Finally met Mang Bebot! Every time I read someone’s film camera has a problem, his is always the go-to name in online forum and groups. I think I’ve never heard a bad thing said about this man; only raves of how good he is at what he does. So when my Canon AE-1 Program’s shutter started to hit and miss, I knew it was my time to pay him a visit.
The thing with finding Mang Bebot is his service hours and location. Apparently, he’s in his house in Parañaque during the day, and then goes to his other shop in Manila at night. What a hardworking man! I've asked around about his Manila address, google-mapped it, and then texted him as well to confirm his availability that day. If you plan to visit him too, here’s how:
From North (EDSA):
1. Take the MRT until the last station Taft Avenue.
2. Through the link, transfer to LRT 1 EDSA station.
3. Get off at Quirino Avenue station.
4. Look for Andok’s and cross Taft Avenue.
5. If you reach Andok’s, you’re already along Quirino Avenue. Walk.
6. Turn left at Leveriza Street (you’ll pass by F.A. Reyes and Bagong Lipunan Streets).
From South (Roxas Boulevard):
1. Turn right at Quirino Avenue.
2. Turn right at Leveriza Street (you’ll pass by Mabini, Adriatico and Camia Streets).
His shop is located at the left side of Leveriza Street, so you might want to stay left while walking. This is where it becomes tricky because there is really no landmark to refer to when finding his shop. I only remember passing by Vergel General Merchandise, Deme Barbershop and then this building named makabata. You will also encounter two road humps. I can’t forget these because I tripped on them both. A few steps more and you’ll see sort of an empty lot, and then a karenderia. In between them is a small, slightly-open door.
When I saw the door, I knew that was it because there’s a lot camera stuff and tools when you take a peek. We walked in, and I introduced myself. We were greeted by Mang Bebot himself and his friend (I assume). The room was small, only about 10 ft x 3 ft, but I kind of got overwhelmed by it and Mang Bebot himself. He’s approachable, so I didn’t have a hard time telling what I came for. Although the shutter was my main problem, I also brought the speedlite that came with it when I bought it and asked if it still can work. He also saw the fungus in my lens, so I also left it for cleaning. I gave P200 (for cleaning) as downpayment, and he told me to come back after three days.
When we came back, I was happy to see that the lens was sparkly clean! He showed me that the shutter release button was already working, and even gave me mini tutorial on how to use my speedlite. I really have not used a speedlite in my life so I was just nodding the whole time with occasional ahhh and OK po. This is where I saw what everybody was raving about. Mang Bebot really knows his stuff and yet still remained a very simple and humble man. Humble I know, because his friend was so proud in telling me about how Mang Bebot was the one responsible for fixing and cleaning Soviet Camera Store's stuff, and there he was, just smiling. I asked him how long he’s been doing this, and he simply answered, "30 years na". Before getting carried away with the Q&A, I paid him 400 for the shutter release button fix, and additional 250 for the working speedlite. Not bad!
I took the opportunity to ask his other shop. If anyone wants to contact him:
Roberto Bartolome (Mang Bebot)
Mobile: 09393013109
Paranaque Address (Day; until 5pm): 6386 Saint Dominic Street, San Antonio, Valley 15, Sucat, Paranaque
Manila Address (Night; 7pm til midnight): 2258 Leveriza Street, Malate, Manila