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

Summary

The video script narrates an exploration of Diwali, a mountainous area in Moncayo known for its gold mining boom in the 1980s. The town, once lawless and chaotic, now faces a decline in population and gold production. The traveler discovers a strong sense of community, despite the dilapidated buildings and environmental challenges like mercury pollution from past mining activities. The script captures the town's unique vibe, the warmth of its residents, and the contrast between the town's past and present.

Takeaways

• 🏔️ The location is in Diwali, part of Moncayo, situated in the mountains.
• 🌟 The area experienced a gold mining boom in the 1980s, leading to a period of lawlessness.
• 📉 After the discovery of mercury in the river, gold production declined, and the population decreased significantly.
• 🛣️ The road to Wall Wall is part of the Manila-Boston Road project, but it's still under construction and only open for limited hours.
• 🏠 Wall Wall is characterized by hastily built houses on the slopes of Mountie Water.
• 👥 The community in Wall Wall is welcoming and eager to show visitors around their town.
• 🌐 The town has a unique vibe, different from other gold mining towns, with a strong sense of community.
• ⚖️ The gold mining process has been controversial due to the use of mercury, which polluted the local river.
• 🏭 The area still has active small-scale mining tunnels and processing sites.
• 🏞️ Despite its gold mining past, Wall Wall has a picturesque location with beautiful views and natural springs.
• 🏫 The town has basic amenities like stores, a billiards hall, and an internet cafe, indicating a sense of normalcy amidst the unique setting.

Q & A

Where is the narrator located at the beginning of the script?

The narrator is located in Diwali, which is part of Moncayo, up in the mountains.

What significant event happened in Diwali during the 1980s?

Diwali experienced a gold mining boom during the 1980s.

Why was Diwali considered a 'no man's land' during the gold mining boom?

It was considered a 'no man's land' because it was a place without much law or order during the gold mining boom.

What environmental issue was discovered in the area a few years ago?

Huge amounts of mercury were found in the river due to the processing of small-scale gold mining.

What is the current state of gold production in Diwali after the decline?

Gold production has really declined, and the population in the area has decreased significantly.

What is the Wall Wall and why is it significant?

The Wall Wall is a collection of hastily built houses on the slopes of Mountie Water, significant for its history of gold mining and the community that exists there.

What is the 'mankind Boston road project' mentioned in the script?

It refers to a road that is being constructed, part of which is now concrete, leading to the Wall Wall and eventually to Boston.

Why are the roads to the Wall Wall only open for a limited time?

The roads are only open from 11 until one because they are still under construction.

What is the community's attitude towards visitors in the script?

The community is very welcoming and open, eager to show visitors around their town.

What health hazard is associated with the gold mining practices in the area?

The use of mercury in small-scale gold processing has led to unsafe levels of mercury in the local river, posing a health hazard.

What is the narrator's overall impression of the Wall Wall?

The narrator is amazed by the community, the openness of the people, and the unique setting of the Wall Wall, finding it the most interesting place they have ever been.

Outlines

00:00

⛰️ Exploring the Gold Mining Legacy of Moncayo

The narrator takes us to Moncayo, a mountainous region once famous for a gold mining boom in the 1980s. The area, which was lawless for a time, suffered a decline in gold production and population after the discovery of mercury contamination in the river. Despite these challenges, the narrator eagerly explores the town and its surroundings, excited to uncover the remnants of its past. The journey introduces us to the Wall Wall, a community of makeshift houses built on steep slopes, where locals offer to show the narrator around as they wait for the still-under-construction road to open.

05:04

🤝 Welcomed by the Warm Community of Moncayo

The narrator reflects on the unique and welcoming atmosphere of Moncayo, noting how the locals have embraced him and offered to guide him through the town. Unlike other gold mining towns, Moncayo stands out with its strong sense of community, despite the dilapidated buildings and gravel-filled streets. The narrator acknowledges the complexities of gold mining in the area, particularly its environmental impact, but focuses on the openness and hospitality of the people, who continue to live and work in this challenging environment.

