I had a great time at the annual CNY hunt.

The CNY hunt is nothing like all the other hunts. You don’t hunt with your usual team members, instead everyone draws a card on the morning of the hunt itself to decide the teams.  It’s exciting that once in a year, we get thrown out of the comfort of our  usual team mates,  learn from better hunters and get to know other hunters better.  This hunt used to be by invitation only but in recent years it has become a sort of an open invitation to all.  With a bigger crowd and newer hunters,  some may not be too comfortable with the draw card system and wants  to hunt with their own team.  This option is actually pretty cool because we get more teams taking part this way.

The main guy driving this CNY hunt tradition is of course  Uncle Chong Foo Seong. I think this year is the 15th (or 16th?) edition of the CNY hunt.

While the CoC took care of the questions and routes, Kok Seng quietly manages the details for the draw card.  Late Saturday night he was on the phone with me and Jayaram discussing the various categories of hunters, who should go into which group and how he’s going to do the draw the next morning.  Great job Kok Seng!

The announcement of teams.

Lots of thoughts went into how best to have teams that are balance in strength.

Teams that ran with their own members

Prizes List.

The Veterans

THE MAN of the day - "Don't confuse me!!"

Asking for divine intervention before flag-off

For charity's sake

Two questions not solved. One very happy CoC!

Full Results

1. 153 – KK Chai, Toh Wei Ming, Tan Eng Siang, Teoh Cheow Teong.
2. 148 – Chong Voon Kiat, Venkateswaran Nagappan, Mohd Shahrin, Chin Kar Ping.
3. 143 – Yeap Heng Boon,  Jayaram Menon, Julie Tan, Yeong Kig Siew.
4. 143 – Alexander Hoh, Claire Chin, Lim Say Chye
5. 133 – Catherine Ng,  Lim Soo Khian, Sin Yoong Leong, Ho Mun Yee
6. 126 – Pavananthan, Goh Teck Koon, Woo Ee Wen, Pasupathy
7. 121 – Christopher Foo, Michael Pang, Lim Kong Yew, Lin Leong Ang
8. 119 – Anuar Jeffrey, Chan Kah Sing, Cornelius Koh, Ng Ek Leong
9. 116 – Hagi Suhaimi, Rosemawarni Abdul Rahman, Ho King Mun, Liew Kok Seng
10. 108 – Muhammad Razif, Darmataksiah Abai, Hanna Hamizah Muhammad Razif, Muhammad Razif, Sam Rahman
11. 106 – Khairul Nazib, Sallehuddin, Fong Chun Kit, Azeman
12. 104 – Dato’ Ramesh Rajaratnam, Khong Yin Swan, Florence Teng, Margaret Sha.
13. 96 – Ahmad Zahrol, Sharifah Nur Laila, Hazni Mohd Afidi, Ainul Azraini
14. 89 – Lee Ling Fei, Loh Chee Kwan, Peh Kok Hun, Tommy Ng
15. 79 – Tan Chee Chiew, Tan Tsiau Way, Lau Kuan Cheng. Wong Yean Kong
16. 74 – Pirababarkaran Ponniah, Navamalar Ganesan, Lim Chuan Leng, Siva Kumar
17. 69 – Shandra Dass, Kumaran Nagappa, Ahmad Rozly, Stephen Ramalingam

Uncle Chong with all his experiences is certainly one of those better CoC around.  His choice of words can be so good that often it lead hunters astray. His hunts are tough but enjoyable.

One thing that should be given some thought for  future CNY hunt is that the  start and end should ideally be at the same venue.

All in all it was another great and enjoyable CNY hunt.  Looking forward to the next installment. Thank you to Uncle Chong for putting his heart and soul into doing this signature hunt of his.

Lets revisit the objective of this hunt  ” to encourage & develop novice hunters”

Now take a look at the results and the Q&A powerpoint and tell me if  this experiment has achieved the desired outcome?

Total points – 135

1. 97 – Tommy Lee, Kelvin Ho, Chan Jian Yee, Claire Chin
2. 74 – Hanna Hamizah Muhammad Razif, Muhammad Razif, Darmataksiah Abai
3. 64 – Lau S. Y,  Daqi, KK Chai, Johan Salul
4. 63 – Tan Aik Chung, Loo Wern Ching, Lim Ming Yang, Michael Pang
5. 61 – Eugene Chin, Ling Liong Ang, Lee Ling Fei, Yeong Kig Siew
6. 61 – Eeswaran, Theresal, Venka
7. 58 – Shandra, Wei Ling, Ahmad Rozly, Dato’ Ramesh
8. 58 – Ruben, Eu Yeok  Cheng, Wong Wai Leng, Lenny Wan (Novice 1st)
9. 55 – Abidin Mohd Yusof, Shaharidzal Busu, Sheikh Anuar Majid, Norashikin (Novice 2nd)
10. 48 – Ami Akhran, Haslinda Shamsuddin, Ahmad Rijaluddin, Wan Ning Khairol (Novice 3rd)
11. 48 – Sallehuddin Yusof, Hamim Masyitah, Mohd Yatim Ab Rahman, Azeman Saarin
12. 48 – Lai Keat Yeen, Mu Shou Teng.
13. 47 – Syarifah, Megat, Rizal, Zahrol Kadir
14. 44 – Mohd Irwan Mohamad, Khairi Hafidz Ahmad, Mohammad Razip, Norwahida Nazihah
15. 44 – Aini Fazlin, Azhanawati Abd Wahab, Mohd Farid, Wan Kamal Azlan

This is one “damn” tough hunt, we almost “pitam”. More later after I recover from the mental fatigue.

