Experiencing the 'Dingalan Syndrome' in Aurora (Full Episode) | Biyahe ni Drew
Join our OG Miyashiro Drew as he dives into the unique ‘Dingalan Syndrome’ experience in Aurora.
Transcript
00:00It's a very different place.
00:07And there aren't many people.
00:16But even if there are a few people, I feel like it's a highlighting place because there
00:25aren't many people.
00:36It's beautiful.
00:38When you go diving, you look up.
00:42There are a lot of trees.
00:44You can hear the waterfalls.
00:46There aren't many people.
00:48This is the type of place you want to go if you want to relax.
00:51You want to get away from the stressful city.
00:54It's like you want to turn off your cell phone.
00:56You don't have a laptop.
00:57You don't have an iPad.
00:58It's like you don't want to make contact because this is it.
01:01This is the exact place that you want to go to.
01:10They are very lucky to have beautiful sea, at the same time, mountains.
01:38Dingalan Syndrome.
01:52That's what the locals call it.
01:54It's a disease that affects people who can't stop thinking about Dingalan Aurora.
02:02Tourists don't usually visit this place because it's located far away from Aurora.
02:08But there are people who still come here.
02:11Why is that?
02:12What is Dingalan Syndrome?
02:29I've been to Dingalan many times.
02:31This is the closest place where you can see the sea.
02:45Can we also be blessed, travelers?
02:47According to other travelers, Dingalan is the best of both worlds.
02:51Because it's not just for beach bums, but also for hikers or mountaineers.
02:57They're right.
02:58The town of Dingalan is surrounded by the eastern part of the Sierra Madre Mountains.
03:02And it has a 332-kilometer stretch of coastline facing the Pacific Ocean.
03:07If this is the place you're going to visit, what are you waiting for?
03:11But take a stop now.
03:12And remember, take a pic or it didn't happen, travelers.
03:16Can you see what I'm looking at?
03:17It looks like an endless stretch of mountains, right?
03:20That's me, you, and the view is just perfect.
03:29From Tanawan Falls, there are a lot of people, a lot of tourists, and locals as well.
03:34They stop to take pictures.
03:37At the same time, you can see the Pacific Ocean.
03:46This is the Tanawan View Deck.
03:48It's perfect to see the panoramic view of the entire Dingalan.
03:51This is a favorite stopover for hikers.
03:53They can stop here and enjoy the panoramic view of the entire Dingalan.
03:57And if you're a hiker, this is the place for you.
04:01We're surrounded by the Sierra Madre.
04:03That's why they are very lucky to have the beautiful sea,
04:10at the same time, mountains surrounding Dingalan.
04:14Love it.
04:16My phone is out of focus.
04:17Let's take a selfie.
04:19It looks like a landscape painting.
04:31We've seen the mountains, now let's go to the beach.
04:41This is the paradise beach.
04:43You can come here to relax.
04:45Ooh, you've seen the mountains, now let's go to the beach.
04:48When it comes to the sea, Mataue Beach is one of the favorite destinations for tourists here in Dingalan Aurora.
04:54It has a 400-meter long stretch of fine sand.
04:57And as they say, the best beach in life is free.
05:00There's no entrance fee here, guys.
05:02You can enjoy the waves that are rising, and your pockets won't get empty.
05:07There's another secret to this place, guys.
05:10It's one of the hidden attractions of Mataue Beach.
05:13Every low tide, you can see the rising rocks.
05:27It's low tide now, so the sightseeing is not a winner.
05:30You can see a lot of rock formations.
05:32Plus, if you're lucky, you'll be with the people who came here to catch whatever they can catch.
05:47But before we enjoy ourselves, we have a quick reminder.
05:53When the high tide arrives, the transition from low tide to high tide is fast.
06:00This, of course, is surrounded by water.
06:02And what I see now is a rock behind the camera.
06:08The water will reach there, too.
06:10And the locals said that they're the experts here.
06:17The water is here.
06:18So go down there, Mr. Cameraman.
06:20Let's go there.
06:23Let's go.
