PHILIPPINES GOLD RUSH TOWN - Most Mysterious And Fascinating Place? (Diwalwal, Davao)

THIS IS THE MOST INTERESTING PLACE I've ever been. Mysterious yet fascinating at the same time.
In 1983, a local found gold on the slopes of Mount Diwata, triggering a gold rush that saw over 100,000 people settle in hastily built housing, forming the new area of Diwalwal in the mountains above Monkayo, Davao de Oro (then Compostela Valley). The area was critical for many years until recently, run by local militias and with countless landslides and other natural and man-made disasters.
Since Typhoon Pablo hit nine years ago, both gold and population have been in decline, with only one quarter of the original population still living here.
So I visited to see how the place was now. And I found a Filipino community that was so welcoming, so open, and so proud of their place. I left feeling incredibly positive about this much maligned place.
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00:00 Intro
01:06 Travel to Diwalwal
03:38 Locals Explain Diwalwal's History
05:22 Exploring The Old Town
07:29 Mercury Contamination
10:32 Going Into A Tunnel
12:30 Speaking With A Miner
13:49 Friendly Locals
16:00 Swimming Pool
16:33 Tunneling Through Rock
18:17 Walking Towards Central Diwalwal
19:40 Central Diwalwal
20:32 Motorbiking Back
21:23 Crazy Habal-Habal Ride Through Tiny Alleyways
22:53 Driving To The Bottom
23:17 Reflections On Diwalwal

[@engr.jaydeesanjuan2307]

I'm literally crying this came across my recommendations. My father was a Miner during the Gold Rush so I was born and raised here in 1993. I still have a vivid memory of my Childhood. Travelling going to Diwalwal Back then was the Hardest! I'm amazed the roads are concrete now. Until We had to move back to our home in Samal since I'm about to start going to school. It's been 3 decades and my Dad passed away 5 years ago. Ironically I am now a Licensed Mining Engineer but I haven't been in Diwalwal again. I chose this profession for the purpose of elevating the Practice Of mining by properly using Engineering Techniques. I will definitely go back to this HOME soon!

[@AC3DCad]

It is good to hear your story

[@JosieBrianMiller]

Such an inspiring story ❤️

[@florantelucas8123]

Gone to that place in 1991 riding in a chopper in Monkayo

[@CheriMe]

Wahhh taga diwalwal d.i ka sir? Im a fan of yours sa tiktok.. puhon sir. Kung makauli pud ko didto unta ma meet taka🤗

[@kamayovlogph.2993]

Kol dra pud ga work ako papa sauna ug dira nasab sila nagkaila sako inahan

[@KumanderDaot]

THIS PLACE IS INCREDIBLE. I didn't focus so much on the past, on gold mining, or the environmental disasters (though I didn't ignore them either), but preferred to show the lives of the community that remains here in 2021, simply because they provided inspiration the moment I stepped out of my car there. I could just about keep it to 25 minutes - this could have easily been over half an hour! One of my favourite videos to make - hope you enjoy it as much as I did making it 🙂

[@El_.5794]

Yes, but watching it one can’t ignore the realities behind their everyday life and why they’re still passionate to continue doing it. The video shows

[@udirtypuppy5174]

i can feel the karma overflowing through your video. well done sir. well done.

[@KumanderDaot]

@@El_.5794 absolutely 🙂 real stories are the best!

[@oliviadimagiba1933]

Thank you Kumander for this video.I now know why this was called Compostela Valley now Davao de Oro.People are living in between mountains and they are so happy despite of the danger living there.Landslides most especially during typhoons is so scary.

[@danmorales6018]

You are a very fascinating blogger kumander. You do a very good job. Thank you and god bless

[@gadmarieclarin5293]

Proud taga diwalwal ko . Tungod sa Diwalwal naka tagamtam kug haruhay na kinabuhi pero di tanan mag last labi na ug imung abusohon ang grasya sa kinaiyahan 😕 I miss this place 😭 Thank you kumander daot for showing us again the kind of life we used to live .. 👌

[@larrysforum8177]

This is one of a kind documentary. It deserves to be in the National Geographic Channel! Congrats Kumander Daot!

[@karenstroll3837]

i strongly agree!!!!

[@gordonshumway6825]

On NG there are no self-centered ytbers looking for likes and subs.

