Dried Fish ("Tuyo") Scene in "Si Ayala at si Zobel"

A previous post in this blog commented on the 1994 film Si Ayala at si Zobel. This post will shed light a memorable sequence involving dried fish (locally known as tuyo).

It was around dinnertime and there seems to be a blackout. inside the shanty of the Salipawpaw brothers — Ayala (portrayed by Anjo Yllana) and Zobel (portrayed by Ogie Alcasid) — together with their uncle, Andoy Soriano (Babalu). 

The only "dish" is the smell of the dried fish (tuyo) hanging from the ceiling — not eaten, but sniffed, stared at, and argued over.

Andoy Soriano (portrayed by Babalu) savoring the aroma of tuyo.

Screen Capture: OctoArts Films / YouTube

On the surface, the scene is funny because of its olfactory nature: Andoy inhales the dried fish (tuyo), warns Zobel not to touch or smell it all, and finally, Ayala licks the fish, triggering Andoy's line: "Manlalamang ka eh!" ("You're taking advantage!") 

Yet beneath the laughter is clear social commentary. The tuyo, a cheap food item, is turned into a luxury that ordinary people named Ayala, Zobel, and Soriano must ration among themselves.

The irony of the scene lies in the very names of the characters — inspired by the richest clans in the Philippines. But in the film, they are poor, laid off from work, and living in a shanty. The juxtaposition of elite surnames and slum poverty becomes a satire on social inequality. Instead of enjoying a proper meal, the "Ayalas" and "Zobels" (with Soriano) of the film argue over dried fish (tuyo).

The Salipawpaw brothers being instructed by their uncle on how to "consume" the tuyo.

Screen Capture: OctoArts Films / YouTube

The dried fish (tuyo) becomes a metaphor for scarcity. During petsa de peligro (slang term for days of financial struggle before payday), even simple food becomes the centerpiece of survival. In these days, the wallets of affected people seem to dry as well.

The act of smelling and licking the fish is an exaggerated comic device, but it resonates with the reality of ordinary Filipinos grappling with lack. The dried fish (tuyo) is not just food but a symbol of desperation, frugality, and poverty.

The scene also highlights the tension between luck and hard work. Ayala and Zobel spent their last money on sweepstakes tickets, prompting Andoy's sharp rebuke: "Huwag kayong maniwala sa swerte, magsumikap kayo!" ("Don’t believe in luck, work hard!")

The line is a comic punchline, but on a deeper level, it critiques reliance on luck as a solution to poverty. From the personal experience of “petsa de peligro,” Andoy’s frustration is understandable: when resources are scarce, luck is never enough. For him, the real solution is diligence, perseverance, and effort.

Andoy has a point: diligence, perseverance, and effort are crucial in having a comfortable life. However, luck, circumstances, connections, and privilege also play roles in speeding up the path to that goal.

On a lighter note — have the real-life Ayalas, Zobels, and Sorianos ever tasted dried fish (tuyo)?

Movie Poster

The dried fish (tuyo) scene in Si Ayala at si Zobel is not just funny but a satire on social disparity. By using the surnames of elite families, the film shows that wealth and poverty can swap faces in comedy. The tuyo, a cheap food turned into the centerpiece of dinner, becomes a symbol of survival, scarcity, and the irony of Filipino life in the socioeconomic margins.

Full Movie: OctoArts / YouTube 

Movies That Mark 30th Year in June 1996

At least 13 Filipino movies were released in theaters in June 1996. At present, some of these movies can be viewed on YouTube, while others are occasionally aired on free television.

Mahal Kita, Alam Mo Ba?
Duwelo
Ano Ba Talaga Kuya?
Bilang Na ang Araw Mo!
Leon Cordero: Duwag Lang ang Hahalik sa Lupa
Bayarang Puso
Isa, Dalawa … Takbo
Kabilin-Bilinan ng Lola ('Wag Uminom ng Serbesa)
To Saudi with Love
Mulanay: Sa Pusod ng Paraiso
Anino sa Dilim
Pag-ibig Ko Sa Iyo'y Totoo
A-E-I-O-U

Details of each mentioned title follow.

Mahal Kita, Alam Mo Ba? (Tagalog: I Love You, Do You Know?)