06:31After filling your eyes with the IG-worthy spots, it's time for you to chat.
06:37Because when I see food, I dive in.
06:44I'll get closer to you.
06:47What? You're coming with me?
06:50What? You're coming with me?
06:52What? You're coming with me?
06:58Some travelers said that the secret paradise in the east is the town of Dingalan, Aurora.
07:04It's far from other tourist spots in the town of Aurora.
07:06That's why it's less crowded and more budget-friendly.
07:11You won't have to worry about the entrance fee for our tourist spots here.
07:15If you have an entrance fee, this is very affordable.
07:20Because most of the spots here are very, very free.
07:24The welcome of the tourists here, actually, there's no welcome.
07:28Because when you come here, they'll treat you as a local.
07:32No one will be rude to you.
07:34Your tricycles are easy to go around.
07:37Aside from the free entrance fee for tourist attractions and the cheap ride around the town,
07:42there's one more thing that tourists come back for.
07:45Seafood is cheaper here because compared to the market, it's twice the price.
07:51Seafood is really cheap here and it's fresh.
07:53Because that's the livelihood of our local fishermen here.
07:57So, it always rains here all the time.
08:01So, a lot of people come here.
08:03Sometimes, it's just a one-day tour to buy fresh seafood.
08:06Our shrimp only ranges from P180 to P350.
08:12Lobster, on the other hand, ranges from P220 to P800.
08:21Not bad, huh?
08:22Not bad at all.
08:30Dalang Pasigang, located in front of Pacific Ocean, is one of the rich places that is considered as a wonderland.
08:36Aside from this, this is also the place where most people live.
08:43If you want to catch the freshest catch of the day and jackpot the price of friendship,
08:48let's go and wait by the sea.
08:52This is where you can see the fishermen who have a new catch.
09:06You are a diver?
09:08Yes.
09:09Let's see your...
09:12Let's see your goggles, mask, and...
09:18You only use one?
09:19Yes.
09:20How long have you been diving?
09:23About two years.
09:26Two years.
09:27And you caught a fish?
09:28Yes.
09:29What kind of fish?
09:30All kinds of fish.
09:36How did you catch it?
09:38With a net.
09:39How big are the fish?
09:41It's a lot.
09:42I caught about one kilo.
09:46One kilo?
09:47Yes.
09:48So you sell it right away?
09:49Yes.
09:51Interesting.
09:52And the octopus?
09:53The squid.
09:54Squid?
09:55Yes, squid.
09:56Okay.
09:57It looks like I'm going to buy a fresh catch from Kuya Billy.
10:04But while we are waiting for our fresh seafood, let's take a rest in some accommodation that is close to the market.
10:11There are a lot of places to sleep here in Dingalan.
10:15Just like this boutique hotel that is very accessible from the town proper.
10:20This is perfect for anyone.
10:23From couples...
10:29to big groups like us.
10:31It's like home here.
10:34After a long search, here's Billy.
10:46Aside from the fish, he also caught a squid.
10:51We caught a squid.
10:53Yes.
10:54Is it still alive?
10:55It's dead.
10:56It's dead.
10:57How long has it been?
10:59How long has it been?
11:02It's been a while.
11:04Was it this morning?
11:05Yes, it was this morning.
11:08So, okay.
11:10One of my favorite seafood is squid.
11:14But I don't know how to clean it.
11:16I can see the bones.
11:18How do you do it?
11:19What are we removing, Kuya?
11:20These are the bones and the ink.
11:23There you go.
11:25It's not eating it.
11:27That's up to you, Kuya.
11:29But it's eating it.
11:30It's eating it.
11:31How do you do it?
11:34You have to flip it.
11:35You have to flip it?
11:36Yes.
11:39There you go.
11:40It's sinking.
11:46Is it right?
11:47I think it's wrong.
11:48It's wrong.
11:52It's okay.
11:53It's okay.
11:55There you go.
11:56Just chop it.
11:57I'll boil it, Kuya.
11:58Boil it first?
11:59Yes, I'll boil it.
12:00Why do you have to boil it?
