An elderly man who lost his job during the COVID-19 pandemic is now helping Filipinos do repair work in their households through tutorial videos.
Lolo Rodel, also known as “Lolo Smart,” gained online traction after art director Ramil Lantican shared that he stumbled upon the former’s YouTube channel while looking for a video on how to fix a fan.
“I broke my fan this morning so I thought of checking some tuts (tutorials) on YouTube. Then saw this Lolo Smart’s YT channel!!” he shared on Facebook.
“I don’t know but I just felt amazed when watching him. I think it’s because of how calm he talks, like, parang inaalalayan ka talaga niya in every step, and at the same time… I can see the effort he puts into it!” Lantican added.
He also said that Lolo Smart’s videos have subtitles that can be helpful for viewers.
“From fixing microwave, rewinding coil, flat irons and even fixing TOY CARS! Haha an-cute lang!” Lantican said.
He encouraged fellow Filipinos to follow Lolo Smart and help him reach more people on his YouTube and Facebook page.
Lantican claimed that the elderly have been in the repairing business for 40 years already.
The repair shop he used to work for shut down when the COVID-19 pandemic struck in 2020.
Lolo Smart is also a senior citizen, part of those whose movements were restricted by the government to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
As such, he resorted to creating tutorial videos at home instead.
Aside from electronics repair, he also posts about his hobbies which include mobile photography and travel, among others.
Part of his YouTube channel description reads:
“In Electronics, there will be tutorials and discussions about basics, tools and DIYs from my 40 years in the Electronic repairs.”
“Tips, techniques and accessory reviews in Photography will be featured too, it’s sharing my hobby.”
“Lastly, putting our activities and health tips as Senior Citizen into videos, hoping to bring joy and awareness to viewers.”
Lantican also announced that Lolo Smart has a Facebook page where those who want to help the YouTuber edit his content and do “logo, brands, banners, posters or anything” can message him.
Following Lantican’s post, Lolo Smart garnered 2,500 likes on Facebook and 88,400 subscribers on YouTube.
Similar to Lolo Smart, there is also a YouTuber in the United States who offers helpful tips from tying a necktie to shaving a beard through tutorials.
Called the “Dad, How Do I?” channel, it is created by Rob Kenney who was left by his own father in his teens and had wanted to share practical guides and tips for his children.
He started making tutorials during the pandemic as well.