[@romeoramos6650]

I’m really glad you found your calling, creating and exposing all this small and interesting communities. Communication with local language is great.

[@mochapoundcake]

You have a knack for making documentaries - from the voiceover, to the script, the editing, the videography, all the way down to the background music. If you didn’t realize it yet, well now you do. 😁👍👍

[@KumanderDaot]

Really appreciate it 🙂 this is the kind of video I enjoy making the most 🙂

[@ndriangg]

Very well said 🤩

[@jayveebueza64]

Agree!!!

[@theswabbie30]

This says it all. Thank you Komander Daot.

[@waruwadab506]

@@KumanderDaot padayon lang sa imong ginabuhat kumander daot

[@jeroen7699]

In a short period of time, you've overcome your personal issues and turned into a talented documentary maker. It feels like you really found and embraced your passion. The fact that you are able to communicate with the local people on their own level / frequency is very enjoyable to watch. Hats off to you sir Daot. And keep on keeping on! 👌👍🍀

[@nugnorab5257]

Maybe Mestezo. Fluent in dealect.

[@designdust]

This is not a Vlog, this is an amazing documentary!

[@kimisvlog6965]

Oh my..Thats my homeland!!…thank you for showing this beautiful vlog…. Nakita ra jud nako akong mga silingan and thats my older brother decorating the Christmas tree in the church.. 😊😊💕💕 diwalwal is a beautiful place i wish makauli na ko next year sa pinas… 🥺🥺💕💕🇬🇧🇵🇭

[@dxrymplx]

Ang ganda Po Ng place wwoowww

[@diojan4610]

Hi Kumander, I've heard a lot about Mount Diwal-wal but have no idea how it looked like. Thank you for this amazing documentary. Please keep on vlogging sir.

[@juandelacruz3134]

Same with me.

[@Sunmoon-gj9gy]

He needs to apply for an Art grant from his country so he can make full length documentaries

[@bellarosemontero1800]

This is truly an interesting documentary, Kumander. I just literally stopped what I was doing and watched your vlog. I find it really enlightening to see how the community in Mt Diwalwal thrived. Gold mining, despite the danger of landslides and bad weather, is still being continued by most people in the community. Very open and happy about their situation there.

[@bellaem6409]

Your channel is the BEST!! Even has surpassed a lot of news reporters in The Philippines! Well done to you KD! The places you go to in the Southern Philippines is truly an eye-opener.

[@kareen8385]

This is your calling in life Kumander Daot. You are so good at your craft. Pls continue doing videos like this. You are awesome!

[@El_.5794]

My hat goes to you Kumander! You always speak to them in Bisaya. You interviewed the locals in Bisaya instead of English which we know is better to communicate that way. I understand why you opted to learn how to speak the Visayan language early when you decided to be a resident of Davao few years ago. You must have realized it’s a must in your way of life dealing with the locals. I really appreciate your gesture. It’s commendable👏

[@jersonfrommelbourne]

honestly its like a BBC documentary but better cos its from the heart, I salute to your commitment on showing the wonderful yet to be discovered places in mindanao, its people and culture.. Another great work Kumander..

[@danilolacangan5450]

I was raised in Manila and never tasted life in a place like that. Viewing it from your documentary I then believe that whereever a Filipino are or a community life will flow easy... It is great to know even with the hardship we encountered, this pandemic and the couple of typhoons hurting this nation yearly we still survive. Go Filipino!

[@kensnow7837]

I've not been feeling well the past few days but this video perked me up a bit. It has changed my perception of Mt. Diwalwal, as I knew it, as a "no man's land" back in the day. Indeed, it's an honest update of how it goes out there nowadays thanks to your documentary style vlogging. Your vlogging never ceases to amaze me. Another feather in your cap. Cheers Kumander!

[@larajeanpagador2396]

Our place Mt. Diwata Monkayo Davao de Oro ... Thank you sir for featuring our place

[@albertreyes3024]

115k subs! Congats KD. This feature on Diwalwal community is really special. We don't see this on mainstream media. Not skipping ads to help you create more contents like this. God bless Kumander!

[@thisiscamarie]

I dont always agree with the environmental impact of mining but I do get how people there work hard to make a living. Great job on showing us as it is, Kumander. Also, I grew up in Mindanao hearing about this place. Thank you for going there so we dont have to!

[@kojak5376]

The 👌 Best and Educational Kumander!!! The houses from your droneshot is like a veins of gold on the rocks of the cave.