12:01It's hard to chop it.
12:04After cleaning it,
12:05I'm excited to taste this squid.
12:08It's so fresh and so tender.
12:11But the chef did a good job.
12:13Approved!
12:14Inadobo and Kinilaw.
12:17It's known for its different way of cooking squid and fish here in Dingalan.
12:24There's no diet, guys.
12:25Because you'll get to eat delicious food.
12:37Oh, there are more secrets in Dingalan, Aurora.
12:43Will seafood be excluded from our list?
12:50What?
12:51Are you coming with me?
12:52What?
12:53Are you coming with me?
12:59It's easy to live in Dingalan.
13:05There are no facilities for outdoor activities.
13:08Natural tourist attractions like beaches, mountains, and slides are not lacking.
13:13Whatever your heart is looking for,
13:15you'll find it here in Dingalan.
13:18Biyaherong Hugot Line right there.
13:32Here in the mountains of Dingalan,
13:33in a clean river,
13:34a delicious kind of shrimp is waiting for us.
13:38Who likes shrimp?
13:39Come, let's catch some.
13:42Okay, so we saw the man catching the shrimp earlier.
13:46Is it more common to catch shrimp in the evening or in the morning?
13:51In the evening, it's rare.
13:53It's rare.
13:54It's rare.
13:55It's rare.
13:56It's rare.
13:58But what's the higher chance of catching it in the morning or in the evening?
14:02In the evening, it's rare.
14:04It's rare.
14:05It's rare.
14:06It's rare.
14:08In the morning, it's hard to catch it.
14:11In the evening, you'll have something to eat.
14:16It's called lunch that looks like a salmon.
14:23If you're lucky, you'll see it in the river.
14:25There's a way to catch it, too.
14:29How did you catch the shrimp here?
14:31We caught it by fishing.
14:34You made this route yourself?
14:36What is this?
14:37Water.
14:38And salt?
14:39Salt.
14:40That's the weight of the stone.
14:41Okay.
14:42That's what we're going to do.
14:43So the birds shouldn't be affected by the stones?
14:44By the stones.
14:45By the stones.
14:46And the leaves.
14:47The leaves that are in the water.
14:48You cover them?
14:49No.
14:50No.
14:51No.
14:52No.
14:53No.
14:54No.
14:55No.
14:56No.
14:57No.
14:58No.
14:59No.
15:00No.
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15:02No.
15:03No.
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15:06No.
15:07No.
15:08No.
15:09No.
15:10No.
15:11No.
15:12No.
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15:15No.
15:16No.
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15:19No.
15:20No.
15:21No.
15:22No.
15:23No.
15:24No.
15:25We need to find a place to camp.
15:26Yes!
15:27We have rice for lunch!
15:28More rice.
15:29One of the so-called virgin tour spots here is hidden in the middle of the river of
15:33From Barangay Proper, around 20 to 30 minutes, you will be there.
15:41There are different ways to get there.
15:47For cycling enthusiasts like me, you can bring your own bicycle.
15:56There are terrains that are perfect for workouts.
16:04Let's go!
16:10For a like-a-local experience, ride their version of the 4x4, the Kuliglig.
16:15An improvised vehicle that is often used in the countryside.
16:27After 30 minutes on the Kuliglig, here we are.
16:34This is Laktas Falls.
16:50This is Laktas Falls.
17:04The falls is surrounded by a large limestone.
17:16A place from where you don't want to get up, especially in this hot weather.
17:34One of the largest rivers in Dingalaan is the Ibona River because of its cleanliness and cool water.
17:43I think the whole family will be happy here.
17:47You can have a picnic and swim.
17:49But I will have a cool down first so that I will be fresh and ready for our next activity.
18:04Of course, if you have such a beautiful view and your friends are with you, what else can you do?
18:13This is a boodle fight!
18:19We are really full here in Dingalaan.
18:22There is a lot to eat in our budget.
18:27Sir, let's eat.
18:28Let's eat.
18:33Let's eat.
18:35Are you guys full?
18:36Yes, we're full.