10:04

🏗️ The Ingenuity Behind Moncayo’s Mining Tunnels

The narrator is amazed by the simple yet effective methods used by locals to construct and reinforce their mining tunnels, using sacks of gravel for support. While the tunnels appear small from the outside, they are much larger than expected. The sense of community remains strong, as locals are eager to showcase their work and share their experiences. The narrator is struck by the resilience and resourcefulness of the people, who have adapted to the difficult conditions while maintaining a positive and welcoming attitude.

15:07

🌄 Discovering Moncayo’s Scenic Beauty and History

The narrator continues the exploration, marveling at the natural beauty of Moncayo, particularly the stunning views and the pool fed by springs located 10 kilometers away. Despite the challenges of gold mining, the locals remain proud of their town and its history. The narrator reflects on the physical demands of the uphill journey and the decision to take a motorbike to explore the area further. The central hub of Moncayo, once bustling with activity, now stands as a reminder of the town's vibrant past.

20:08

🏘️ Reflecting on the Strong Community of Moncayo

As the narrator prepares to leave Moncayo, he reflects on the sense of belonging and community that defines the town. He shares his appreciation for the locals who welcomed him and proudly showed off their town, not focusing on the gold but on the people who keep the place alive. Despite the hardships, including the devastation caused by Typhoon Pablo, Moncayo remains a place of strength and resilience. The narrator feels that his journey is only part of the town's ongoing story and dedicates his experience to the people who continue to live and thrive in this remarkable place.

Keywords

💡Diwali

Diwali, mentioned in the script, is a location in the mountains where the video is set. It is a place that experienced a gold mining boom in the 1980s. The term 'Diwali' is significant as it sets the geographical and historical context for the video's exploration of the area's past and present.

💡Gold Mining Boom

The 'Gold Mining Boom' refers to the period in the 1980s when Diwali experienced a surge in gold mining activities. This keyword is central to understanding the economic history of the region and its impact on the local community and environment.

💡Mercury

Mercury is a toxic element that was found in large amounts in the river due to gold processing. The mention of mercury highlights the environmental challenges faced by the area, which is a key theme in the video as it discusses the consequences of gold mining on the local ecosystem.

💡Pablo

Pablo likely refers to Typhoon Pablo, which had a significant impact on the area. The script mentions that after the typhoon, gold production declined, and the population decreased. This keyword is important for understanding the natural disasters' role in shaping the region's recent history.

💡Wall Wall

Wall Wall is a collection of hastily built houses on the slopes of Mountie Water, near Diwali. It is a focal point in the video, representing the living conditions and community spirit of the people in this gold-mining town. The term is used to describe a specific location within the broader narrative of the video.

💡Community

The 'Community' is a recurring theme in the script, emphasizing the strong social bonds and collective spirit among the residents of Diwali. The video showcases how the community has come together despite the challenges they face, such as the decline in gold mining and environmental issues.

💡Mankind Boston Road Project

The 'Mankind Boston Road Project' is mentioned as part of the infrastructure development in the area, with the road to Wall Wall being concrete now. This keyword is significant as it represents efforts to improve connectivity and development in the region, which can have a profound impact on the local economy and residents' lives.

💡Small-Scale Gold Processing

Small-Scale Gold Processing refers to the local methods of extracting gold, which often involve the use of mercury. This keyword is crucial for understanding the environmental concerns and the traditional practices of gold mining in the area.

💡Hospitality

Hospitality is a key concept in the script, reflecting the warm welcome and openness of the local people towards the video's creator. It illustrates the cultural values of the community and their willingness to share their stories and experiences with outsiders.

💡Tunnels

Tunnels are mentioned in the context of small-scale mining, indicating the physical infrastructure used for gold extraction. This keyword is important for visualizing the mining process and the labor-intensive nature of the work.

💡Resilience

Resilience is implied throughout the script, as the community continues to thrive despite the challenges of a declining gold mining industry and environmental issues. It is a key theme that underscores the community's ability to adapt and maintain a strong sense of identity.

Highlights

Diwali, part of Moncayo, experienced a gold mining boom in the 1980s.

The area was once a lawless land due to the gold rush.

