsGive and ​go to WWW.FLAPPERTHEDOG.COM to submit your answer/guess how many cookies i stacked in total! Easy as EasyPaw does. Pun intended. . . Many thanks once again to @petvoq for the collaboration as well as being one of the contest sponsors!o

A photo posted by Flapper Choo (@flapperchoo) on Dec 6, 2016 at 11:18pm PST

It has been fun lately collaborating with @clubpetsmag and it all began with their grand 50th issue in Dec 2014 where I was featured my brother-whom-I-miss-very-much, @romeotan. Two years later and for their soon-to-be-released issue #62, they are featuring my fabulous grand 10th birthday story! And yes! I will be there at @avasingapore "Happy Pets Happy Hood" tomorrow, 11th Dec 2016 from 6 to 6:30 pm at Waterway Point. . . Don't forget my 'Guess-Tag-Share-Win' contest is still running and @clubpetsmag is generously giving away 2 years free subscription for each prize winner simply by sharing this or any of the contest post, tag two of your friends, #FlapperSponsorsGive and finally, guessing how many cookies in total I stacked at www.flapperthedog.com! . . In the meantime... have a fantabulous Saturday everyone!

A photo posted by Flapper Choo (@flapperchoo) on Dec 9, 2016 at 7:27pm PST

"LactoGold Pet Probiotics features only the best and highest grade of probiotics bacteria - Lactobacilli - it is also made in Singapore, ensuring the freshest and most potent probiotics for pet-owners in Singapore." Need I say more why Lactogold Probiotics is one of the prizes? Many many thanks to @sgbarkery for offering this health-beneficial probiotics as one of the prizess not just about "promoting the sponsors" but the prizes offered are primarily items that we (my sponsors and I collectively) would like to bless another doggie this festive season. So yes, to win this and all the other fabulous prizes, all you simply need to do is share this or any of the contest-related post, tag 2 friends, #FlapperSponsorsGive and GUESS how many cookies I stack in total at www.flapperthedog.com

A photo posted by Flapper Choo (@flapperchoo) on Dec 10, 2016 at 9:10pm PST

The Mysterious Case of Air Treat... That's what happens when mummy leaves us alone with Uncle Nic. Never trust the third child alone with the first two. - Just a gentle reminder that @sonysingapore is... - 1. Still giving out the Action Cam $150 shopping perks till X'mas; 2. Giving out the Action Cam carrying case & Dog Harness Mount for my contest. - All details at www.flapperthedog.com

A video posted by Flapper Choo (@flapperchoo) on Dec 12, 2016 at 3:46am PST

s giving away $100 voucher off photography service(s) as the TOP PRIZE and each consolation prize winner will receive a 8GB thumbdrive pre-loaded with my photos. - Need I say more? Go to www.flapperthedog.com to submit your entry today! - 3 more days to go....

Wherefore art thou the prizes?

In a blink of my blonde eye-lashes and squared-eyes from all that artworks, it was close to the contest finale.

O.M.G.

I still have not received all the prizes.

Here was the joke of the contest.... we, the sponsors and I collectively, were all focussed on the Top Prize that the consolation prizes were somewhat neglected! 😂😂😂

And truth be told I was so focussed on the artworks for the contest, I did not do a stock check either! So imagine my surprise when I realised I was missing a consolation prize... here and there.

So with lightening speed and in full panic mode, I quickly organised with the sponsors to go collect the missing prizes on... 14th Dec - eve of contest finale. I prayed hard there would not be any hiccups.  How embarrassing will it be if I cannot present the prizes to the winners or I had missing prizes! 😱😱😱

My first stop was Petvoq's office. DID YOU KNOW... that was my first visit ever to their office? It is always super fun to visit the sponsor's office! Not only do I get loads of attention and treats... yes, I need to work a little too.... but always nice to get to know the wonderful people behind the names I represent.

And best part of this office visit? I get to play with my favourite toy called the SmartPult between work!

All work and no play makes Flapper a dull boy.

Surely soon enough... after Christmas perhaps... I would get that video edited. HAHA!



My next stop was Sony Singapore's office to collect the forgotten consolation prizes then to The Barkery.

I have to say big big thanks to Silversky Pets. They were super efficient in sending the prizes down to me. And Uncle Nic too..... for running around town to collect prizes with me and taking such fabulous photos for keepsake.

I was knackered by the time I got home. But curiosity of seeing all the prizes got the better of me. You see, mentally, I knew how the prizes look together as I pieced the artworks together. But nothing like seeing it 'live' as a reminder of the purpose of this contest.

Hohoho! Check out all the prizes! Happy moment. It reminded me what the hard work behind the contest was all about! Seeing all the prizes together made me very excited to see who the eventual winners will be! T'was the season to be giving....

