THE MISSING AND EVASIVE DRAWSTRING DUST BAG

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

Know your RIGHTS as a consumer! 

Communicating directly to the seller or a merchandiser is the straightforward and simplest way of disputing and settling an issue/problem. This can be executed verbally, either in person or over the phone, and/or in writing by sending an email or a private message. I always choose the latter as writing with an explanatory statement means you can set out your arguments in a black & white form. So, which one are you when the goods and services you just received are not as described or haven't met your satisfaction? 

Writing is easy but explaining clearly and plainly your thoughts in a statement can be challenging. Am I right, my dear? I have my own adapted method in order to give my formal letter some clarity and that is, by making a draft on scrap papers about the important bits. This will include the main problem(s), the dates and times of exchanged letters and the names of the correspondents. In this way, you will have a reliable guide on what you will just include in your formal complaint in order to build a strong case against the seller or merchandiser. Most of the times, an ad hoc communication to the seller works fairly well and will always favour the customer's solid arguments. Inevitably, there are instances in which the seller wouldn't like to comprehend what has been written in the complaint; that the buyer received unsatisfactory goods and services. Does it mean, the buyer's money will just go down the drain as well as having to put up with the faulty item? If this happens to you as a consumer, you will think of how one-sided, and unreasonable the seller or merchandiser are apart from provoking your annoyance. 

Cheer up buyers as every cloud has a silver lining... 

The Consumer Rights Act of 2015 aims to protect the buyer's confidence from the wrongful actions of (mostly abusive) sellers. If you think you still don't get a favourable response out of an ad hoc communication from the arrogant and adamant sellers, don't lose hope and belief in yourself. Its because, under the Consumer Rights Act of 2015 if there is a problem with the goods and services bought from the seller or didn't match the description of the item that was advertised, you can ask for a full refund or provide you with a replacement. If you think, you have given sufficient time for the seller to resolve your raised issue and yet still they haven't acted evenhandedly, Citizens Advice Bureau team will impartially guide you. The people behind their team will hear your side of argument first including what you have been doing regarding your complaint before they will finally give you reasonable advice to make a fair dispute with the seller. That is why, it is imperative that you will contact or communicate first directly to the seller or where you bought the item before you will ask the assistance of Citizens Advice Bureau's contingent team. 

A month ago I bought a Celine Multicolour Luggage Calfskin Lather Tote Mini. Actually, I published a written essay about it on here, too, at http://quidnuncqueen.blogspot.co.uk/2017/03/the-multicolour-in-me-celine.html. The description of the seller on the legitimate website of second-hand top of the range items, VestiareCollective, was exactly as she outlined on the description box and defined on the website's comment section. Personally, the bag was in a foolproof and splendid condition when I took it out of its personalised plastic carrier bag for the very first time. However, I was taken by surprise that the presence of its drawstring dust bag wasn't included in the box. I had paid the bill in full and was anticipating that after a month of waiting, everything would be included in the sealed box, delivered by their courier man. Actually, they have a unique quality control team who had 2-3 days to carry out a “100%” physical inspection of the bag and check that all accessories are included. Subjectively, I was flabbergasted given the fact that the seller on their website confirmed that there is a dust bag when I verified it on their comment section. Can you believe how thorough they are during physical check and inspection? 

On the day I received the sealed box from them, I sent right away an email to VestiareColletive and even a private message on their Facebook page regarding the missing dust bag. There were monotonic replies in which it implied they haven't read well my raised issue. One of their emails was written with arrogance which 'some' thriving companies have been practising to dismay the confidence of their buyers. Sadly, they barked up the wrong tree! 

I took the dispute personally...

I contacted directly on their website's comment box the main seller of the Celine Bag about the missing dust bag. We exchanged comments for some time and on the 07th of March, she verified again that she sent the dust bag together with the bag to the Head Office of VestiareCollective for “100%” quality control check and inspection. Which is why, on the 08th of March I took it up onto the next level and called the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06 for helpful advice. My side of argument was heard by them and subsequently, they shared useful phrases for me to include in my complaint letter. A written statement formulated by myself using one of their template letters on

https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/template-letters/letters/

which beyond any doubt summoned VestiareCollective to take an immediate action. 

On the 08th of March, I finalised my complaint from the Citizens Advice's website and downloaded a copy. I then sent the letter with attachments to VestiareCollective's email address as well as privately messaged them on Facebook. A day after, they replied to my complaint in which they stated in their written statement that their quality control has received the Celine dust bag and even had the bloody cheek to ask me if I would like to have it. What a stupid and ignorant question when the main reason of my complaint was to acquire the dust bag. Which is why when they offered me a voucher gesture of 20 euros on my next order, I DECLINED as all I wanted was the dust bag.