18:39But the highlight of Salusalo is a kind of pancit that can be used as a main dish and dessert.
18:44So this is not the usual pancit buko?
18:48Yes, this is the usual pancit buko.
18:56One version of our favorite pancit is the pancit buko.
18:59However, instead of beef or canton, they use coconut.
19:10But aside from pancit, is seafood on our list?
19:20Try this raw seafood.
19:22Raw seafood?
19:23Yes, sir.
19:25Yes, sir.
19:27Yes, sir.
19:29It's so good.
19:37It's delicious.
19:43It's still moving.
19:44It's still moving?
19:45It's catching up with us.
19:48Try the lobster, sir.
19:50It's delicious, sir.
19:51Everything I eat here is delicious.
19:57They prepared a lot.
19:58I'm already full from the story.
20:07Join me on my trip.
20:09Go.
20:10I don't want to.
20:11Go.
20:12The name of this place is Dumagat, which means the river of Galan.
20:16It's named Dumagat because there are 15 rivers around this house.
20:21The Dumagat people are the first to live in the town of Dingalan.
20:24The Dumagat people have thick hair and dark skin.
20:28So, we're here at the beachside of Dingalan.
20:30As I told you, they are very lucky because they have a beach and mountains.
20:36What a great combination.
20:38Anyway, we're going to the side of the beach where they catch small clams and lobsters.
20:51And who does that?
20:53Six months of the year, the Dumagat people live here.
20:59The other six months, they live in the mountains.
21:04The Dumagat people usually live in the mountains.
21:07But sometimes, they go down to fish.
21:11It's beautiful because from afar, you can see the rocks and the blue sea.
21:18The Dumagat people are wearing bright red.
21:21And that's what they're wearing.
21:23I can see you.
21:24It's beautiful.
21:25There's a camera.
21:27Oh, there's a camera.
21:30This is nice.
21:39They have a house.
21:41They have a cauldron.
21:43Why are they wearing red?
21:45That's their favorite color.
21:49Is there a reason?
21:52I think red is good for them.
21:55Hello.
21:56How are you?
21:58Hello.
21:59How are you?
22:00I'm Andrew.
22:01We heard that you're the one who catches the lobsters and other things here.
22:06Can you teach us?
22:09Yes, we can.
22:10Do you have one there?
22:12Yes, we do.
22:13Can we go there?
22:14Yes, let's go.
22:17It's not easy to catch lobsters.
22:22So before you get excited, let's know what we need to use.
22:27You made your goggles?
22:28Yes.
22:29This one?
22:30Yes.
22:31I made it.
22:34It's made of wood.
22:35Yes, it's made of wood.
22:36And this one?
22:37Yes, it's made of wood.
22:38Where did you get the wood?
22:40We use this to catch the lobsters.
22:46Like this.
22:47Like this?
22:48Yes, like this.
22:51I read that if you throw this, the lobsters will catch it.
23:01You need to wear gloves when you catch the lobsters.
23:04Because if you don't wear gloves, your hands will get hurt.
23:08We have a lot of gloves.
23:12That's how we catch the lobsters.
23:17That's why lobsters are expensive.
23:19It's really hard to catch them here.
23:22We can catch them like this.
23:25Because they live there.
23:28That's where they come out.
23:30They get food from there.
23:34Aside from the lobsters, what else do you catch there?
23:37Fish.
23:39Even though I didn't catch any, I was happy to meet the fishermen.
23:43The stories and smiles that they showed me,
23:46I will cherish until I go back to Manila.
23:56More recent experience in Dingalan Syndrome.
24:00Let's go on an adventure, guys!
24:07This cave is a bit deep.
24:12The deeper it gets, the smaller the entrance or exit of the cave is.
24:18And look for the secret pool hidden in the clear water.
24:26Are you coming with me?
24:34It's still very hot.
24:36But we won the summer heat when we visited Sorsogon.
24:42One of the highlights of our trip was getting to know the Gentle Giants of the Sea.
24:48I was surprised that there were a lot of them.
