This blind lolo wields knife better than those with 20/20 vision

Kids, do not try this at home.

On Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho this Sunday, we met 69-year-old Lolo Mano from Barangay Cocornon in Lupon, Davao Oriental.

Lolo Mano is blind but every day, he wields a huge knife masterfully to remove coconuts from their husks.

Lolo Mano has been blind since he was 12 years old, a long-term effect of measles that he suffered from when he was three years old. He also lives alone.

In the mornings, he would get up and chuck some wood, which he needs to be able to cook for himself. He would then get picked up by the owner of the copra mill where he works. 

Lolo Mano and his knife

After his shift, Lolo Mano would walk home and finish more chores like washing his clothes.

The 69-year-old is only aided by his memory, and a feel for things; he prefers to walk barefoot, because that allows him to feel the ground. With his laundry, Lolo Mano would know his clothes are already clean when there is an undeniable smoothness to them.

At work in the copra mill, he is kept safe by the height and position of his knife. He would still occasionally get wounded by the blade, but overall, his precautionary measures — wearing makeshift protective gear on his arms and legs — are enough to keep him safe.

He is able to remove an average of 1,000 coconuts from their husks on the daily.

And for all the risks that he takes? Lolo Mano only earns Php 300 a day.

It may not be big, but we have to hand it to Lolo Mano. Despite his disability, he is able to give himself and enjoy a most impressive kind of independence.

For those who want to help Lolo Mano, you may deposit your donations to:

One Network - A Rural Bank of BDO Lupon Branch
ACCOUNT NAME: Constantino T. Velasquez Jr.
ACCOUNT NUMBER: ‎‎‎040110134354

— LA, GMA News