'Twas the season to be giving

15 December 2016
Midnight
Time to reveal the answer






17 December 2016

The long awaited moment finally arrived.  After closing the contest on 15th Dec at 23:59 hours, it was finally time to select the winners.

Of course, Santa Flapper me had to select the winners!



As you can see from the video, I said a prayer before selecting the winners. I prayed that the winners will benefit from the gifts and make good use of it.

I confess.

I did wonder whether about the prize winners... but fate is as fate is. I picked the winners by lucky draw so surely they were meant to win the prizes.

Paws crossed.

After emailing the winners to notify of their win and congratulate them, I arranged to meet up with them for prize delivery on 21st December 2016. Mummy initially planned to do the delivery without me as she was not sure if the smallies would be naughty or nice. But after exchanging couple of emails with the nice mummies of the winners, mummy felt assured as they were honest about their pooches.

Winners Fun Fact #1: As it turned out, I had met Pom Pom and her mummy quite recently at Clubpets Magazine aka Citrus Media office when I went for my birthday getaway interview!

Winners Fun Fact #2: Mafia's mummy knows Uncle Nic and Auntie Daphne! So when mummy found out how much they wanted to win the prizes for different reasons per prize, we were so so happy that the top prize winner was indeed a worthy winner! I was so so happy and felt touched as it brought new meaning to the contest.




Conclusively

This contest turned out to be quite a roller-coaster ride. My first time ever hosting a contest and boy... was there so much to learn.

I am still suffering from contest hangover.

Although the contest ran for two weeks but the actual count was four weeks of non-stop work. Never in my wildest imagination did I ever think I would run a social media contest! Mummy did warn me of the amount of work involved but at my insistence, the contest happened.

Hosting the contest was fun nonetheless even though it was oh-so-tiring. I am not sure if I'll run another contest to such scale again... with six sponsors. 😂😂😂

At this point I am quite a 'Hero' or am I 'Stallone'?

*guffaw*


It is important to give thanks...

This Christmas Giveaway contest would not have been possible without the spontaneous participation of all my sponsors and collaborators.

To end off my super long Christmas Contest Tails, many many gazillion thanks to:

The very kind and lovely ladies of Barkery who are always there for my furmily and I for our life events!

• Barkery Singapore - Thank you for the baking lesson and those Gingerbread Cookies which was the inspiration behind the contest. As always, thank you for spontaneously agreeing to sponsoring the prizes without hesitation.... and always being their for my furmily and my life moments.

• Clubpets Magazine - The fabulous recent collaborations - from my 10th Birthday feature for Issue #62 to mummy's wedding on Bliss magazine issue #61 to those special appearances ... these little collaboration moments added so much more value and meaning to my Christmas journey this year.

• Petvoq - What can I say.... that SmartPult aka Ball-Launcher! Thank you so so much for agreeing to sponsor the SmartPult and Treat-and-Dash toys without any hesitation. It has been so wonderful getting to know you guys, especially Ms Maye, and having me at your office! I love having Christmas Tails Tales to tell.

Because Sony Singapore chose me again to run the Sony Action Cam, I have been able to video the contest journey which will serve as wonderful memories for many years to come. (Photo credit: Furry Photos Pet Photography)

• Sony Singapore - For choosing me, Flapper Choo, once again to run the Sony Action Cam campaign. Thank you for listening to our suggestions and allowing me to document #FlapperLifeMoments, which has brought so much meaning to my Christmas this year... and believe it or not, my FIRST Christmas tree ever in my 10 years young of life! Because I have received the Sony Action Cam, I have been able to video the journey of this contest. This is my first and only actual Christmas ever so THANK YOU! You made festive grinch (mummy) pull her hair and grow more frown lines on her face running 'Countdown to Christmas' but you made festive reveler (daddy) very very very happy. 

Christmas is not Christmas without our staple diet

• Silversky Petcare - Christmas came early that day in August when you said 'yes' to sponsor Frodo and me on our long-time food, Wellness Pet Food. Thank you for your generous sponsorship for the contest... and all that little perks and extras you send our way. It's been really wonderful collaborating with Silversky thus far and here's to #Wellness10 to come!
  

And that's it from me Christmas Fairy!

I think I will be talking to you one more time to before bidding adieu to you (and my HDR-AS300).

So till then....

'Twas the season to be jolly.


xxoo
Flapper Choo

Dear Christmas Fairy,

Life is but an adventure and most times, just when one least expects it, things happen. You see, when I first started this #FlapperLifeMoments series with my Sony Action Cam, I was not sure where those life moments were going to take me.

All I knew was... my secret birthday getaway and something about "countdown to Christmas". To be honest, there was no big plans. Things just started happening... just when I was turning 10.

But it is happy busy though. At least my life is interesting although a particular mama is whining that she is very very tired. She has been juggling between work and fulfilling all my exciting commitments but she always smiles when she goes through the footages of all the memories we have created as a team. I do lead  a fulfilling life, don't I?