Special thanks to The Meeples; Tan Aik Chung, Loo Wern Ching, Lim Ming Yang for a giving me a space in their team.

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Despite the CoC’s missteps in pitching a just right level of difficulty for the targeted hunters,  overall it was a good hunt.  Error free tulips, adequate time, huntable routes and  no long wait for the answers presentation.  They even gave out CD of the answer presentation after the hunt. The CD is indeed a nice touch especially to the new hunters who might wants to go thru it at their own pace.

If  anything,  I think using only part of a shop/company name is not very correct nor elegant.  For e.g  the answer  “De” taken from “De Zai Hair …..” or ‘Busana” from “Busana J&Z”.

CoCs should not try too hard to make it hard for the regulars.  Set tough questions if you must, but keep it simple, creative and smart.  COC should try to out-smart the hunters, not whack us on the head with a sledgehammer. Outwitted hunters will  willingly kick our own backs and want more. Injured hunters stay at home to recuperate for a long time.

Also for bigger crowd in their future hunts, the venue today is really not suitable.

Both Kroll and Hagi have shown great positive attitude towards feedback/suggestions from fellow hunters in the weeks leading to this hunt. They are willing to listen.

So I’m sure with this experinces under their belts,  their next and future hunts can only be better than their courageous effort today.

Congratulations to the Winners.

In conjunction with World Kidney Day, National Kidney Foundation of Malaysia is organising Amazing Kidney Walk Hunt.

Date:  Sunday 14th March 2010

Venue: 1 Utama Shopping Centre (new wing)

Fee: RM200/team

Prizes:  1st – RM1K, 2nd – RM800, 3rd – RM500

CoC:  Fun Hunt People

Entry Form

Deepest sympathies and heartfelt condolences to Viki Lim and family on the demised of her father, who passed away last night.

Viki, our thoughts and prayers are with you and family during this difficult time. We are sorry for your loss

Funeral on Sunday. Nightly wake at 84 Jalan SS 24/10 Taman Megah.

Update: They have made some changes to the team requirements.  Here’s the latest Entry Form

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This Experimental hunt format is designed to encourage the development  of new hunters.

Teams must be in the following combination

1.  2 to 4 novices

2. 2 to 3 novices + 1 Master/ Regular – Top 15 teams in the Sun Hunt Open category

3.  Max of 2 novices + max of 2 regulars

Date : Sunday 7th February 2010

Entry fee: RM150/team

The debutant  CoC: Kheirul Nazib & Hagi Suhaimi

Hours  after the people behind this hunt released the info via email on Monday evening, a novice team emailed me basically saying that this experiment (novices + master) is indeed a good thing. They believe this will be a good learning opportunity.

So if you are new to hunting, download the ENTRY FORM now. The closing date is 1st Feb. And yes, get in touch with one of the Masters, most would be glad to meet new friends with common interest.

Maximum – 100points

1. 94 – Alexander Hoh, Andre Teh, Gary Guna, Rosemawani A Rahman
2. 89 – Muhammad Razif, Darmataksiah Abai,Hanna Hamizah Muhammad Razif, Sam Rahman
3. 87 – KK Chai, Margaret Sha, Chong Voon Kit, Woo Ee Wen
4. 85 – Dato’ Ramesh, Liew Kok Seng, Chong Foo Seong, Lim Kong Yew
5. 85 – Wong Chiang Chuen, Claire Chin, Julie Tan, Goh Teck Koon
6. 83 – Johan Salul, Dr. Ben , Kheirul Nazib, Aziz A. Rahman
7. 82 – Salehuddin Yusof, Mohd Asri, Mazri Muda, Rozaman Ismail.
8. 77 – Pirabarkaran, Navamalar, Sivakumar, Lim Chuan Leng
9. 76 – Venka, Eeswaran, Kumaran, Simon
10. 75 – Yeah Heng Boon, Ho King Mun, Ho Mun Yee, Janet Tan

Teams were required to explain their answers for the treasures.  If teams get the right treasure but fail to explain why they brought in that treasure they only get 3 out of 6 points for treasure.

What’s your opinion about this new development?

Full score -110points.