[@troybowman4213]

Hey mate, just blew my mind,One of your best works yet , enjoyable to watch, love all the smiles and laughter,you should be very proud of yourself mate, you have come along way, keep up the good work👍🍺

[@semgonzales5430]

Hi Kumander Selmo (aka Kumander Daot) I just became a patron of Patreon to support your endeavors for more relevant and entertaining contents. Power on! Greetings from Michigan

[@lumiesoucek5129]

In the early 80's gold is everywhere in the mainland of Mindanao. I visited my aunt in Butuan. Gold prospecting was the source of income there. My aunt had a store and it was busy. I ended up staying for 2 years helping her out. The people would stop by before going gold prospecting, a few hours later, they are back buying everything they want from the store. I seemed to bring them luck.

[@TheTweetkiss]

I saw a documentary about the people in Mt. Diwalwal many years ago, it was depressing, I thought they left the place already ! But glad watching your video, good to know they're happy & smiling !

[@KumanderDaot]

That was my expectation too when I first went there. It's nice to show the reality 🙂

[@kordapyo612]

When you have an inept governance, expect nothing. There are lots of small scale mining in our country and you know it is forbidden but what happened now?

[@TheTweetkiss]

@@kordapyo612 This is not even a political video, so STOP there if you're trying to insinuate some bullshit here !

[@kordapyo612]

@@TheTweetkiss I'm sorry if I hurt you....

[@bee2000]

Your vid is so much more interesting than some documentaries shown on t.v. 👌👍👍👍

[@ralphhairwhite7542]

Thank you for bringing us back here... i left this place 23 years ago. This is where i was born... I really appreciate your work Kumander! achup kaayo ka.

[@KennethPorio]

This place should really really improve itself due to its interesting history. If not for the insurgencies and natural disasters that frequently occur here, Diwalwal could be a good industrial tourism spot.

[@trisix7091]

another great vlog. interesting. beautiful. thanks kumander. i really cant imagine a covid times without your videos.

[@johuliganga1368]

Wow! Thank you for sharing this video Kumander. Very interesting indeed!

[@LilyGWard]

Kumander D, you’re becoming a good storyteller. I love the way you took your time to immerse with the local people. That’s the best way to learn from them telling us their stories. Your drone footages are amazing as well. 😊

[@jeroen7699]

I agree. He is so humble, in a way that gains people's trust and makes them open up to him. But it's also a Filipino quality of being open and welcoming to a stranger or unknown visitor. It's heartwarming. ❤️

[@filipinainthedesert4948]

Thank you Kumander. You showed us a real town, real life, real people, the smiles and how they live day in day out….very much appreciated😍

[@keithhudson2347]

We pinoy baiting lng yan naniniwla ka

[@keithhudson2347]

Real smile pa nga haha

[@johnarbisjr1735]

@@keithhudson2347 ingiterong GAGO ka!

[@JohnSmith-bz9be]

Wow....... very-well put together vlog; thoughtful narrative, excellent musical score, crisp editing, and solid camera work. What a fascinating and surreal place. By speaking the language you are able to go deeper into topics, as well as places. Keep up the great job. Cheers 👍👍👍

[@rollierodriguez8158]

nice one kumander daot.. interesting vlog. thanx. long live !!!!

[@robertaschalkhammer3446]

Thank you for showing us the place KD. I´ve seen a docu from GMA7 I guess a long time ago and it was so negatively portrayed. But in this vlog, the people looked happy, friendly and I noticed the surroundings are clean - no trash. Love your interaction with the locals and your knowledge of the language is very endearing to them. Keep safe always. I wasn´t breathing when you go down that steep path going to the tunnel.

[@monicarualesmoncast690]

Yes, we are friendly here in mt.diwata🥰

[@sailorsdiary4646]

I do agree for the word friendly that so natural to filipinos but as u said no trash a big no as we can see the situation there I dont wanna judge but you guys can see the actual situation and as he said the water on a rivers are contaminated with the chemicals used to extract the gold and that so dangerous guess newd more protection for our invironment✌✌✌🧠

[@DavidBrockes]

Oo, I was feeling nakakatakot for the path....charr 😆😆😆😆

[@badboy4lyf2]

Smiles all around...young and old alike. Proud of my country.