Mercury contamination was discovered in the river from gold processing.

Gold production declined after Pablo, leading to a significant population decrease.

The Wall Wall area is a collection of hastily built houses on the slopes of Mountie Water.

The road to Wall Wall is now concrete, part of the Mankind Boston Road project.

Locals are welcoming and eager to show visitors around their community.

The town has a unique vibe, distinct from other gold mining towns.

The community feels strong despite the decline in gold mining.

The area's history of gold mining is touchy and not openly discussed.

The river once had unsafe levels of mercury due to gold processing.

The town is very open and welcoming to visitors.

Small scale mining tunnels are a part of the landscape.

The town has a real, living vibe with stores, billiards, and an internet cafe.

The swimming pool, fed by springs 10 kilometers away, is beside an old processing facility.

Locals are proud of their community and are happy with their way of life.

The town's central area, formally bustling, is now a quieter hub of activity.

The Catholic church is one of the few concrete buildings and a notable landmark.

The community's hospitality is highly appreciated by visitors.

The area called 'Australia' in the lower valley is a point of interest.

The town's story is ongoing, with more fascinating tales to tell.

Transcripts

i'm here in diwali which is part of

moncayo up in the mountains and this

place had a gold mining boom in the

1980s and for a while it was a no man's

land it was a place without much law or

an order a few years ago they found huge

amounts of mercury in the river from the

processing of small scale gold now i'm

here so after pablo the gold production

really declined and the population here

has declined a lot let's have a look

around and see how's this place

i'm really really excited to discover it

just outside the town of moncayo lies

the wall wall a collection of hastily

built houses perilously teetering on the

slopes of mountie water

i've been planning to explore here for a

long time and i'm so excited to share

this great community with you

the road to the world wall is now

concrete part of the mankind boston road

project

but there was still a

[Music]

delay this is the road that goes all the

way through to boston but it goes to the

top as well which is the original site

of the world war we've got it only the

roads only open from 11 until one to

still under construction so we just got

to wait

but on the way we've met people who are

from here who are

who are gonna show us around a bit which

is really nice commander tavong to the

rescue look at him he's like a

businessman the manager the boss

[Music]

filipino time it's 11 o'clock

they're not open yet

yeah i've been sleepy because it's cold

i miss my wife

[Music]

this final part of the journey is a

reminder of the difficult rough road

leading here before a steep muddy

slippery climb

[Music]

and up here the wall wall slowly reveals

itself

welcome to the wall wall

very open baby they really want to show

people this you know these guys have

been awesome they they they found me at

the bottom and then they tell me if i

ever come back if i ever take this road

over to boston which they say i can get

to boston i'm gonna test it out

they said come back and back really

really appreciate these guys here arkose

ellen lasaga

asparagus already mounted

another start medium

[Laughter]

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

this place has a really really cool vibe

about it

i mean the people they're just taking me

on board and taking me around now

it's not like any other gold mining town

i've ever been to

in any country

[Applause]

i'm

foreign

with the familiar filipino welcome i

know i could have forgotten i was here

was it not for the dilapidated buildings

and sacks of gravel lining the streets

what's the name

oh

[Music]

what struck me the most here was this

feeling of community and i realized

that's what i wanted to show

[Music]

i owe and there you know

after all it's not my place to judge

what they do or to judge gold mining

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

i'm just being careful walking here

because the whole reason a lot of these

places have been closed down the small

scale processing plateau they use

mercury and so the river at the bottom

was full of mercury before so um some of

them are still running so i'm just being

very very very careful where i step i

mean anyone who

who knows this kind of stuff in the

philippines will know

gold mining here is

touch

treasure it's very touchy

but here it's just they're so open

[Music]

this river right here had really unsafe

levels of mercury just from all the

production all the processing sorry

incredible experience really

[Music]

unfortunately there were no people to

show us around this tunnel so we just

continued walking on the even narrower

streets of the other side

[Music]