"Life as a Celebrity Dog"

Mummy always frowns when I get referred to as a 'celebrity dog'. I am and will always be Flapper Choo! or Flapper Ah-Choo! (when I'm being naughty), Ber-ah! (in exasperation), Ber-Ber.... (term of endearment) and Flapppppeeeeerrrrr (when she is playing or taunting me).

Mummy's pet, yes.
Celebrity dog, no.

Mummy tries her best-est to let me have my 'normal' life. And on most days, I do have a very normal life. No caviar. No hot chicks fanning me. No extra-marital scandals.

Just me as I am.
A mere blonde dog.

However, of late, 'celebrity' me has been pretty busy with my unexpected social agenda. You see, one of the #FlapperLifeMoments that the Sony Action Cam team proposed was to cover "Life of a Celebrity Dog" which mummy immediately rejected.

"Simi (What) celebrity dog life? It will just be him going to swim and run around, that's it! Nothing all that interesting.", mummy said.

And then! It seemed like a fairy sprinkled some magical dust upon me, my life started taking its own form and I was somehow... living up to being a 'celebrity dog'. Events appearances, Clubpets magazine feature of my birthday, running a Christmas contest, collaborations...

Mummy laughed right to my face and said to me, "Really feels like 'Life of a Celebrity Dog' huh?"


Two Public Appearances in Two Months

As you might already know, I was the roving reporter at the All 'Bout Canine (ABC) event on 22nd and 23rd October. I did not write about it just because... if I have nothing good to say, I'd rather leave it unsaid. But one thing though, I met Uncle Luke again after three years and once again, he was my interviewer on stage.

It was good to see him again and mummy was comforted to see a familiar face hosting the interview. Mummy snuck in a last minute request and Uncle Luke not only graciously obliged but swiftly conducted a solid interview and smoothly transitioned the questions to tie in with mummy's request.

Mummy was impressed.

#throwback to my interview with Uncle Luke at the ABC event.

Did you know... The ABC Event was the second time Uncle Luke interviewed me?

I first met Uncle Luke just about three years ago. It was Clubpets Magazine 50th issue event - I think. Forgive my bad memory. I am only but 10 years old. We only met briefly on stage and well, let's just say it was quite forgettable as I did not have get a chance to interact much with Uncle Luke. However, he did invite us for yet another event which we ended up not turning up because mummy was delayed at work.

Somehow... these events always fall on a Sunday.

Fast forward 3 years later.... shortly after my appearance interview with Uncle Luke at the ABC event, he contacted me and asked if I could make an appearance for AVA's "Happy Pets, Happy Hood" event on 11th December.

As usual, mummy was reluctant. Very reluctant. The Grinch absolutely hates public appearances and as I said in my last post, if there was a bat-cave mummy could hibernate in, she would.

But mummy never forgets a favour and agreed to make an appearance with me... again. She firmly told Uncle Luke this will be the last for a looonnnngggg time.

Two public appearances within a year.
Two public appearances within two months.

Surely that will, once again, make it into my Flapper Book of Records.


"Happy Pets, Happy Hood"

Batwoman thought it would be yet another quiet event.

She thought since it was at some mall at supposedly ulu-Punggol, like how busy can it get?

"No! It is very crowded especially on weekends! I don't even know whether can get parking or not."

Thanks Uncle Nic. It only made Batwoman freak out more. Regardless whether I am doing a public appearance or going for filming, she always gets nauseated from her nerves. So finding out that Waterway Point is one busy mall made her even wonkier.

Uncle Nic came to pick us up and mummy was already in a pretty wrecked state. Thankfully for Uncle Nic (no sarcasm this time) and Auntie Nanette for being there, it helped settle mummy's nerves... a little. I truly appreciate how Uncle Nic is always there with me for all my life moments - no matter how big or small.

We arrived at Waterway Point at 5:30 pm even though we were only due on stage at 6 pm. It is always important to give ample time for a dog to sniff around a little and adjust to the new place before going on stage.

I was not sure what to expect.

How big will the crowd really be?
Will the people like me?
Will they yell and scream because I'm a big dog?
Will they pat me?

From the minute I arrived, 'Meet-and-Greet' happened on its own. A few kids and adults started coming up to pat me. It was pretty quiet then and there was some skit going on stage. I knew that Auntie Maye from Petvoq had a booth there so since we were early, mummy decided to try to locate her. Can you see in the video when mummy was asking for directions to locate Auntie Maye?

Here's the joke - Both mummy and Auntie Maye thought we were attending the same event... which turned out otherwise! We were at different events and she was at the other end of Singapore! HUMANS! *guffaw*

Anywoof, in our attempt to locate Auntie Maye, we never made it past the "living room". Slowly but surely more people came up to interact with me. It was really nice and I loved watching the little kids reactions. It was a pleasant surprise and experience to have so many nice people come interact with me. No screeching, screaming and yelling kids or parents!

