Interview with Ducky

Everyone, Duck!
(An interview with phinmag, April 2006.)

Quackers - or more famously known as Ducky - is a celebrity of sorts in Kuching. Gradually, emerging as a pop culture icon in Kuching, Ducky began his quest to be the most photographed duck in Malaysia (and hopefully, the world one day) in 2005. He’s been seen around the city, meeting new friends and even famous people.

For the inaugural issue of Phin Mag, Ducky was gracious to give me the exclusive interview. Here is what we talked about:

Phin Mag: Give me a little background about yourself.
Ducky: I am a small beanie duck. In April 2005, my owner Azreen handed me over to Gette because they both thought it’ll be nice for me to get out and see new places. Kinda like an exchange program.

Your real name is Quackers, why did you change it to something as generic as Ducky?
I didn’t! It just happened! Everyone says “Ducky!” when they see me, so it is an automatic nickname. If I had an IC, it’ll still says “Quackers the Duck”.

What makes you decide to start this photo project? Who’s idea was it? When did it began?
Again it was the idea of two humans. An exchange program won’t be complete without photos to show where I’ve been and who I met, right? It started when I moved in with Gette.

How do you approach people and convince them to take a photo with you, a stranger?
I just end up in their hands, on their shoulders or heads or knees when I go to them. I just explain that I want to have my picture taken with them. Most are only happy too. They laugh a lot in the process.

Do you have a favorite photo?
That’s a hard one. OK, the photo with Ramli Ibrahim and his dancers. That’s the most people in a photo with me and they all know that I’m the centre of attention!

What is your most memorable event you have gone to so far?
There was this time I went along to Hilton to talk to Lionel, the bar manager of Senso. He couldn’t stop kissing me! But he was nervous. And French.

Who’s your favorite person to be photographed with?
Amber Chia. I met her twice. She is one of the nicest and hottest and most down-to-earth person I ever met. She even has time for a little duck.

What do you hope to achieve through this project?
Putting smiles on people’s faces. And lots of photos. And making everyone think that Gette is a couple of eggs short of a basket.

How long will you continue this project?
As long as I’m young and can still travel freely. If I can’t live with Gette anymore, perhaps someone else will take me. Although I’m not sure how it’ll work out if I get married and have little duckies of my own.

Is there a special girl duck in your life now?
No! I’m still single and available!

I noticed you have a piercing on your wing. When did you get it? Will there be more piercings in the future?
I got it the same time all duckies get it. Most of them prefer to take it out as soon as they find homes, but I decided to keep mine. It’s always good to remember where you came from. I’m not sure about getting another one.

What about tattoos?
Don’t think so!

Are you a fashionable duck?
I’m fashionably yellow. It’s a good happy colour.

You draw so much attention wherever you go. Do you consider yourself a duck with sex appeal?
I’m too young for sex-anything! They all just think I’m cute.

Has popularity changed you?
Well, I had to take more baths than usual because of all the touching…

You’ve been photographed with people, humans, so far. Why not ducks, your fellow featherkind?
Bird flu! Anyway, I don’t meet a lot of featherkinds.

What’s your most scariest and/or amusing experience from this photo project?
Getting body-slammed to the table by little Emily was scary! Good thing I have no spine… er, bones! No bones to break!

Do you think you will spark a worldwide trend with this project?
I think everyone should have their photo taken with a travelling plush toy. *nods solemnly* Maybe one day I’ll travel across the world!

You seem to be a very dry duck. Do you swim at all?
Sometimes I swim in the bathroom sink! But not everyday. My butt takes a long time to dry.

Why the constant constipated expression on your face?
It’s not constipated. It’s multi-faceted, depending on the angle.

Do you have fans? What do you think about them?
I love them! Fans are so cool and they make something silly like my little project feel like it’s worth doing because it makes everyone giggle.

How do you feel about being a pop culture icon in Kuching?
Excited! It’s fun to be recognized!

Any last words to the public - especially those who never heard of you?
Take a photo with me?

If you see Ducky around, don’t be shy. Go up to him and say “Hi”. I’m sure he’d like a photo with you.

Visit Ducky’s site, Kuching Ducky, for all the photos and media attention he’s been getting so far.

(Visit the original article here.)

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