[@gee7436]

Of all your videos, this one is definitely one of my top favorites. So real, so much heart.

[@mabby8449]

Wow! We always visit diwalwal back then every summer! My father was Supervisor in Portal before he financed her own ball mills. Such a good memories 😍 Keep up the good work!

[@mariocamba1853]

This video is not ordinary vlogging its a docomentary..congrats kd..this story of diwalwal.

[@aminahforever4277]

You are such a darling son, KD! You really are. You interact with the locals with no problems. Your humility is very touching. My ancestors were gold miners. At my younger age, I have seen how difficult it is to do this kind of work, yet, it’s mostly the controllers who live luxuriously at the expense of diggers/miners🥲. Your narrating with humour is amazing. There are many gold mines around the Philippines you could go to, to make documentary of the lives of these hard labourers. This is another very interesting video, thank you.

[@joycecillezalsos1863]

im following kumander now, i love how he presents his coverage, awesome kaayo.

[@shirleyrodriguez3199]

Awesome story and video

[@mreal7JP]

This was an amazing documentary Kumander Daot. I was a bit emotional watching this video. 
I felt delighted that the people are still thriving in this mountain. My parents used to work there for a living(and met each other, I think). So I was able to spend a part of my childhood on that place and I can tell you it is an extraordinary experience. At a very young age I understood the whole thing about how the gold is mined and processed, from stone to money. Back then Diwalwal was not that safe. I was so young, I didn’t really think about it. We lived in few areas of Diwalwal overtime, first in ’Nang’ then in ‘Australia’ the place that was mention in this video. There was an area in ‘Australia, an open field for the helicopters where I use to fly my kite. Living in Diwalwal was a bit of a challenge. Our house was divided into two parts. The upper floor for the living area and the basement for processing area they called “burmilan”(not sure of the spelling). So we have to sleep with loud motors and banging steel drums below. We also have to boil our drinking water every time and bath with cold water since it is coming from the upstreams. Transport was the most difficult, because of the uneven and wet terrain, narrow and horrifying cliffside paths. Life is simple in Diwalwal. If they got gold then they are happy. My best personal experience was opening the windows early in the morning and letting the fog into the room. And during sunset, seeing the beautiful view of the vast land while listening to the music hits : Bon Jovi, GnR, Scorpion, Firehouse, LP etc. from the karaoke. My dad told me that the origin of the mountain's name “DIWATA” (DIWALWAL for the locals) came from a story told by the first people who explored this mountain. That they saw a huge butterfly a size of a human and as it flew off it was followed by many smaller butterflies. Maybe they have thought of it as a fairy (diwata in tagalog).

[@KumanderDaot]

Wow, thanks for sharing this. That's really interesting. Such a fascinating place for sure

[@YourHomeGamesChannelYT]

Wow we share the same story. I remember back in the 90's, Diwalwal was my vacation place. I remember the betamax houses there, were I watched movies from 10 am til 4pm. Lol. The struggle was real whenever I and my late lolo Poldo sell last 2 pick guides and comics all around the corner of Mt. Diwalwal. Somehow reading this brings back lots of memories good or bad. My feelings to this place were different then but watching it now at this age, all I can say Is am grateful. I wish I could visit Mt. Diwalwal one more time.

[@randelljack]

I’ve been there in the 80’s with an uncle who invested in a small scale mining. The community’s really interesting. They have a world of their own up there. The mode of transportation at that time was also interesting. My first time riding a “skylab” transportation. A single enduro motorcycle with up to seven passengers riding it. Fascinating!

[@joyboyy2315]

Im born in that place and Im happy to see my place in your vlog.. Okay kaayo ❤️

[@E.K.O.Y.]

Hi Kumander Daot you have very good content. Please make more like this. Digging in to the amazing life of local Pinoyz.

[@rogeliobolanos5138]

I've been waiting for Kulas to vlog this place but fortunately there's kumander daot who is a braver vlogger.

[@jamesgarey673]

KD your lucky to have a friend like kumander tarong he lot of experience to share with you

[@piemiller4433]

Awesome… you’re at the National Geographic Level of Reporting, Kummander… you have surpassed all the Vloggers…. I mean ALL! You need to enter this for “ the best Foreign documentary entry” at the Oscars. Seriously . You are going to win. This is really super great. Pls do! I want to see you at the Oscars. Congratulations and God bless! You are a Gold in the rough, Sir! Can’t wait for your other interesting and unique Topics! Such a touching series, I couldn’t help but cry , you have touched my heart. Say hello to Your lovely RN from another RN!