Original Release Date: June 5, 1996

Production Company: Neo Films

MAIN CAST

Joko Diaz    …    Mario

Mikee Cojuangco    …    Teresa

Roy Alvarez    …    Mayor

Ramon Christopher    …    Bogart

Ricardo Cepeda    …    Manjo

SELECTED CREW

Direction and Editing    …    Edgardo “Boy” Vinarao

Story and Screenplay    …    Mel Mendoza Del Rosario

Cinematography    …    Johnny Araojo

Production Design    …    Randy Gamier

Musical Direction    …    Nonong Buencamino

Executive Producer    …    Vic Del Rosario Jr.

NOTE:

*** First movie collaboration between Mikee Cojunagco and Joko Diaz

Duwelo (Tagalog: Duel)

Original Release Date: June 6, 1996

Production Company: Regal Films

MAIN CAST

Eddie Garcia    …    Ramon Aguila

Zoren Legaspi    …    Alan

Bernard Bonnin    …    Griego

Luis Gonzales    …    Don Miguel

Allyson Lualhati    …    Camille

SELECTED CREW

Direction    …    Phillip Ko and Teddy Gomez

Story    …    Ronald Stephen Monteverde

Screenplay    …    Al Marcelo

Cinematography    …    Eduardo 'Baby' Cabrales

Production Design    …    Lito Estacio and Max Paglinawan

Editing    …    Joe Solo

Musical Direction    …    Mon Del Rosario

Executive Producer    …    Lily Y. Monteverde

NOTES:

*** Follow-up collaboration between Eddie Garcia and Zoren Legaspi after Melencio Magat: Dugo Laban sa Dugo in 1995.

Ano Ba Talaga Kuya? (Tagalog: What Really, Big Bro?)

Original Release Date: June 12, 1996

Production Company: Mahogany Pictures

MAIN CAST

Smokey Manaloto    …    Carlo

Sharmaine Suarez    …    Princess Diana

Daniel Fernando    …    Tarzan

Subas Herrero    …    Señor Balas y Subas

Berting Labra    …    King Jabbar

Gio Alvarez    ...    Mark

Cita Astals    ...    Teresa

SELECTED CREW

Direction    …    Junn P. Cabreira

Story and Screenplay    …    Lito Mena

Cinematography    …    Rudy Diño

Production Design    …    Alex Ochoa

Editing    …    Renato 'Ning Ning' de Leon

Musical Direction    …    Mon Del Rosario

Executive Producer    …    Victor Villegas

NOTE:

*** At the time of the release of this movie, lead actors Smokey Manaloto and Gio Alvarez were playing the role of brothers Bill and Bob in the television sitcom Home Along da Riles. Cita Astals were also part of the cast of the said program. 

Bilang Na ang Araw Mo! (Tagalog: Your Days Are Numbered!)

Original Release Date: June 12, 1996

Production Company: Neo Films

MAIN CAST

Cesar Montano    …    Rafael Fernandez

Rustom Padilla    …    Martin Olivar

Charlene Gonzales    …    Cathy

Dennis Roldan    …    Rodel

Willie Revillame    …    Dick

Daniel Fernando    ...    Andy

SELECTED CREW

Direction    …    Toto Natividad

Story and Screenplay    …    Humilde 'Meek' Roxas and Toto Natividad

Cinematography    …    Ramon Marcelino

Production Design    …    Alex Ochoa

Editing    …    Ruben Natividad

Musical Direction    …    Edwin 'Kiko' Ortega

Executive Producer    …    Vic Del Rosario Jr. 

NOTE:

*** The movie follows the story of childhood friends, Rafael (Cesar Montano) and Martin (Rustom Padilla), who grew up in opposing sides of the law. Rafael became a hitman, while Martin became a lawyer.

Leon Cordero: Duwag Lang ang Hahalik sa Lupa (Tagalog: Only the Coward Will Kiss the Ground)

Original Release Date: June 12, 1996

Production Companies: OctoArts Films, Cinemax Studios

MAIN CAST

Raymart Santiago    …    Leon Cordero

Jennifer Mendoza    …    Marissa

Lailani Navarro    …    Lilet

Eddie Gutierrez    …    Don Salazar

Dick Israel    …    Waray

King Gutierrez    ...    Totoy Sputnik

SELECTED CREW

Direction    …    Baldo Marro

Story    …    Baldo Marro and Eddie Pajarillo

Screenplay    …    Eddie Pajarillo and  Rolly Perello

Cinematography    …    Apolinario Cuenco

Production Design    …    Waldo Masconi

Editing    …    Abelardo 'Dho' Hulleza

Musical Direction    …    Rey Magtoto

Executive Producer    ...    Orly R. Ilacad

NOTE:

*** TAGLINE: Maamong kordero kung ika'y kaibigan. Leong mabangis kapag sinaktan! (Tagalog: A gentle lamb when you are a friend. A fierce lion when attacked!)