25:00But the most important thing is to be a hero that people can feel.
25:06Let's go!
25:30But of course, a trip without a food adventure is incomplete.
25:37Keep the comments coming, guys.
25:39Because this summer, you'll still be with us on every trip.
25:46Join me on my trip.
25:52The inside is dark.
25:57The waves are big.
25:59The waves are big.
26:05It's a life-or-death situation to be able to enter this cave.
26:10What do you feel when you enter a cave like this?
26:23What we're seeing now is one of the many caves here in Lam Ong.
26:30There are a lot of cave openings in Lam Ong.
26:35But what will happen is that our boat is too big because there are a lot of people.
26:40So we'll transfer to a smaller boat and we'll enter the cave.
26:45Let's go!
26:56Lam Ong Caves is a series of caves with different openings.
27:00From the outside, you can see the perfect view with water in the middle and mountains on top.
27:04Cave Entrance
27:11A tip, you need a body system to enter the cave.
27:15Plus, you need to be able to breathe if you're going to try this slip.
27:19For your safety.
27:22We're inside the cave, guys.
27:24Actually, the boat we're using is small, but it's deep.
27:30This cave is deep.
27:33The deeper it gets, the smaller the entrance or exit of the cave is.
27:39You can hear the echoing.
27:41It's better if you're here with the locals because they know how far you can go.
27:58When you enter the cave, it's a bit long.
28:03The deeper you get, the smaller the opening of the cave will be.
28:08So you need a smaller boat.
28:11But for me, I did a little survey.
28:16It's not a safe place to go.
28:18Because the waves are strong.
28:20This is the Pacific Ocean.
28:22And it's a bit open.
28:24You can go there because it's a bit hidden.
28:26The waves are coming in.
28:29And you can hear the water splashing on the walls.
28:34I guess it's not the safest place to be.
28:37Plus, there's also sea garbage.
28:42Seaweeds, if you can call them that.
28:45So if ever you get stuck like that, and you're not with anyone, that could pose an active threat.
28:51In that particular place, you need a boat.
29:00For those who want to explore the caves of Lamao, you can still enjoy this place through snorkeling.
29:14According to the local tourism, the seafood here is good quality and the underwater landscape is beautiful.
29:21Let's go.
29:52Wave after wave after wave.
29:55Does it look dangerous?
29:57Relax, guys.
29:59The waves are also chill here at Matawi Intertidal Pool.
30:11Another tourist spot in the town of Dingalaan where we can take a bath in the clear water in the middle of the waves.
30:16You might think that the intertidal pool is complicated.
30:19But it's just like a jacuzzi.
30:21Look at this.
30:36This summer, if you're looking for a simple, laid back, quiet spot to spend the weekend,
30:41Dingalaan is the place to be.
30:43It's no wonder why there are people who love this place.
30:47There are other tourists who live here.
31:11Charles is one of the people who was affected by Dingalaan Syndrome.
31:14He used to be a tourist and because of that, he became addicted.
31:34Charles is not the only one who fell in love with this place.
31:36During my trip, I met Phil Dane, but she's more Filipino at heart.
31:45You mentioned to me a while ago that you didn't study here or you lived abroad.
31:51Yeah, most of the years, we moved here and there.
31:56I also wanted to come back here.
31:58Why?
32:00Because it's a beach.
32:02Let's stop our chit-chat for a minute.
32:06Dingalaan also has a heart of gold and good eats.
32:10Right here in Phil and Dane, it's not just Filipino, it's not just seafood, and I guess it's not just local dishes.
32:18Because it's Filipino and Danish.
32:21Now, Danish, we're mixing Danish cuisine.
32:25What are the qualities of Danish food?
32:29Because usually, as Filipinos, we know that it's mixed with Spanish cuisine.
32:35It's a bit saucy.
32:37But Danish food, what is Danish food?
32:40Danish food contains A, B, and C.
32:43Always.
32:44A, B, and C?
32:46That's alcohol, butter, and cream.
32:48Alcohol, butter, and cream.
32:50We can't lose our alcohol.
32:52It's called medistepulse.