[@thesimplekitchen59]

You’re the first blogger to make a content of this Diwalwal.

[@annehiggins5958]

Hi kumander, wow what an amazing vlogg that place is so interesting, thanks for all your hard work , I can’t wait for the next vlogg they are fantastic 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 love from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 xx look after yourself stay safe my friend xx

[@ndriangg]

I would never be shocked if anselm will be offered a bigger break soon.By watching documentaries a lot his energy is more lively honestly than most. God Bless you Kumander Daot and Nhel so as the Little One ❤.

[@DallasCarr-1]

Stay tuned. A surprise may in order soon...

[@moonzz86]

Just PERFECT from start till the end! Keep on the good work

[@boyetromero7493]

Best video so far that i have watched from foreign vloggers here in the phil.good job kumander daot keep it up.👌👌👌

[@mylahbarreto5265]

Thanks for showing this part of the country, love seeing everyday life. Your enthusiasm is infectious!!

[@esthermiranda8815]

So informative and educational vlog...this place is so hazardous among the people live in there,it is prone to landslide coz of the diggings...it wil be disastrous during rainy season and more so if there is a typhoon...

[@fredb4816]

KUDOS KD.....YOU'RE THE MAN!! AWESOME DOCUMENTARY ABOUT DIWALWAL,, ISOG KA KAAYO MOSULOD SA TUNNEL.....AMPING KANUNAY GOD BLESS!!

[@sailorjohnv2473]

Kumander. Of all your places you have visited and vlogged. This has to be the top one for me. To see how the Filipinos can build a town in the mountains, on the side of the mountains is just amazing. You have found your CALLING in the Philippines. You actually brought tears to my eyes in hearing you interacting with the people. Filipinos IMHO are the most friendly people in the world. Life in the Philippines is not easy for those that do not live in the big cities. I was impressed with the 91 year old gentleman who had so much energy in sharing history. I miss being on our island off of Calbayog City.

[@melkz23op]

Awesome story Kumander. A nice and different perspective, all positivity. I’ve visited Dewalwal when I was a kid (11 years old) and it’s always in my mind how’s Dewalwal now. It’s a nice tour of the place. Also, awesome documentary. Hopefully, y’all make a documentary about the life of the people of Dewalwal. It seems many people have an awesome story

[@rickyph5320]

First time to watched a documentary like vlog of Mt. Diwalwal. The drone shots is amazing. Good job KD!👍🤙

[@zzzzzsleeping]

Are they still getting golds in the area? Kinda dangerous to see the mud that might collapse. Have you ever ask if any such disaster from the fast?

[@raralee07646]

I heard a lot about mt diwalwal when i was little. I heard a lot of good and sad stories about it cuz of the quest for gold. thank you for showing the real diwalwal and its people. I love your insider's interview, their stories are interesting and very insightful. this Vlog is really excellent. thanks KD, you talk like the locals. Hi to Kumander tarong, he is like your filipino real bro from another mother! lol!!

[@3kingstv832]

Wow, thanks for sharing the video! I am Filipino but just saw a populated community located in a mountain! You even know how to speak their local language, sooo amazing!

[@insearchofthebest9070]

Wow kumander I really enjoyed the vedieo this is one of your all time 👌 best I believe. Dang brother there is no way I could ever make it up there so thank you for taking me along . Man oh man you have no fear the water leaking small closterfobic tunnels and then the winding very narrow trails you rode on that bike no way its to far down. I can say you sir truly have a set of balls hahaha 😆. KEEP ON ROCKING IN THE FREE WORLD 🌎 PEACE OUT SALAMAT

[@ljnoble9167]

Kuya D! You are just awesome!!! To describe my feeling while watching is just envy. 😍😍😍😍😍

[@westcoastfoss2850]

I absolutely love these mini docuvlogs you do. You do so well with the narration of these videos. What an amazing incite to the people of Diwalwal.

[@orlandkrahn7321]

Well done Kumander. I really enjoyed this vlog. Fascinating content. You've got a great narrators voice. Looks like you've found your niche.

[@diwalwalinios9880]

This vlog is very interesting. Wuhoooo.

[@diwalwalinios9880]

This is me the guy asking your drone and camera.