Thumbs-up to all the folks at Waterway Point!
Very cool parents, I must say!

And for the first time, there was no delay in my call-time on stage! They were actually on schedule! Prior to this third interview, Uncle Luke and I met about two to three more times at his office (Citrus Media). The additional meet-ups gave Uncle Luke a much better idea about me and for the few times that we have worked together, this was the most relaxed I have seen him with me.

"Really so 乖。 Very very 乖.", I've heard Uncle Luke say repeatedly since the ABC event.

"乖 is all I ever hear you say... nothing else to say ah?", mummy could not resist teasing Uncle Luke.

Flapper, you are seriously one of the sweetest, most 乖 dogs I've ever seen, and you've got a great owner and caretaker in your mummy. Thank you Flapper's mummy for making time to come down with Flapper today, for taking time out of your busy schedule to help out @clubpetsmag by making an appearance at the @avasingapore event. I might be biased, but I think Flapper's star power might've made his segment one of the best at the event. 😆He really had people glued to their seats!

A photo posted by Luke W (@happyluke) on Dec 11, 2016 at 2:38am PST

Uncle Luke, by now, is a Flapper-Interviewer old pro. With his growing familiarity with me, the interview fluency was undeniable. We were like old pals on stage. No awkwardness or tension. No Uncle Luke worrying that I will go roaming off-course or God-knows what he thought I'd get up to. The worried look used to be written all over his face and mummy would just raise an eyebrow and say, "Relax. I've got him."

This interview with Uncle Luke was indeed the best we've done together. This interviewer-interviewee relationship is like courtship. It starts off a little awkward and perhaps maybe even a little pretentious at the start... then through time, when the masks get stripped off and that's when it gets more real and the fun starts getting included too.

This interview, unlike the usual fluffy ones, was more on 'Responsible Pet Ownership'. After all, that was what "Happy Pets Happy Hood" was all about. Mummy cringed over some of the questions prepared.

"I will become public enemy #1 if I answer some of these questions... especially #2", mummy told Uncle Luke.

Uncle Luke's experience on stage showed that very evening and he artfully manoeuvred the questions based on the audience reactions. So we ended up only answering a few questions rather than the long list prepared. Phew!

At the start of the interview, the crowd was already quite impressive but time passed, the crowd actually got bigger and bigger. Batwoman's face flushed to the roots her hair while I, Flapper Choo, remained cool as a cucumber. It was gratifying, I must say, to see the growing crowd... at least we know we are not that boring. Haha!

There I was on stage, cool as a cucumber, while Batwoman was flushed to the roots of her hair. Many thanks to Auntie Nanette for taking this photo!

Just to thank Uncle Luke for his great interview, mummy obliged and allowed me to perform three tricks on stage to entertain the crowd. After which, I happily obliged to have a photo session with the people from the audience. It was hilarious really! Just because... it was clear that for some, the parents wanted the photo more than the kids did. 😂



I have to say this public appearance turned out better than expectation. And why am I writing so much about Uncle Luke? You see, I just found out that he has left Citrus Media and I was sad. It took a while for us to develop this on-stage chemistry and knowing this third interview was our last as a Clubpets-Flapper collaboration.

Of course, as Uncle Luke said, we never know what may come in the near-future. We may just collaborate again with him representing a different company. I could not help but feel sad anyway.

On the hindsight, as mummy always says, I am glad we did this appearance and had the chance to do work with Uncle Luke this third time. As mummy always says, things happen for a reason. Even though the reason for doing the appearance was not compelling but it happened just because it had to.

So yes, Christmas Fairy, even though I did not don my Santa hat for this "Happy Pets Happy Hood" event but it sure does feel like a meaningful event to add on to my countdown to Christmas.

I wished the camera did not catch me picking up popcorns.....

Can you hear "Flapper-Ah-Choo!" screaming at the background?


xxoo
Flapper Choo

Dear Christmas Fairy,

O.M.G.

What magical sparkly confetti fairy dust did you sprinkle on the Festive Grinch? I cannot the Grinch has decided that we are having a Christmas tree this year! 😱 😱 😱

You know and I know, how much that grinch hates anything festive. Okay, maybe a tad bit less so on Christmas but I know she is already grouching about Chinese New Year, never mind I am still counting down to Christmas. Too bad there ain't a cave for a cave for the Grinch to hibernate in.

"Wake me up when Chinese New Year is over", that's what mummy will always say.

Anywoof, after procrastinating for a long time over setting up the Christmas tree, the Grinch finally decided that it was time to get it done. I think the nerves from the Guess-Tag-Share-Win contest became too much that she decided to take her mind off it by setting up the Christmas tree.

Like seriously mum? How much longer were you planning to procrastinate? It was only... ten more days to Christmas before you decided it was time to put up the tree?  😰  It was starting to appear that I needed to have an imaginary tree... for the tenth year running!