On the 10th of March and after 8 days of battle with VestiareCollective, they finally shipped over from France to the United Kingdom the missing and evasive Celine drawstring dust bag. Which would arrive on Monday as per the shipment's detailed report and a sent text message.

I love writing and that is why I don't feel the apprehension in communicating and explaining to the seller or merchandiser when something fishy has been happening to my purchased item. If I were to brag I would say, it's no longer new to me and winning a dispute objectively makes me ecstatic. Generally speaking, presenting my arguments in a form of letter has been my tenacious weapon, as long as it has the facts and my points of view along with the supplementary proofs and evidence. With this approach, a complaint will have more credence and not just a  vague whim!

*Photo Courtesy of https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/consumer/template-letters/letters/

MISS LIP GLOSS QUEEN INTERNATIONALE 2015

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

(Miss Lip Gloss Internationale 2015, Miss Erika)

 

Talk to my glossy lips and I mean, You... YOu and YOU! Repeat each word after me, too, my boy? Shall I start with LIP?... then, GLOSS... and BIRMINGHAM. Can you get it now? It's LIP GLOSS in BIRMINGHAM!

The glittery rotating disco ball was erected in the centre of the marquee and its polished octahedron mirror glass glinted, enhancing the ambiance of the Eden Bar. Loving admirers, beautiful friends/supporters and encouraging family members arrived on time for moral support and to fill the spacious venue. The 8 thrilled candidates arrived earlier than their admirers in order to prepare for their night. They were busy beautifying themselves in the make up room with the help of their partisans.

The audience was getting highly-strung while waiting for the battle for MISS LIP GLOSS QUEEN INTERNATIONALE 2015 to commence. That is why a video was played to make them (slightly) quiescent and it contained the official photoshoot of the ladies. Just a click and you will be able to watch their pictorial,

MISS LIP GLOSS INTERNATIONALE 2015 OFFICIAL PHOTOSHOOT

The ecstatic contestants were very ready and just waiting for their moral supporters to sit erect and loosen up a bit in their chairs. When all of a sudden the white background cloth on stage shone with warm and lustrous lights. Hip hip hooray as this was when the Miss Penny (hostess) vigorously introduced them one-by-one. Their confidence exuded from the stage and filled the whole venue. The candidates brandished their womanly figure and feminine demeanour in their fetching flamboyant creations. The strong audible cheers were everywhere and there were standing ovations from their family and friends, too. What a great panoply that was enlivened by these beautiful ladies with radiant personalities.

 (Miss Paula and Miss Portia)

 

  (Miss Adriana and Miss Seema)

 

 

 (Miss Dayanara and Miss Charlene)

  (Miss Angel and Miss Erika)

That was one spectacular segment of the pageantry held on the 04th of December last year in Birmingham. Which is the second largest city in the United Kingdom, located in the middle of England where different nationalities live harmoniously. One of the nationalities who have been vocal in their support and encouragement for the LGBTQI (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and Intersex) people is the hospitable and loving Filipinos. 

Lip Gloss is a non-profit organisation and was built and secured upon the love of professional Filipino transgender people working and living in Birmingham. The unending perseverance of the brains behind Lip Gloss in spreading equality and the right to live blissfully have been thriving and gaining recognition for the past years. The unconditional love and unending support they have been receiving make LIP GLOSS a very subtle and deep organisation despite its irresistibly provocative image! 

... and that is LIP GLOSS my dear, ladies and gentlemen! 

The spectacle array of beauty, glamour and wit continued up to the wee hours of the morning. Weren't they getting sleepy while waiting and anticipating who will win? Personally speaking, you will never feel lethargic especially when you are with the vivacious crowd!

The final tally was handed over to the cordial Miss Penny while the ladies held each other's hand, and why they wouldn't be? This was when the deserving runners-up and the queen were officially proclaimed in front of the sprightly crowd.

The pageant finished pleasantly with genuine smiles from the rest of the candidates. All of them went back home as winners and it's because hugs, kisses and congratulatory compliments were conveyed to them by the frisky audience.

*Photos and link courtesy of LIP GLOSS Facebook Page

YEAR 2009 AND 2015: THE KIDS IN MY HOMETOWN

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

 

(Year 2009 pictures)

 (Year 2015 pictures)

Their happy faces and bubbly personalities give joy to their parents and so to me. They are my nephews, nieces and my grandchildren in my beloved Philippines.

I have two places in my country, one is in Metro Manila where my sister & her family live and in General Santos City where most of my family members live and where I grew up. When I flew back to the Philippines after visiting England in 2008, I spent a vacation that was more than a month in one of the cities on the island of Mindanao, General Santos City. In addition to this, I also visited them last year but only stayed for a few days. Sadly! Honestly speaking, I was very reluctant to fly over to my hometown last year but glad I pursued it. It made my journey back to England last year very light-hearted even though I was with them and my fragile mother for only a short stay.