[@concerncitizen8988]

That area at the bottom part, they call it Australia because it's down under. Good job KD, for covering Diwalwal, that was a fascinating story and challenging adventure. 👍 Thanks for sharing.

[@KumanderDaot]

Australia... Down under... I never thought of that 😁

[@DallasCarr-1]

@@KumanderDaot Daot Na! And did you forget you lived in Australia? Is all that gold got you distracted?... 😀

[@raindrops4857]

Make sense! Galing talaga ng Humor ng mga Filipino 😁😆

[@atlantafan1156]

Love the laughter and smiles! What a hospitable community. Is there a school there for the children or community health center? Keep filming. Can’t wait for your next vlog.

[@kiko69]

Beautiful sound effects CD!Good job!

[@blue_epes]

Nice you show around diwalwal ,never been there 👍

[@georgegolamco2102]

Amazing you really have the guts to tour diwalwal.

[@melaniericket9333]

I'm learning about Philippines from your vlog . Daghan salamat KD

[@jc-vj3ie]

Kumander daot national geographic channel. With awesome naration. Hehehe. Keep it kumander. Its been a long time i didn’t see you doing 5 thirsty. 😁😁

[@christiansingian23rd]

You are a good adventurer kumander, I am always excited to watch this kind of vlog and your personality makes way nicer. Do more like this kumander and I am loving it! Keep it up kumander you're doing great!

[@igorotanomad]

I randomly think this in my mind, KD; Kumander Tarong I want to do a documentary of communities that will give inspiration to people watching. KT; I know of something, let’s go to Diwalwal! And there you have this inspiring video to watch!!! It’s just like my hometown in Benguet… Itogon and Mankayan are known for small scale mining in our Igorot land and many other municipalities. I wish when you make docu in my place I will be home already!!!!

[@thundarx36th]

Great video Kumander! I really enjoyed the people and the content!!!

[@lovelyjeankuntingrosa4844]

One of the best documentary I've watched. Thanks kumander for featuring this awesome place in davao region.

[@robcaya3716]

The bad thing about those tunnels is earthquakes that the Philippines is on the ring of fire. As someone on the comment section mention that this place was called, "No Man's Land". Reason being was all the illegal mining and feud back in the days. They mention that there are hardly gold there anymore, but that's probably exaggerated to keep people out. Awesome nature to trek though. The barangay could probably set up a hiking trails to employ some of the locals, if the mining condition is so extreme.

[@charlietaclendo4641]

First time to see Diwalwal though I heard it a lot. Thank you Kumander Daot and Kumander Tarong who accompanied. Lots of laughter, good for KD Anselm.

[@patriciamammarelli3911]

Hopefully small towns like this gets develop and made into a tourist attraction so people can have a good source of livelihood .

[@Ubiquitous_1]

Cool tour. Was really nice of them to show you around. The drone shots were a great contrast to the foot hike. Really neat how the tunnels are tall enough to stand up in. Never heard of Diwalwal's legend before so thanks for sharing! Twas fascinating!

[@Permafrost_13]

i wish i could go there, it looks amazing and the people seem really cool. great video dude

[@gypsymagic9699]

An awesome feature of Mt. Diwalwal and its community. I hope the government will do something to improve this place.

[@meinardoteves9198]

nindot imo soundtrack, nindot pa sa James Bond movie.. by the way, your vlogging is informative, has an element of investigative research. You are bringing out some hidden yet relevant information in a non-academic way, casual kaayo, relatable to everyone. daghang salamat

[@auguisronald7295]

hahaha, ok na kumander na upload na jud. nice one kumander. another one.! hahaha amping permi kumander.

[@DallasCarr-1]

I'm only 3 minutes into this video and the music is exillerating! I like it.

[@KumanderDaot]

New song by Ooyy... Love how it fit the scene perfectly

[@DallasCarr-1]

@@KumanderDaot for sure it did. Good gold find from epic. Ooyy is always good

[@El_.5794]

What an adventure, Kumander and you look like you really enjoyed your time there. One thing about the Filipinos, no matter what the situation is in their lives, they still managed to live, enjoy and adapt to what is going on. I noticed it seems like anyone in the village can just dig and make his own mine. The area is un safe and anytime, the mine might cave in or a landslide will happen. How about the contaminated water, etc. Is this digging even legal? If they have been digging gold for how many years already, how come there hasn’t much improvement in their lives and the community as well? Houses still improvised and roads are still unpaved….The miners are still digging to this day and to whom do they sell the raw materials? Are the profits from their hard labor well enough to improve their lives ‘cause even though they look happy and contended with their situation, it seems they’re still stuck in that kind of environment and work for living. Who became rich?

