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