Aldrin Paulo Pangan, known in the DOTA 2 world as “Kuya D” and “Dunoo”, dies August 27, 2021 because of complications due to COVID. Fans and Dota 2 personalities react to the passing the iconic caster who is one-half of the Dota 2 voice line “LAKAD MATATAG, NORMALIN NORMALIN.” RIP Dunoo.
RIP Dunoo – Remembering an iconic voice in Dota 2
Kuya D or Dunoo may not be well-known in the international scene. He was well-regarded as one of the best Filipino Dota 2 casters, and he’s always been a respected pillar of Filipino Esports. But even though not a lot of people may have heard him cast games live before, Dota 2 players are very familiar with his voice. The most spammed spam line of all time – “LAKAD MATATAG, NORMALIN NORMALIN” – was born out of the casting duo of Dunoo and Marlon “Lon” Marcelo. During the TI7 tournament, Lon and Dunoo were casting the match between Team Secret and Fnatic. Their hype casting became very popular, and their casting calls during the match became so iconic that it’s been spammed in Dota 2 ever since.
The voice line is even attributed as one of the tools used by two-time champions OG to win mind games against their opponents. Lon and Dunoo were indeed kingmakers.
The Dota 2 community both in the Philippines and internationally have reacted to Dunoo’s passing, with many referencing his Lakad Matatag, Normalin Normalin voice line.
Today is a day of great loss – an icon in Filipino casting that everyone has heard in-game, Aldrin Paulo "Dunoo" Pangan @iamdunoo has passed away. Dunoo's voice and call outs will always ring true to Dota fans everywhere, and his passing is a great loss for everyone.
— TLN.johnxfire (@johnxfire) August 27, 2021
Statsman Bruno also reacts to Dunoo’s passing, reacting to johnxfire’s tweet.
At a loss for words… https://t.co/bPPZbuAqdr
— Statsman Bruno (@StatsmanBruno) August 27, 2021
English caster David “LD” Gorman also shared his condolences to the Filipino Dota 2 community.
Rest in peace and thanks for the wonderful memories Dunoo. Legend forever
far, far too young, life is really cruel sometimes 😭 https://t.co/TA7n5mMfUD
— LD (@LDeeep) August 27, 2021
David “Godz” Parker shared some more personal sentiments, having known Dunoo as early as 2013.
Thanks for all the great memories. Here's one from 2013 when we were much younger (and more foolish) pic.twitter.com/5EBlwZ4lhc
— BTS Godz | aka Parker (@BTSGoDz) August 27, 2021
But most of the international community may have found out about his passing through the tweet of community pillar Wykrhm Reddy.
Extremely sad to hear the passing of Aldrin Paulo "Dunoo" Pangan. I don't understand Tagalog but his passion for PH Dota and the PH teams was unrivaled. Filled me with hype any time I listened to his snippets. My condolences to his friends and family in this difficult time. :((
— Wykrhm Reddy (@wykrhm) August 27, 2021
Esports pro Team Secret also shared their condolences.
Today is a sad day for the Dota community and Filipino esports as we have lost one of our voices.
Lakad matatag in peace Dunoo, you will be missed. 🖤 pic.twitter.com/EZ2x1TF8VC
— Team Secret (@teamsecret) August 27, 2021
Before succumbing to his sickness, Dunoo has been sharing updates to his fans about his current condition through Facebook live streams. His last broadcast was on August 17, 2021.