[@KumanderDaot]

Answering those questions would take weeks of staying there, I think!

[@cherryw8036]

Its like the mining area in itogon benguet. Wherein nature always gave babala but still people continue to dig even the underground of their houses.

[@thethirdiii]

KD is not a investigative journalist and very new in this kind of environment so he can't answer who gains the profit? Who became rich? Is that legal or not? He wants only to have fun and adventurous..Kd accomplish as an eye opener to penetrate in that tricky mining area of diwalwal..

[@El_.5794]

@@thethirdiii I hope he finds another place to have fun next time, not this kind of hazardous environment. He’s been exposed to the air he breathed and the land he walked. Good thing, he didn’t eat. My concern of his health venturing to this kind of environment which he knows nothing or little about it

[@dadejavusc]

Some people that got there early got rich for sure. I know some who went to high school with me. There is still a lot of gold there and the money trickles down to average people there. Most of the those tunnels are owned by 2 or more people. They pool their money or someone who have money financed the operation and they split the profits. But the economy around the mining town is helping those that are not in mining. Like the food vendors. The drivers. Laborers. There is a trickle down effect money wise. Most of those people who risked their life going there are just trying to survive. They are there so they can put food on the table. Many have nothing to lose because they dont have anything in the first place.

[@jimbaksboy]

Your no.1 kumander HINGO👍👍👍

[@dodznb238]

Hello dear friend , sa monkayo pako nagpuyo pirmi kudiha friend.. thanks for this sharing i miss diwalwal..amping pirmi idol..

[@lucylightshinebright8996]

Very interesting place peaceful and friendly people thank you for sharing Kumander D ❤

[@davecalugcug7690]

KD thanks for the nice documentary video…watching here from CA 🇺🇸

[@k0618202]

Thank you for the video Anselm. Ive never been to this part of my country before.

[@danmorales6018]

This video deserves more than millions view. Worth watching. Keep up the good work kumander

[@mikemikie8312]

Anselm thank you for taking us all there and yes amazing groups of people all working together in what is and has been a very difficult life and still is in the journey for all of them ,but they show us to never complain and knuckle down and get on with it the best you can ,love these kind of video's you take and show us . So proud of all those folk these are the kind of people one can learn so much from so glad your back making these kind of video's so we can see the true spirit of the Philippine natives , so grateful God Bless You Anselm .

[@jayalvinbanad3193]

This is fascinating! These lands were actually part of the ancestral domain before as one of the members of the enthnic minorities in the place. I can still remember my father won't allow us to visit the Diwalwal as it was so dangerous during that time. Not just because it's s a mining site but also tag as a version of Sodom & Gomorrah in the bible. Though my origin is from here we lived in the neighboring barangay which called Upper Ulip. I was really amazed how you feature this place in your vlog. New subscriber here!

[@mariab2408]

Another excellent Vlog! Thanks kumander 🥂

[@rosemullin8023]

Thank you for showing this place....my memories came back.naalala ku tuloy noong bata pa aq...my parents own a restaurant at mt.diwata year 1989-1995.wala pang karsada dti....kung ma pera ka...pasakay sakay ka lng ng helicopter.galing pasian to diwalwal.kung gusto mo din ng adventure...lalakarin lng papuntang diwalwal dti...miss that place really...

[@zarethdelasalas4101]

Nice vlog Kumander! Many Filipinos haven’t been or seen a mining site or a gold rush town. Keep it up!

[@nelsonnicolas3779]

That is really awesome ride Kumander, Well done! Thank you for giving us update on the life of our kababayan in Mount Diwalwal, really inspiring. May God bless you always on your trip and Stay safe.

[@margaritasun7908]

Another great vlog! 👏

[@kengkee9078]

GREAT JOURNEY KD! THANK YOU FOR ALL THE EFFORT. I LOVE THE BACKGROUND MUSIC. SOUNDS VERY TRIBAL. I FELT LIKE LISTENING TO MY FAVORITE *LEO ROJAS* =TAKE CARE ALWAYS KD!