slice of life.

all we see are but slices

of an eternal journey

laden with thorns and thistles

when the road is smooth

it makes one wonder

is the easy life 

only meant for a grave sinner?

when one chooses

the straight and narrow

why is there only pain and sorrow?

we curate highlights

and skip the lowlights

we laud the trophies,

mute the travails

yet beauty can, too, be found

in the thick of chaos

and peace be had

in the dusky shadows

the rich and the pauper

go meet the same end

when their hearts are set 

on Heaven’s dividends.

No More Bets: A Gripping Tale of Exploitation, Despair, and the Quiet Power of Hope

co-reviewed with ChatGPT

Please note that this is not paid advertisement. I do not earn any commissions from purchases made through any links in this post.

No More Bets on Netflix is a powerful documentary that shines a light on the dark world of online betting, revealing a system built on manipulation and exploitation. Through gripping personal stories, the film exposes how this industry preys on human desires for success, recognition, and even survival. But amid the darkness, the film quietly offers a glimmer of hope rooted in resilience, justice, and redemption.

One of the central figures is a skilled employee who, after being passed over for a promotion, leaves his secure job for what he believes will be a more rewarding opportunity. Though his talents are quickly recognized, the recognition he seeks comes at a devastating moral cost, as he becomes trapped in a corrupt system that rewards his ambition at the expense of his integrity.

Another heartbreaking storyline follows the tragic fall of a promising student who, after an initial win in online betting, descends into addiction. His once-bright future unravels, leading to his ultimate demise. However, the ensuing actions of his girlfriend introduce a hopeful turn. Her deep love and respect for him and their family drive her to seek justice. Refusing to let his story be forgotten, she warns others of the dangers of the betting industry. Her perseverance catches the attention of a compassionate policewoman who, moved by the girlfriend’s plea, launches an investigation into the system. Together, they are able to crack the case, exposing the evil behind the operation and bringing a small but meaningful victory in their fight for justice.

He went all in.

Anna, a well-known model, finds herself ensnared by the system after a scandal causes her career to crumble. Desperate and vulnerable, she unknowingly applies for a job within the very industry that thrives on exploiting individuals like her. In a surprising twist, the ā€˜monster’ who torments her ultimately becomes her unlikely savior, revealing the complex dynamics of power and redemption even in the darkest situations.

But perhaps most striking is the film’s portrayal of the countless workers imprisoned in terrible conditions, their passports confiscated, and their lives held hostage. These workers represent the true victims of the system, caught in a cycle of exploitation. Yet even in this despair, the overall story hints at a flicker of hope—whether through the perseverance of loved ones, the courage of individuals willing to speak out, or the dedication of those who seek justice.

No More Bets doesn’t shy away from the grim realities of a system that feeds on human weakness, but it also subtly reflects on the enduring power of hope, love, and justice. It offers a glimpse of biblical truth—no matter how overwhelming the darkness, light can still break through. The girlfriend’s pursuit of justice, the policewoman’s compassion, and the crack in the case all point to the idea that even the most corrupt systems cannot completely extinguish the possibility of redemption.

Ultimately, No More Bets is both a warning and a beacon, showing that while evil may thrive in the shadows, hope, resilience, and the fight for justice will always endure. The film serves as a poignant reminder that, no matter how deep the deception, redemption and restoration are always possible.

POV: A stay-at-home mom asks, ā€œIs the Thermomix TM6 worth it?ā€

Please note that this blog post is not a paid advertisement, and I do not earn any commissions from purchases made through the links provided.

Hi, beautiful!

Juggling family life, homeschooling, and preparing daily meals can feel overwhelming at times. That’s why I got excited when I received a message about a 16-in-1 kitchen appliance.

I recently heard about the Thermomix TM6 from Tita Jojo, and I couldn’t help but dive into some research. After a bit of Googling, I found that it looks like a fantastic kitchen tool that could save time for busy families.

The Thermomix TM6 offers a range of features designed to simplify kitchen tasks. Its website even mentions that it combines not just 16, but ā€œ20 different appliances in one sleek unitā€!

My first thought was, ā€˜Cool!’ But what about its energy consumption?

Let’s do a bit of math from this chart:

from thermomix community on Reddit

Slow cooking for 8 hours at 98 degrees costs just €0.21 or about Php 12.60, which is pretty great. The Thermomix TM6 also features Guided Cooking through its touchscreen and the Cookidoo app.

With a 2-year warranty that can be extended by up to 3 more years, the $1,499 price tag feels a bit more justified. Still, for an unemployed stay-at-home mom, that amount isn’t exactly pocket change.

On a positive note, Thermomix offers moms like me the chance to earn their TM6. I’m not usually into sales, but if it’s a handy tool that can declutter my small kitchen and cut down on meal prep time while allowing me to earn on the side, could this be worth a shot?

Meanwhile, Tita Jojo has a cooking demo on September 27 at the Thermomix Center. I’ll be sure to share my thoughts if I get to attend!

ā€œThermomix TM6,ā€ Thermomix, accessed September 21, 2024, https://www.thermomix.com/pages/tm6, screenshot.

As a reminder, this blog post is not sponsored, and I do not receive any commissions from the links included.