So yes! Finally! Our first Christmas tree... ever! Woohoo! Daddy insisted Frodo, Pebbles and I had to wear the costumes he bought even though it is so off-theme. Oh Daddy! But okay, we didn't want to spoil that rare festive mood and so we obliged.

Santa-murai, I am.
Woody-deer, Frodo is.
Stitch-O-Smelly, Pebbles is.

Prequel: Getting Dressed to Set-Up X'mas Tree




How to Set-Up a Christmas Tree



For the Timelapse Video, the HDR-AS300 camera was used.

For the 'Roving' Video, the FDR-X3000 camera was used.

I think a particular mummy has gotten very attached to my Sony Action Cam. It has been awe-amazing the amount of #FlapperLifeMoments we have captured to date! So if you had read our reviews, you should know by now how much we are loving BOTH the FDR and HDR series. I am really so grateful that we have so many so many momentuous life moment videos for two years running.

This year's is especially meaningful and even though mummy had plans in her head what special moments to create but somehow, life (as always) has been taking its own form and those life moments have gone beyond our wildest imagination. I will write more about that... soon.

Like seriously, that Balanced Optical SteadyShot™ is brilliant! I think our many many videos this years tell the story.

Like need I say more about how fabulous the new Sony Action Cam truly is?

If you want to watch/re-watch/catch-up on all my fabulous life moment videos, you can do so on my YouTube channel.

Back to Christmas tree...

I have to say, setting up a Christmas tree is fun!

After all, daddy did most of the work while weeeeeeee, collectively, just acted busy and kept sticking our butts to him. Erm... actually, that was Frodo. He is the master of sticking his butt at the humans and us... and you'd be lucky if he did not fart right to your face.

No kid about that.
Frodo's fart is potent.

I have to say, Christmas Fairy, it is really nice having a Christmas Tree in the house. Somehow, it makes the house looks more cozy. It was also really nice having this crazy, somewhat chaotic family-bonding time together.

I love my family.
Loads.

"Eh Flapper! Don't forget you still need to keep the tree after Christmas!", I can hear the Grinch screaming behind me.

I hear you grinch!
You just can't let a boy enjoy his first Christmas tree, huh?

*roll eyes*

For memory keepsake... our family bonding time of setting up that first... and possibly last... Christmas tree.

I have a sneaky feeling.... this might be my first and last Christmas tree ever.

Six more days to Christmas!
Where has all the time flown to?

xxoo
Flapper Choo


P.S. Don't forget that Sony Singapore is still giving out those Sony Action Cam $150 Shopping Perk all the way till Christmas! Believe me.... it really is a good deal after deducting that $150. Go get it NOW!

Dear Christmas Fairy,

As you can see from my videos and photos from the "Baking Lesson at Barkery" post , Frodo and I had a pawsitively greedy time at Barkery.

I was so excited to show-and-tell, I did not get a chance to talk about my fabulous toy that captured all those wonderfully greedy moments - my Sony Action Cam!

Since the launch of Sony's shopping perks, I have been asked a couple of times about the difference between the HDR-AS300 and FDR-X3000 (the one I have) - other than the obvious fact that the HDR-AS300 is cheaper by SGD200.00.  And as far as my blonde brains can process, FDR-X3000 can do up to 4K recording wheras the HDR-AS300 is can only do HD recording.

Both cameras look and weigh exactly the same.  Only the glaring difference of 4K vs HD recording. (Image from Sony's website)

Both cameras look and weigh exactly the same.  And truth be told, I have only ever used the FDR-series of cameras!  Like the GoPro cameras, to put it simply, it is the 'atas' (high-class) and 'not-so-atas' choice of cameras.  Don't we all like 'atas' but at SGD799.00 for atas, there's quite a bit of consideration required.

So I decided to do a bit of snooping to see if I can see any glaring difference - on paper.

Recording specifications of the FDR-X3000

Recording specifications of the HDR-AS300

On paper, the key differences lie in the video resolution and video recording rate.   Both are pretty much on par when recording in MP4-format but the FDR-X3000 has higher (4K) recording resolution and recording rate in XAVC-S format - 1920 x 1080 (HDR) versus 3840 x 2160 (FDR).

On April 7, 2013, Sony announced that it had expanded XAVC to the consumer market with the release of XAVC S.[3][4] XAVC S supports resolutions up to 3840 × 2160, uses MP4 as the container format, and uses either AAC or LPCM for the audio. - extracted from Wikipedia

So.... depending on what is the end use of the camera, the HDR seems spiffy enough.  All of the other specifications i.e. the optical stabilization, the lens etc. were all pretty much the same.  And the fact that the HDR has the same optical stabilizer, the lower resolution could work well as the cheaper alternative to the FDR.