(Year 2015 pictures)

My hometown is a lovely place where I was with my parents' warm hands in year 2009. However, last year it was quite heartbreaking as I was only with my fragile mother but I was relived being her Junjun, again.

 (Year 2009 pictures)

(Year 2015 pictures)

Children, kids or babies, they are like energizer that will make you feel better and give you a reason to smile. As I loved them so much, in 2009 I organised a party before I went back to Metro Manila to process my visa application. As I always do! I enjoyed looking at them especially when a tub of ice cream was opened, they formed a line and waited for their turn. A few candid photos were taken, showing their happy, innocent faces and the poignant part was the, 'Thank You' from their mouth. It is our special way of showing to them that they will always be in our hearts and will never forget them.

 

(Year 2009 pictures)

I come from a big family, enough to count on the fingers of your hands. To be the youngest, it is not any more a surprise nor a question to ask, why we have lots of kids in the house? I will turn 32 this year and I am thankful that I have these kids in my life. Same as my Baby Nicole and Baby Kate in Metro Manila, these kids in my hometown relieve my sadness and cheer me up to boot, every time I fly over to my beloved Philippines. They are blessings that always show a reason for us to smile and look at life with optimisms.

(Year 2009 and 2015 pictures)

Generally  speaking, I had priceless memories in both years because of the happy faces of my eldest siblings and their playful grown-up kids who visited me from time to time just to show me what they've got.

MY ANTIPOLO, PHILIPPINES CLIQUE

by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

It wasn't in my top most plans to visit Philippines last year but I'm glad I pursued it!

I purchased my return flights weeks before my arrival day and happily managed to send a balikbayan box, too. Flying over to my beloved country wasn't a plain vacation to relax as I had special reasons at the back of my mind. These reasons were successful and went well. Nowadays, I feel incredibly complete and a woman full with joie de vivre.

  

Year 2015 wasn't the best year of my life but it has given me a few things to remember and treasure. Such as my cheerful memories with my Antipolo Clique. They were beside me when I needed extra hands and showed love when I was down and almost losing hope. 

My charismatic sister BABANG who truly believes that I can do most things in life. You witnessed my struggles when I was in Manila like getting up at 21:00 or 22:00 in order to go to work on time. Thank you for forcefully pushing Tatay that I should stay with you when Kuya Boyet had to go back on board the ship. I treasure all the memories we shared especially the flood days at Cainta, Rizal and our 'love & hate' bonding as sisters. 

KUYA GODFREY who is now taller than me and was my helping hand from the day of my operation until my last day in the Philippines. I have to say that you have become smarter as shown in your grades and sturdier for withstanding the test of commuting, for hours, the busy metropolis. I was once a commuter in Metro Manila and you need to have a strong sense of yourself aside from your stamina in order to survive. Kuya, Thank You so much and I'm very proud of your achievements at school. 

You are my cousin and we didn't talk much when we were in General Santos City. Were you scared of me? You must have been but I was completely different all those years ago. Thank you ATE MAICA for helping me too, like when I needed your presence to change my bandages in the toilet. I remembered that we weren't talking much for a few days but our bloodline taught us how to become closer. You have to stay strong as being away from your parents will never be easy but it will yield something good for your inner self. I enjoyed and loved our Makati day/night out, especially our friendly yet flirty smile and hand waves to passers-by from Starbucks' glass window. 

The over-eager and loquacious Kate who was a bit aloof towards me for a few days and who later called me, MOMMY. You called me Mommy with your cute voice with a very warm hug too that made me closer to you. You have an advance brain and always made me smile when you conversed with me in English. I was very amazed how you correctly used each English word in a sentence. I have to say that I could even see myself in you when I was at your age. I love you articulate ATE KATE! 

I was able to breastfed you when you were a baby as you couldn't stop from crying. Can you believe it? You stopped, slept and I think that was the reason why we are so bonded until now ATE NICOLE. I arrived there a week after you were born and it was a very delightful feeling to see you grow. I will forever treasure your annoying behaviour (at the age of 3) every time you tried to wake me up in my room at Cainta, Rizal. You are no longer a baby but you will always be my baby and I will forever be your MOMMY. 

  

 

I traveled alone in reluctance and when I stayed there with you all, we shared memories of laughter, aloofness and even got very closer than years before. Then, the day I traveled back again to England you all made me cry but I was left with elated tearful eyes. The worst part was, you ruined my applied eyeliner (LOL!).

