Ayala, Zamboanga

Fonda is one of the oldest traditions the Zamboangueños inherited from the Spaniards. It simply means a small restaurant. In the early 1960s to the 1980s, the people from Ayala used to celebrate Fondas in different zones or Calles of the barangay. Traditionally sponsored by a single family or a local Sari-Sari store, Fonda takes the form of a social gathering usually held at night, where long tables are placed in the middle of the store filled with different kinds of Zamboangueño delicacies like brillantao, pastillas, suman largao, suman ibus, tamal and many more. The host would invite ladies not only from Ayala but also import beautiful ladies from neighboring barangays with the intention to attract gentlemen. Once everything is set up and the program ready to begin, the gentlemen now chooses their preferred ladies. But for one to get a chance for a dance with the lady or request the latter to sing for him, he first has to buy one or more food from the table. The more money the guy has, the more chances he will be able to dance with the lady of his interest. When feeling generous, a gentleman can pay for all the food on a specific table assigned to the lady he is attracted with, so that no other guy will take her for a dance. This is aptly called “Tapa Mesa”. In some cases, the mother of the lady brings a big “bayong” or bag to put all the food that's offered to their daughter.

The name “Fonda de Ayala” and how the tradition took shape to what it is now, happened during a regular meeting of the Barangay Council of Ayala, which at that time, was presided by then barangay captain, Atty. Cesar M. Jimenez. The barangay leader asked Romel T. Ortega, the SK Chairman, what project they would like to sponsor for the upcoming Christmas celebration. He suggested that instead of giving Fonda permits to the different Calles, the SK Council, through the different Zone Youth Organization should sponsor one Fonda and call it "Fonda de Ayala". This proposal was unanimously approved by the Barangay Council, who then appointed Elsie Alba as the action officer.

The first Fonda de Ayala was held on December 8, 1982 at the playground field of the local parish church, Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Eight stores represented the eight Zone Youth Organization(ZYO). The program commenced with a parade participated by each zone, with a special Ati-Atihan dance performed by Zone 8 youth, headed by their SK Councilor, Wie Serna. The first Fonda de Ayala featured cultural revival shows with nightly programs. It also held free dance parties on the plaza every night. The festivity culminated on December 30, 1982 with a bonfire and a disco which lasted up to 2:00 am. From then onwards, Fonda de Ayala has been held every year and has become a tradition among the residents of Ayala.