Truth be told, I do not record in 4K.  My antique Macbook Pro does not have enough hard disk drive (HDD)and memory space to work with these monster files.  I tried 4K recording once last year with the FDR-X1000 and the footages playback lagged so badly that I stuck to HD recording in XAVC-S format. The file sizes are monstrous too but at least my antique com can still manage it with the help of external HDDs.

Note the 's' at the end of HDD.

Me with my antique Macbook Pro and HDDs to support the video files.  Recognize that desktop photo?

So I asked myself, "Since I only use HD settings and now that the Action Cam has that oh-so-awesome optical stabilization, can I safely say that HDR is good enough?"

I could not decide, really.

I guess not till I have tried the HDR to draw comparison from could I give my final verdict.

And as it happens, Sony Singapore did not have a spare set of FDR for me to use for the rest of the campaign (I had returned the set I loaned for the Birthday Getaway) and offered to loan me the HDR as my second camera instead.

Perfect timing!

The HDR as my second camera, only for the balance duration of the campaign, gave me the perfect opportunity to test the HDR and how it compares up against the FDR.

---

The Making Of....


Please forgive me for posting this video again....

I need it to talk about the making of my gingerbread baking videos using the Action Cams.

The making of the videos was super uber fun.  As this is an actual baking video, mummy decided to allow our greediness to present the moments.  To spice the cookies up a bit, mummy decided that his year's cooking video would include my derp brother, Frodo Choo, as well!  And believe you me, where there is Frodo, 'hazarDOH' moment(s) would surely happen too!

That also meant.... house rules were thrown out of the window and we - Frodo and I - were allowed to do things we were otherwise NEVER allowed to do on any given day i.e. stealing food off the table and free-feeding by the human off the table.

Doggies' heaven.
Labradors' paradise.

I know, I know, an Action Cam is supposed to be filled with action-packed activities but the beauty behind this camera is that it is equally effective for making home-videos and indoor videos as much as it is meant for outdoor usage.

AND!

Who doesn't like a cooking/baking video?

Overheard a few times.

Mummy: "I don't know if it is a good thing or bad thing now that the new Action Cam can capture such stable footages of Flapper's POV.  I can see his cunning ways when he thinks I'm not looking."

Unanimous answer from different people: "Good for you, bad for Flapper."

Mummy and I unanimously agreed.

So... for the making of this video -

• We used two cameras - the FDR-X3000 (mine) and HDR-AS300 (loaned from Sony);
• For my POV, it was done in two views - the dog-harness mount (entering Barkery) and self-made collar mount (for the ingredient delivery and actual baking video).
• The other camera was mostly still-mounted on a cutesy little tripod and handheld.

Me wearing my FDR-X3000 on my self-made collar mount

The HDR-AS300 mounted on that cutesy little tripod.

If you remember my Action Cam: Top 8 Tips and Tricks article for the FDR-X1000, I featured my self-made collar mount.  Till now, one of my major gripes is the fact that Sony only has the dog-harness mount that is unable to do a frontal POV.  *sigh*  I was really hoping with the launch of the new Action Cams, comes new and improved mounts for dogs.  Ah well!

Refresher: How the collar-mount was made.

THAT Optical Stabilization

As the HDR was new to me, I decided that I should wear the FDR instead as I was confident of the camera's capability.  The HDR footages should not go too wrong with it still-mounted.  PLUS... the FDR belongs to me and I am renown for my vicious back rubbing ways.  😏

I must confess.  I did not test out the stability of using the self-made collar mount prior to making the video.  Either mummy has gone loopy or she has that much confidence in this new optical stabilizer.  And I have to say, the FDR-X3000 never fails to surprise me each time regardless of which way I use it - my POV, handheld, still mount, indoors or outdoors.

Last year, I did many many tests with regards to harness positioning and camera distance from neck in order to capture somewhat stable footages. There were limitations in camera positioning in my POV as the electronic stabilization could not compensate for a dog's exaggerated movements.  So if you had watched my cooking video from last year, you'd see alot of my flappy ears.

For this gingerbread video series, mummy had totally forgotten about proper positioning.  She just plonked the camera on me, checked the framing from the Live Remote Viewer and that was that.  No other thoughts given.

The optical stabilization has proven superior yet again.  My POV footages using that self-made collar mount exceeded expectations with decent clarity, stability and no flappy ears in the way - good for mummy, bad for me.

And boy oh boy did mummy bring out the Gin and Tonic just to enjoy watching my POV moments to enjoy my "conniving ways" of vacuuming the floor, attempting to nudge my way to cookie dough, licking ingredients etc. with decent clarity and stability.

Mummy could not resist.

Here's her Top 3 favourite moments in my POV.
(To watch the first comparative video, click here)





So... HDR vs FDR.  Is HDR good enough?

Blame it on too much editing.

I think I have attained hawkeye vision of visual sensitivity.