[Music]

hey someone's shouting at you behind me

this is uh constant things oh there's

another church here

there's so much so much life in here you

know

[Music]

this must be the most interesting place

i've

ever been here around the corner the

area opens up less homes and more mining

and processing

[Music]

i'm amazed at how many sacks there are

just holding stuff up

i thought they were i thought they were

bringing stuff in no it's just literally

just sacks of gravel to hold them

cranked together

wow this place is

incredible

[Music]

[Laughter]

hello

[Music]

and down here we were invited to look

inside a tunnel that they were building

oh did he go ahead

[Music]

small scale mining tunnels which uh

ah okay it's not as small as i thought

[Music]

[Music]

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

okay

[Music]

[Music]

uh

[Laughter]

[Laughter]

[Applause]

foreign

hey

[Music]

when they use these stacks to do the

tunnels here i feel better about the

fish pond

hey

[Laughter]

[Music]

everyone's so willing to show you around

show you in

[Laughter]

respect these guys respect

what i love is this is a real this is a

living town it's really just it's real

even if it's not quite as it was before

it's uh

yeah

you see it

[Music]

[Laughter]

[Music]

[Laughter]

um

[Laughter]

[Laughter]

hmm

this town though unique in its setting

is like any other with stores

billiards

and an internet cafe

[Music]

piggy

[Music]

the dogs on this side are not as

friendly as on the other side

as i reach another maze of like head

height

water

the water up in the springs must be

really nice though

[Music]

we're going to the swimming pool and the

view down to moncayo is beautiful

i mean this is a beautiful beautiful

location

the water comes from springs 10

kilometers away but the pool is located

beside an old processing facility

[Music]

[Laughter]

i'm going mining apparently how did that

happen i don't know hey oh my god

[Music]

[Music]

foreign

foreign

[Music]

oh

[Music]

[Laughter]

[Music]

[Music]

foreign

this guy 51 builds it by himself and he

told me he doesn't always work on this

because

he is still sending his kids through

school so he has to sometimes look for

gold elsewhere these guys they

are happy with what they do so i

continued my journey through this

incredible place towards the center of

the barangay

[Music]

so you say this big building is the

catholic church

massive catholic church on

one of the few concrete buildings here

nicer buildings of the catholic church

[Music]

none of us are looking forward to coming

back up here

even the i can't i can't even backward

on a motorbike

i'm gonna lose about five kilos today

and that's a good thing

[Music]

at the bottom of the hill around the gym

is what locals call their central

a formally bustling hub of activity

[Music]

there's a choice here we can either walk

back or

we can pay 50 pesos for a motorbike

and i think i know what i'm gonna do

if i walk back

i'll lose weight but it'll probably be

dark by the time i go back

or i can just take a motor

[Music]

oh

intelligent idea yeah i'll take that

[Music]

uphill walk the alternative this was a

good idea

and i was also happy to not be behind

this motorbike

[Music]

i felt like i was slipping off half the

way up there

stop to dead war

this is brilliant

[Music]

i fall off that

this ride through the navajo alleyway is

a testament to the driver's skill and

knowledge of the route

[Music]

[Applause]

[Music]

oh

[Laughter]

[Music]

yes

[Music]

[Music]

i really appreciated the hospitality of

these guys in epithelial walls

but before the sun set i wanted to catch

a glimpse of the lower parts especially

this part they call australia

[Music]

but that involved driving in

[Music]

and standing atop this house wrecked by

typhoon pablo nine years ago

with a different group of locals

looking down into that vast lower valley

that they call australia

i knew d wall wall has so many more

fascinating stories to tell

you know i've been to a few gold mining

towns in the past and they've always had

a fairly

office vibe about them but this one is

really spot-on

really such friendly community such nice

people who just took me in and showed me

around and they're they're proud of

their place you know we didn't talk

about gold we don't need to because this

community here is strong and it's

awesome

really here i've felt some something

really really good i'm so happy about

how this community is developed and how

this community is now from the

well-world do you well wall

among about us the world war

this place has been awesome i'm i'm

i still need to go to australia

australia's down there i haven't been

there yet

and as i left before dark i knew this

incredible place is truly the most

interesting place i've ever been

and that my experience here is just part

of the story

so i dedicate my story to the wonderful

humans who keep this truly fascinating

place alive

[Music]