KEY POINTS

  • Dota 2 caster "Dunoo" has passed away due to complications with COVID-19
  • He was the voice behind many of Dota 2's popular catchphrases
  • The Esports community mourned the loss heavily on social media

The Esports community was dealt a heavy blow when iconic Dota 2 caster Aldrin Paulo “Dunoo” Pangan passed away last Friday, August 27, due to complications with his bout against COVID-19.

Pangan etched his name in the annals of Esports history, particularly in the Dota 2 community, thanks to his “Lakad Matatag, Normalin Normalin” quip back in February 2018 in a match between Fnatic and Team Secret at ESL One Katowice.

The phrase garnered so much popularity that Valve co-founder and gaming icon Gabe Newell even uttered the phrase during the opening ceremony of the 2018 Internationals.

Lovingly called “Kuya D” in the Philippines, Pangan was best known for injecting high levels of energy to each game alongside his fellow caster Marlon “Lon” Marcelo.

Pangan and his family had trouble rushing him to the nearest medical facility as all of the hospitals were already full.

“It has been days that I’ve gotten any sleep. Just a slight rest would cause excessive coughing nonstop until I lose some breathing. I don’t know what to do. It has been days since I last slept (and) I hope this ends soon,” said Pangan in a Facebook post.

Although “Lakad Matatag” is his most recognizable and popular bit, he was also the voice behind the quotes “Easiest money of my life,” “Echo Slamma Jamma,” “The next level play” and “You know what’s cooking? Boom.”

All of the aforementioned quotes have been made into parts of the chat wheel and catapulted Pangan to the most iconic voices in the Esports community.

Many teams, personalities, and entities have since expressed their condolences for the iconic caster on social media.

Pangan’s legacy will forever be tied to helping develop the Esports scene in the Philippines with his high energy and passion for the sport.

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