When I first reviewed the HDR (still-mount) footages on the computer, I could see that the details on Frodo and my face looked a little muffled and somehow the details were not as well-defined.

I was a little puzzled as I was so used to seeing well-defined and crisp details that I could not fathom why it looked different this time.  After staring at the screen for about five minutes, I remembered, "Oooohhhhh!  That's the HDR!"

Here's the thing about camera tests - when taken outdoors, the lack in resolution is more fogiving due to the gift of natural lighting.  Now you know why photographers have a preference for outdoor shoots. 😏  It always becomes more tricky when it comes to indoors shoot and as I've been told about an established POV camera, the indoor shots are erm... and I quote, "cannot make it".

So is the HDR's inferior resolution really that bad?

No.

I did sit to ponder about this HDR question for some time.

The truth is, the HDR camera is impressive in its own rights.  It has the same Balanced Optical SteadyShot™technology as the FDR.  This means that getting good stable shots are not a problem as proven in our handheld video footages displayed above.

Can I say the indoor footages are all that bad?

No again.

The fact is, the indoor video quality is actually pretty darn good.

And why am I emphasizing so strongly on indoor video quality?

Because face it, we do not spend 24/7 outdoors.  Realistically, whether humans or dogs, we spend more time indoors than outdoors.  And capturing one's life moments, the camera must have the capability for outdoors, indoors... and handle low/poor lighting pretty well too.

So here's my very honest verdict - if your eyes has not been spoilt by the crystal clear 4K resolution of the FDR (3840 x 2160), the HDR is actually good enough.  And unless you spend many many hours like me editing videos, the resolution difference may not be all that obvious either unless you watch the footages on a large-screen TV then perhaps the pixelation difference may show.

As an entry price point POV camera at $499/$599 (without/with Live Remote Viewer), the HDR-AS300 is a very decent camera.  And if you feel like or can afford to stretch your pocket for that extra $200 for that awesome 4K resolution, then of course the FDR-X3000 is the must-have.

If not, the HDR-AS300 is good enough for regular use.

And there you go, guys!

I hope this helps your decision in which camera to get!  I'll be happy to answer any more questions you may have about the Action Cam.... to my best ability.

And thanks to my to-die-for FDR-X3000, I think I may slowly progressing to becoming an Action Cam tech-geek.  😱 😱 😱

Where's my tennis ball?
Where's my cookies?
Where's my liver?
Where's my miilllkkkk?

Me?  Tech geek?
Noooooooooo.


P.S.  Don't forget... the Sony Action Cam $150 Shopping Perk is still up for grabs till 30th November 2016.  It's a rare rare discount off the Action Cam so go get yours today!

14 November 2016
Rainy.  Very very rainy.

Dear Christmas Fairy,

Birthday Fairy has gone into hiding.  I tried calling her but her voicemail was on, telling me to find you instead.  Oh bother!  Birthday and Christmas.... isn't it the same?  Maybe I should just have one fairy called the Food Fairy.

Anywoof!  I woke up extra early this morning because I was super excited.  I was going for my baking lesson with The Barkery Singapore!  It has been more than a year since my last cooking lesson with them and I've missed it so so much!

You see, mummy bugged me about our Christmas plans and asked me to think about what food we should cook.  Erm, mum... seriously?  Even that has to be my responsibility?  When does Frodo start doing something useful?

Mummy said, "Frodo will assist you."

I glared at mummy.  Are you kidding me?  Frodo assist?  I'll be grateful if he does not make a mess and being Frodo as Frodo is, I will probably have to serve him.

i-sigh.

I started flipping recipe books but could not decide what to do.  I cracked my rocket scientist brains and decided to call my good friend and sponsor at The Barkery Singapore, to seek their advise on what I should cook.  Cheh-Cheh (elder sister) Ann and Auntie Elizabeth graciously offered to help me out with my dilemma and offered baking lesson with them!

Woohoo!
Another cooking lesson with them!
i-want, i-love, i-eat.

---

Why I Love The Barkery Singapore

Christmas Fairy, as you know, I've known the wonderful ladies at Barkery for quite a while now.  They are truly wonderful people, you know.  You know what I love most about them?  Their integrity and passion in the food and snacks they painstakingly formulate for dogs.  They use only fresh and natural ingredients with no added preservatives, artificial colouring or synthetic ingredients.  Apart from their highly-yummy human-grade treats and cakes, Auntie Elizabeth is constantly researching and thinking of new formulations (i.e. the "Bone Broth" - which I will tell more later) that could enhance a dog's well-being.

💡 Did you know.... 




Apart from their now-famous doggie cakes and treats, they are ever-so-active in contributing to the doggie community including accepting young 'interns' and their 'for the shelter' outreach.


🐾 Give those dogs some food this X'mas


I could spend the whole night writing about Barkery but you know what, Christmas Fairy?  If you ever get the chance to speak to Auntie Elizabeth, you will truly understand that the passion of what Barkery does.

