Sephora Malaysia Cheats on Instagram Contest

And so, the month of October continues to cheat me. Actually, it feels more like...

 Sephora Malaysia CHEATS me!

Okay, a brief introduction of why I feel so upset and cheated. So a week back or so, I made a visit to Sephora at Sunway Pyramid. Just if you don't know what Sephora is, Sephora is an conniving international store that carries many cosmetic brands.

Also, Sephora is probably one of the few cosmetics shops that have contest really frequently for marketing purposes. So this is about their #mysephorablackrocks Instagram Contest.

Back to the story, in their Sunway Pyramid outlet there was a photo booth where you can take pictures and the upload them on your Instagram with the appropriate hashtag. If your picture on Instagram is selected, then you will win yourself a Beauty Box sponsored by Make Up For Ever, GlamGlow and Issey Miyake.

My Instagram picture

On 4th October 2014, around 3.30pm @sephoramy commented my Instagram picture informing me that I won a beauty box! It's my first time winning such things from Sephora so obviously I was ecstatic! In the comment, they requested me to email my name and contact for prize redemption details, of which I did.

My sister, Naomi, also won the beauty box! We had the same picture posted on our own seperate Instagram account.

Naomi's Instagram post

Fast forward, 8 October 2014. Naomi told me that Sephora has replied her email with the prize redemption information. Weirdly, I did not receive any. So I decided to check the Instagram comment that was left by @sephoramy to confirm their email address.

Guess what?

@sephoramy deleted their comment!!!

So wait? Does that mean that they are retracting the announcement that I'm one of the winner for the beauty box?!!

I couldn't believe my eyes because retracting your announcement of me, a winner, by simply deleting that said announcement is simply an unscrupulous thing to do! 

I still thought that they might be a glitch somewhere, so I contacted Sephora via their facebook. And here is their reply:

Wait, what? Did they just call me a WRONG WINNER? 

Since it's the same photo, how is it that I'm the Wrong Winner and Naomi is selected as the Right Winner?

So that's that. Sephora did actually sneakily retract their announcement on my Instagram. 

Too bad I didn't manage to screen capture it (who knew Sephora, a known international organisation could cheat in such a degrading manner?!) 

If I hadn't notice, they would just ignore me and act stupid without giving me a proper explanation! 

Oh well. So next time you join a Sephora contest, just don't put your hope up too high.

I'm still pretty much upset:(

Conmen Taxi Driver KLIA2

This is meant to be a food blog but I just can't stand the horrible people in Malaysia that I just have to rant here. I just came back from Bandung, Indonesia. I landed about 2 hours ago and I just have to churn out this post.

But first, take a look at this:

IDR2,000

Ladies and gentleman,

What you see there is a crumpled piece of IDR 2,000. It's approximately RM0.60, appromixately USD 0.20. It would be insignificant for most of us and that is why I just stuff it inconsiderately into my pocket.

But in Bandung, people are so grateful for that IDR2,000 because with that piece of soggy note they are able to hop on an Angkut (Cheap taxi- like transport, similar to Thailand's Tuk Tuk) to get to wherever they want to go. 

Bandung people is probable the nicest people I have ever met and their actions and behaviour humbled me. Despite not having much, they are so ever thoughtful and kind. 

Taxi drivers (that I have encountered) in Bandung for my entire 6 days were HONEST! The 'worst' would be ones that don't talk much but that wouldn't be a problem because they ARE paid to just drive you safely around and charge you accordingly not to humour you.

I was riding this taxi to the airport and it cost me IDR40,000 + IDR3,000 for parking. I gave him IDR45,000 because I didn't had small change. Then I got down to my lugagge wanting to get those heavy ass luggage checked in. So I forgot to take get my change of IDR2,000.

Guess what? The taxi driver actually came to me (who was already walking in) and hand me the change of IDR2,000!

If he was dishonest, he could just kept it and I would be okay because its just RM0.60. BUT no! He returned it to me when I was already walking away! See the genuine heart and honesty!

Fast forward, 3 hours later when I landed back in my home country Malaysia, still feeling over the moon because my perception of people has entirely changed since Bandung trip. I needed a taxi to my place which would normally cost max RM90.

He freaking charged me RM120 when he drop me off at my house! 

I was SO SO MAD. Reason?

1. He is an illegal KLIA2 taxi driver. 

2. He wanted me con me of extra RM30.

If you are thinking what's the point ranting here instead of complaining to the rightful authority? Well, yes I did! I lodge a complain to SPAD and KLIA2. 

But I'm still very angry with the horrible Malaysian taxi driver. Probably, I am very disappointed in Malaysians because I just came from a place where people are so kind despite their poverty.

Witnessing their kindness breaks your heart. So every time I see a poor man/woman/child on the street  in Bandung I'd always say to God: God, even if you don't bless them financially, please keep them safe and healthy.

Regardless, Caveat emptor: 

It is partially my fault because I didn't ride on a metered taxi (This conmen taxi covered up his meter) from KLIA2. But I was in a very tired state and I had to haul my 24kg luggage + 5kg hand luggage + cam around my neck + sling bag. So when I saw him next to the taxi sign on level 2 @ KLIA, I just agreed to board his taxi when he asked if I needed a ride.

Okay, I'm done ranting. Food post up soon! Stay tune:)

p.s. Horrible conman Malaysian taxi driver: Chinese Male, 40s, thin, stood at taxi sign on level 2 @ KLIA2, HBA 9403

p.p.s Honest taxi Indonesian taxi driver: His name is Dadang, Blue Bird taxi company, Bandung.