32:55Sorry?
32:56Medistepulse.
32:58Please spell.
33:00M-E-D-I-S-T-E-R-P-E, which is an O and a slash, L-S-E.
33:06It's made out of lemon spices called allspices.
33:10And then it's just basically pork, and then you have two ways that you can cook it.
33:15It's either you grill it or you fry it in butter.
33:18This time, we grilled it.
33:19It sounds so deadly but beautiful at the same time.
33:23May I?
33:24Yes, of course.
33:25This potato is Pinoy?
33:28Yes.
33:29Okay.
33:34I'm a fan of sausages because it's just bursting with flavor.
33:40This type of sausage, it's not very salty.
33:45It's not very garlicky.
33:46It's okay with the gravy.
33:48It's so fatty.
33:50It is, but it's good.
33:51But it's good.
33:52Fattest flavor.
33:53Fattest flavor.
33:55Shall we eat?
33:56Go ahead.
34:03Lolo SPC.
34:17If you still have time to travel to Dingalaan, try these activities.
34:22Go to their port area.
34:24Here, you can enjoy the view of the sea while the cold wind blows from the sea.
34:29To the single and ready to mingle, well, meet the locals.
34:32You'll have fun with them.
34:34You never know, one of them might be your soulmate.
34:37If you want to achieve the summer tan, go to their white beach.
34:42Here, you'll be able to sunbathe.
34:44But don't forget to wear a sunscreen.
34:46And don't forget to take a snap while sunbathing.
35:05For those like me who like relaxation, bah, I want to end my day with this.
35:15Swimming while admiring nature's beauty.
35:18Of course, you can't miss this.
35:27It's a bit cold.
35:29It's not easy.
35:30I didn't expect it to be this cold.
35:32Waterfalls.
35:33This is what I'm looking for.
35:35Falls.
35:37And they said there are a lot of waterfalls here in Aurora.
35:41But I think this is one of the most accessible.
35:43Just a bit.
35:45A bit of trekking.
35:47A bit of hiking.
35:49Even kids can do it.
35:51This will be a reward for you.
35:53And the jump?
35:55It's not very high.
35:57But, I don't know, 12 to 15 feet?
35:59Very doable.
36:01Let's go.
36:02Do you want to join me?
36:03Huh?
36:04Do you want to join me?
36:06There are a lot of people.
36:08Join me on my trip.
36:09Ant!
36:11Your head is so hard.
36:21At least, it's not a waterfall.
36:24It's really a waterfall.
36:25It's really a waterfall.
36:38It's really different from other places.
36:42When there are not a lot of people.
36:45But even if...
36:47Even if there are a few people,
36:49I feel like it's a highlighting place because it's not too crowded.
36:52Right?
36:53But this waterfall specifically,
36:57it's not the biggest.
36:59Right?
37:00It's not the deepest.
37:01It's not the clearest water.
37:02But for me,
37:04it's just right.
37:06It's just right because
37:08it's just right to dive.
37:10It's just right to hear the water.
37:12It's just right to feel the depth of the water.
37:14When you dive,
37:16you'll look up.
37:18There are a lot of trees.
37:20You'll hear the waterfalls.
37:21It's not too loud.
37:24So wherever you go,
37:27even if it's a simple trip,
37:30sometimes all you need is peace and quiet.
37:34That's your trip.
37:35Even if you just go out of your house.
37:39There are places that are not easy to visit.
37:42But here,
37:43no pain, no gain.
37:45It's worth it to travel 4 hours from Manila to get here.
37:51It's a quiet place.
37:56It's like you have a town all to yourself.
38:14The care for the environment and the wealth they have
38:17is enough to fully enjoy the place.
38:33Another bonus is the open-mindedness of the people here.
38:38If this is how they feel when they say Dingalan Syndrome,
38:41I think I've been hit.
39:01Come with me on my trip.
39:06Come with me on my trip.
39:12Come with me on my trip.
39:35I only eat this once in a while,
39:37but it's really good.
39:42My two feet.
39:46Made it, Pasha.