Respect.

---

Part 1: How To Bake Gingerbread Dog/Cookies

What a dreary Monday with the torrential downpour!  But no rain was going to take away my chirpy Christmas spirit... and roaring stomach.

Gingerbread cookie... come to Flapper!

Uncle Nic had specially taken time off work to bring Frodo and me for our baking lesson... and well, to help us take photos and help handle one of the Action Cam.  Mummy is the wet blanket who stands at the corner to glare at us to keep us in check.  Like the weather wasn't gloomy enough... meh!

As the cliché old saying goes, a picture speaks a thousand words.  I shall let our fun and fabulous video tell the story... and needless to say, Uncle Nic's photos pretty much captured some awesome moments too!

Would you like to tell me what was your favourite moment in the video?

Sous Chef me and MASTERCHEF Dorgan Labsy all ready for our baking lesson!

Whatever that is.... seems really yummy!

"I iz THE MASTERCHEF.  I do not need to learn.  I iz awesome!" - Dorgan Labsy

We were "Barkery Singapore" branded on our foreheads.

One peeping Labsy and one food-stealing Flapsy.

Pretending to be a good student....

Stealing food at first opportunity given.

Auntie Elizabeth patiently telling us each Gingerbread Man is for which hooman... but isn't it ALL FOR US?

Thank you cheh-cheh Ann and Auntie Elizabeth for teaching us how to bake Gingerbread Dogs/Cookies!

Lookie everyone!  Our Gingerbread Cookies!

---

Part 2: Decorating 'em Cookies

What can I say?
Decorating cookies is fun!

Cheh cheh Ann, you decorate.... we eat!

Cookie decorating did not last too long, just because...

WATCH AND FIND OUT WHY!

I've kissed you.  Do I get the cookie now?

*tummies rumbling*

"Must.Get.The.Cooooookie." - Dorgan Labsy

Flashing my PR-face with styled-hat to con for cookie.

Just testing to see how long my tongue is....

---

Part 3: Shhhh.... More to be revealed soon.

We have something special planned.

Hearsay, it is a contest.

I will update very very soon.

---

Part 4: It's Barksberg Time!

You see, Christmas Fairy, I was right!  I ended up having to serve MASTERCHEF Dorgan Labsy his food and drinks.

What child is this!

On a more serious note, while waiting for the cookies to bake in the oven (which took foooooor-ever!), I had the amazing opportunity to hold an exclusive interview with Auntie Elizabeth.

I had to dish the broth off the mastermind behind the inspiring 'Barksberg', which is actually known as 'Bone Broth'.

Lucky Frodo got to lap Barksberg all to himself.

I serve.
He drink.

What child is this!

Watch this video to see Frodo enjoying Barksberg all to himself and the respectable truth and facts behind this nutritious 'Bone Broth'.

My Bone-head brother enjoying Barksberg all to himself and what big tongue he has!.  Can you see the Bone Broth popsicles in the glass?

Yep!  Barkery Singapore truly serves ONLY THE VERY BEST FOR MAN'S BEST FRIEND.

---

Yes, Christmas Fairy, that was my very fun, yummy and educational afternoon with Barkery!  I wonder if this cooking lesson thing will end up becoming our annual activity with them!

i-pray.

In the meantime, SOMEBODY.... who THINKS he is still a pup, IS an overgrown pup and ACTS like a pup, is badgering me to help him apply as an intern at Barkery.  Oh brother!

Frodo's application photo.

Christmas Fairy, please sprinkle loads of fairy dust on cheh-cheh Ann and Auntie Elizabeth to bless them for always being there for our life events and their wonderful cooking lessons.... and may the shelter dogs tummies be filled with meatloaves and Lactogold Probiotics this Christmas!

Okay lar... sprinkle some fairy dust on Uncle Nic too lar.  Nevermind I've already paid my dues by giving him my "Flapper's Special Back Massage".  😝

With this, I shall sign off and go stuff my belly with more yummy gingerbread cookies.  Need to charge up my energy for my next post - "The Making Of....".  I have yet to mention about my fabulous Sony Action Cam.

In the meantime....

For anyone who would like to pamper their dogs with Christmas Goodies or order those meatloaves/Probiotics for the shelter dogs, you can do so online at Barkery's website.

For anyone who would like fabulous photos of their dogs taken by my very good friend, Uncle Nic, can find out more via Furry Photo's Facebook.

If you love my videos and would also like to capture your dog's life moments or create your own home videos with your dog, don't forget to grab those Action Cam shopping perks from Sony Singapore.  You can get those shopping perks here.  I will be discussing about HDR versus FDR in my next post.  Look out for it!

And that's it from me!

Now where's my gingerbread cookies....

xxoo
Flapper Choo


All still images by Uncle Nic of Furry Photos Pet Photography using Sony RX100M4.