MISS TRANGENDER UNITED (U.K.) 2015

 by: MisS VictoriA DaviD

(Miss Jai Latto and photo courtesy of www.huffingtonpost.co.uk)

This nation’s first trans beauty contest for a good cause was published in the Sunday Mirror newspaper as well as being featured on the mirror online website. What an amazing acknowledgement and a very uplifting feeling for the LGBTQI (Lesbia, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer or Questioning, and Intersex) community to be appreciated and recognised in the society we now live in. SUCH A LIBERATION!!!

(The Photo shoot and photo courtesy of www.mirror.co.uk)

The contest for MISS TRANSGENDER UNITED 2015 was promoted by Mirror using the steamy photo shoot of the 14 candidates in their sensual one-piece or two-piece swimsuits with lecherous high heels. On the day of the photo shoot, hair and make-up pros, Amanda Clarke and Oona Connor, assisted the candidates with their make-up and hair styles as well as shared impressive D.I.Y. tips too with the transgender people in the make-up room. See for yourself the aphrodisiacs of MISS TRANSGENDER UNITED 2015. I think, most of the 14 candidates spent time in the gym to achieve a voluptuous body.

(Photo courtesy of Miss Transgender UK Company Facebook Page)

On the 27th of September this year, twenty admirable and courageous hopefuls for the title of, MISS TRANSGENDER UNITED 2015, headed to London Borough of Camden. They were confidentially carrying  glam suitcases filled with make-up kits, wigs & hair extensions, swimwear, casual outfits, long evening gowns, high heels and digital cameras. Aside from that, they also invited their loving family, supportive friends and admirers who gave moral support and boosted their self esteem while on stage.

(Photo courtesy of www.mirror.co.uk)

MISS TRANSGENDER UNITED 2015 was organised by Rachael Bailey especially for Trans people who would love to let their hair down and overcome their fears on a decorated stage at Egg London, 200 York Way, London, N7 9AX. Apart from being the dedicated organiser, Rachel Bailey was very generous too as she made a whopping £20,000 contribution to ensure that this pageant for a good cause happened.

(Photos courtesy of Miss Transgender UK Company Facebook Page)

The stage had been set-up with cameras, speakers, banners and spotlights while the audience waited, sat and relaxed. On the other hand, the contestants were very ready to conquer the stage, with their head high and chin up. Why would they not be? They unveiled their hidden talents as well as showcased design creations as part of the pageantry. Their individual performance was rewarded by the audience round of applause and standing ovations. KUDOS to all of you!

They headed back to the make-up room and got busy with their hairstyles, make-up retouching and choosing of what to wear for the next category. The hostess amused the audience for awhile until it was time for candidates to appear on the stage again. Despite their preparations, most of them had butterflies in their stomach, which made them very close with one another. It's inevitable to be nervous or uptight but because of the positive moral support they received from the audience, the casual wear category went and finished very smoothly.

(Photo courtesy of Miss Transgender UK Company Facebook Page)

The audience loved it so much and the contestants' belief in themselves as a woman was sustained as they had a more positive outlook in life. So, here they come in their attractive gowns, made of the most luxurious fabrics. A vision of colorful and full-length body hugging silhouettes. .

 

(Photos courtesy of Miss Transgender UK Company Facebook Page)

 

After their individual emergence on stage, they were all called to gather for the Question and Answer portion. The questions per se were mostly related and relevant to the transition to becoming a woman and how rejuvenating it is to call and love yourself as a woman. They were all winners and won the hearts of the affectionate audience who got impressed with their heartfelt impromptu answers.

The dream title, MISS TRANSGENDER UNITED 2015, which also included a cash prize of £5,000 and  an all-expeses paid surgery in India was bequeathed to Jai Latto of Walkerburn (Scottish borders). Aside from the announcement of the title holder and the runners-up, a special award for MISS TRANSGENDER UNITED 2015 People's Favourite was given to Miss Carmen Confait. Moreover, the title holder will become one of the LGBTQI speakers, on behalf of MISS TRANSGENDER UNITED company, who will then visit hospitals, festivals and will even present the LGBTQI Icon Awards.

(Miss Fay Louise Purdham, Miss Jai Latto, Miss Vanessa Lacsamana and photo courtesy of Miss Transgender UK Company Facebook Page)

I didn't see the show personally, which I regret, the MISS TRANSGENDER UNITED 2015 last September 27. However, to have read a few informative articles before writing my own essay, my respect and admiration to the people behind the event as well as the organiser is very high. Why? It's because they have been encouraging late bloomers to be more at one with themselves as well as supporting charity works.

 *Additional information courtesy of  www.mirror.co.uk &  www.misstransgenderuk.com
*Corrections courtesy of Jossy Yendall and Johannah Buchan