What is Rondalla?

       

      A Rondalla is an ensemble of stringed instruments that are played with a plectrum or pick. They originated in Spain but became most popular in Philippine folk music after their introduction to the islands during the 19th century. Philippine instruments are made of native wood and played with a tortoise-shell plectrum.

The word "rondalla" is from the Spanish ronda, meaning "serenade." The core instruments of Spanish ensembles are the guitar, the mandolin, and the lute. Rondallas usually are accompanied by at least one singer and sometimes by percussionists playing handheld instruments. Though ensembles of stringed instruments have existed in some form in Spain since at least the 16th century, this form dates from the early 19th century, and it soon thereafter traveled to the Philippines, which was a Spanish colony at the time.

Source: http://www.wisegeek.org/what-is-a-rondalla.htm