1. 107 – Christopher Foo, Alexander Hoh, Shahrin Zainuddin, Rosemawarni A. Rahman
2. 106 – KK Chai, Margaret Sha, Woo Ee Wen, Chong Voon Kiat
3. 101 – Liew Kok Seng, Lim Kong Yew, Teoh Cheow Teong, Jayaram Menon
4. 95   – Lim Soo Khian, Michael Pang, Adrian Wong, Toh Weng Ngai
5. 92 – Dominic Roche, Carol Roche, Catherine Ng, Janet Tan
6. 88 – Sin Yoong Leong, Claire Chin, Julie Tan, Goh Teck Koon
7. 86 – Haji Suhaimi Zainal Abidin, Kheirul Nazib Mahmud, Haslinda Shamsuddin, Ami Akhran Bin Abdullah
8. 85 – Muhammad Razif Ahmad, Darmataksiah Bt. Abai, Hanna Hamizah Muhammad Razif, Sam Rahman
9. 79 – Loh Chee Kuan, Tommy Ng, Lim Say Chye, Yeong Kig Siew

Champion - gorgo-matsumoto

2nd - Team 2515

3rd - Team 4 ekor

1.  133   Ashir Ariffin, Asnida Ariffin, Mufida, Asmah

2. 133 – Ong Hoong Chan, Ng Tiong Lim, Yap Khang How, Tan Kim Yew

3. 131 – Lim Sy Tzuan, Joey Chong, Ruben Enbasegaram, Lenny Wan

4. 126 – Adrian Foong, Hong Kok seong, Kelvin Ho, Chan Jian Yee

5. 121- Tan Yoke Peng, Tan sze Chern, Roy Benjamin, Chen De-Leon

KL Leg Q&A hop over to Wan Kamal’s website

KL Leg

1. Zahrol, Mohd. Farid Hashim, Mazri Muda, Mohd Asri

2. Muhammad Razif Ahmad, Darmataksiah Abai, Ben , JohanSalul

3. KK Chai, Margaret Sha, Chong Voon Kiat

Prai Leg

1. Chin Kar Ping, Sam Rahman, Jayaram Menon, Liong Chian Min

2. Goh Teck Koon, Claire Chin and team

3. Yeoh Ban Lye and team

Date: 10th Jan 2010

Entry fee -RM70/pax . Early bird price RM65 for 20 cars sign- up before 15th Dec.

Prizes: 1st -RM2K, 2nd – RM1K, 3rd – RM500

Entry Form

CoC: Fun Hunt People

These days most teams have some sort of internet devices during hunts to tackle straight forward trivia and general knowledge questions.  But google is not much of a help when it comes to pictorial / visual questions like picture treasure.  We need to narrow down the options and work backward.  Say, one of the picture in a treasure question is a Bollywood actress  you don’t recognise. You’ll need to narrow the google image search to  perhaps  Aishwarya Rai or Sushmita Sen. And hopefully spot the same photo among the thousands.

Some time back  after a hunt with a picture question, a hunter was saying it’s  a matter of time before we are able to do picture search instead of the text based search with google.  Today, google releases Google Goggle – experimental application that supports visual search.

Watch the video and see how it works.

Can someone with Android phone try this and tell us if it works especially with black and white picture printed on paper.

Claire Chin receiving the 1st place prizes

2nd place winner Margaret Sha receiving prizes for Dato Andrew

Total score – 120 points

1. 115 – Claire Chin Siow Lyn, Julie Tan Hui Siang
2. 110 – Choong Voon Kiat, Margaret Sha
3. 110 – Loh Chee Kwan, Peh Kok Hun
4. 105 – Teh Boon Kai, Sam Rahman
5. 105 – Julian Lim, Adelene Yap
6. 105 – Tommy Ng, Lim Say Chye
7. 105 – KK Chai , Lily Loh
8. 102 – Lee Ling Fei, Yeong Kig Siew
9. 99 – Simon Mathew, Venkateswaran
10. 96 – Shandra Dass, Kuma Nagappan

CoC: Take A Break.

Verbatim from the Captain himself:

Hartamas Shoppping Centre & The TrailBlazers present the 2009 Holiday Hunt for novices.

Come join the Captains of The TrailBlazers in their last hunt of the year which is gonna be a blast!

Get yourselves in the holiday mood and bring the whole brood for this exciting Hunt.

Stand a chance to win attractive cash & other prizes and have a rollicking time in this outing.

Hunt details:

Date: Saturday, Dec 19 around Klang Valley

Time: 8.00am – 1.30 pm

Entry fee: RM75 per pax

Closing date: Thursday Dec 17, 10.00 am

Briefing Day: Thursday Dec 17, 7.30 pm at Hartamas Shopping Centre

ENTRY FORM

The Missing in Action: Santa will be held within BTS on Sunday 13th December 2009. 10am -2.30pm. 2 members/team. Entry fee:  50/team.

Masters not eligible.

Prizes: 1st – Prizes worth over RM5k, 2nd – Prizes worth over RM1.5K, 3rd – Prizes worth over RM1K

CoC: TOS

ENTRY FORM