Bayarang Puso (Tagalog: Paid Heart)

Original Release Date: June 20, 1996 (Official Entry to the Manila Film Festival)

Production Company: Regal Films, Available Light Production

MAIN CAST

Lorna Tolentino    …    Juliet Sanvictores

Aga Muhlach    …    Martin Villanueva

Carmina Villarroel    …    Christine Sanvictores

Sharmaine Suarez    …    Anna

Cherry Pie Picache    …    Becca Crisostomo

SELECTED CREW

Direction, Story, and Screenplay    …    Jose Javier Reyes

Cinematography    …    George Tutanes

Production Design    …    Benjie De Guzman

Editing    …    Danny Gloria

Musical Direction    …    Nonong Buencamino

Executive Producer    …    Lily Y. Monteverde 

NOTE:

*** The movie revolves around the ballroom dancing craze in the country in the mid-1990s.

Isa, Dalawa … Takbo (Tagalog: One, Two ... Run)

Original Release Date: June 20, 1996 (Official Entry to the Manila Film Festival)

Production Company: Star Cinema

MAIN CAST

Anjo Yllana    …    Esting

Smokey Manaloto    …    Dinggoy

Sharmaine Arnaiz    …    Agi

Patrick Garcia    …    Jason

Boy2 Quizon    …    Dodong

Jun Aristorenas    ...    Pompeyo

Amy Austria    ...    Digna

SELECTED CREW

Direction and Story    …    Edgar 'Bobot' Mortiz

Screenplay    …    Rudolph Mahilom

Cinematography    …    Val Dauz

Production Design    …    Tots Sanchez-Mariscal

Editing    …    Renato 'Ning' De Leon

Musical Direction    …    Rudy Lozano

Executive Producer    …    Charo Santos-Concio

NOTE:

*** Anjo Yllana and Smokey Manaloto co-hosted the Tagalog dub of the original syndicated run of Takeshi’s Castle that aired on IBC 13 in the early 90s. They pre-taped scripted reactions on the Japanese game show in a corner of a newsroom.

About the time of the release of Isa, Dalawa ... Takbo, Yllana and Manaloto were co-hosting the ABC 5 game show B na B: Baliw na Baliw. 

Kabilin-Bilinan ng Lola ('Wag Uminom ng Serbesa) (Tagalog: Grandma Said (Don't Drink Beer Anymore)

Original Release Date: June 20, 1996 (Official Entry to the Manila Film Festival)

Production Company: MAQ Productions

MAIN CAST

Mark Anthony Fernandez    …    Devin

Jomari Yllana    …    Bopet

Giselle Toengi    …    Sharmane

Wendell Ramos    …    Emil

Antonio Aquitania    …    Bricks

SELECTED CREW

Direction    …    Maryo J. de los Reyes

Story and Screenplay    …    Jake Tordesillas

Cinematography    …    Charlie S. Peralta

Production Design    …    Benjie De Guzman

Editing    …    George Jarlego

Musical Direction    …    Jaime Fabregas

Executive Producer    …    Douglas Quijano

NOTES:

*** The title of the movie is derived from the lyrics of the song Laklak (Tagalog: Chug) by the rock band Teeth.

*** TAGLINE: Grow Up and Survive!

To Saudi with Love

Original Release Date: June 20, 1996 (Official Entry to the Manila Film Festival)

Production Company: Premiere Entertainment Productions

MAIN CAST

Dawn Zulueta    …    Cynthia

Alice Dixson    …    Mithi

Carmi Martin    …    Purita

Tonton Gutierrez    …    Allan

Mat Ranillo III    …    Eric

Rey 'PJ' Abellana ... Ruel

Richard Bonnin ... Bono

Daniel Fernando ... Abel

SELECTED CREW

Direction    …    Emmanuel Borlaza

Story    …    Rey Langit

Screenplay    …    Lualhati Bautista

Cinematography    …    Sergio Lobo

Production Design    …    Ben Payumo

Editing    …    Jess Navarro

Musical Direction    …    Nonong Buencamino

Executive Producer    …    Cirio H. Santiago

NOTES:

*** This movie is based on the public service radio program hosted by Rey Langit.

*** TAGLINE: The girls they left behind, the women they'll come home to.

Mulanay: Sa Pusod ng Paraiso (Tagalog: Deep in Paradise)

Original Release Date: June 20, 1996 (Official Entry to the Manila Film Festival)

Production Company: Teamwork Productions

MAIN CAST

Gina Alajar    …    Norma

Jaclyn Jose    …    Dr. Ria Espinosa

Nonie Buencamino    …    Elvis

John Arcilla    …    Lino

Allan Paule    …   Dennis

SELECTED CREW

Direction    …    Gil Portes

Story and Screenplay    …    Clodualdo 'Doy' Del Mundo Jr.

Cinematography    …    George Tutanes

Production Design    …    Ronaldo Cadapan

Editing    …    Racquel M. Cruz

Musical Direction    …    Joy Marfil

Executive Producer    …    Malou Venturina

NOTE:

*** Mulanay is a municipality in the province of Quezon.

*** TAGLINE: Two women in a season of Hope and Pain

Anino sa Dilim (Tagalog: Shadow in the Dark)

Original Release Date: June 27, 1996

Production Company: Taurus Films

MAIN CAST

Sarah Gomez    …    Mitch

Lawrence David    …    Miguelito

Korina Castro    …    [information to be provided upon availability]

Jimmy Concepcion    …    [information to be provided upon availability]

Rocky Martinez    …    [information to be provided upon availability]

SELECTED CREW

Direction    …    Rogelio 'Gie' Baruelo

Story    …    Atilemrac

Cinematography    …    Boy Anao

Production Design    …    Ver Langcauon

Editing    …    Nap Montebon

Musical Direction    …    Boy Alcaide

Executive Producer    …    Noli E. Buenaseda 

NOTE:

*** The film is about Randy and Mitch who invited two other couples to spend a relaxing vacation in Randy's rest house. At first, the rest house seems like a paradise, but soon the vacation turns into a nightmare as the guests turn up dead one after the other.

Pag-ibig Ko Sa Iyo'y Totoo (Tagalog: My Love for You Is True) 

Original Release Date: June 27, 1996  

Production Company: Viva Films and Mahogany Pictures

MAIN CAST

Ramon "Bong” Revilla Jr.    …    Lt. Mario Romero

Donna Cruz    …    Dulce

Nanette Medved    …    Beth

Tirso Cruz III    …    Manny Diaz

Paquito Diaz    …    Mr. Diaz

Jorge Estregan    ...    Mr. Diaz's Son

SELECTED CREW

Direction    …    Romy Suzara

Story    …    Jojo M. Lapus and Felix E. Dalay

Screenplay    …    Jojo Lapus, Romy Suzara, and Felix E. Dalay

Cinematography    …    Danny Bustos

Production Design    …    Sonny Maculada

Editing    …    Renato de Leon

Musical Direction    …    Jaime Fabregas

Executive Producer    …    Vic Del Rosario Jr. and Victor Villegas

NOTES:

*** The title of this movie is derived from the opening lyrics of the song Paniwalaan by Blue Jeans.

*** Similar with Leon Cordero, the finale of this movie involves lead character(s) running out of a cave to escape detonating explosives. 

A-E-I-O-U

Original Release Date: June 27, 1996

Production Company: Merdeka Films

MAIN CAST

Leo Martinez    …    SPO Juan Entu

Jenine Desiderio    …    Loren

Jean Garcia    …    Sylvia

Gloria Romero    …    Lola Julia

Joseph Reyes ... Amboy

Lester Llansang ... Eber

Marjorie Inumerable ... Isay

Noreen Aguas ... Olly

Agatha Tapan ... Ula

Don Pepot    …    Chief Ahoy

SELECTED CREW

Direction and Story    …    Jett C. Espiritu

Screenplay    …    Senen Dimaguila and Jett C. Espiritu

Cinematography    …     Arnold Alvaro

Production Design    …    Jens Peter Gaw

Editing    …    Eber Ramos

Musical Direction    …    Tony Cortez

Executive Producer    …    Elmer Lim

NOTES:

*** This movie follows SPO Juan Entu (Leo Martinez),  a humorous yet devoted policeman, becoming the unlikely hero and father figure to five witty but wayward children who had endured the cruelty of their cold-hearted community.