Why is godfather called ninong in the Philippines?

Answer 1

Since Tagalog (Philippine language) is derived from Spanish, the term "ninong" is presumably derived from the Spanish word "padrino". "Padrino" means godfather and Spanish speaking people may call a padrino, "nino" for short. Hence, ninong from nino.

However, this is very presumptive, untrue and baseless to the least. "Ninong" and "Ninang" are pure tagalog titles for sponsors for marriages, and later, for baptism who were to act as second parents of the children to be baptized or couples to be married according to the age old rites of the tagalog natives. Take note that tagalog language was indigenous as people who spoke it, as ancient as the cantonese, hokkien and other Chinese languages and European or African dialects as revealed, say, in a Rosetta stones. It follows, therefore, that the tagalog "ninong" and "ninang" were ancient terms of endearment of the tagalog natives just like the spanish "padrino".

Answer 2

In the Philippines, the godfather is called "ninong" because it is a term derived from the Spanish language, which has had a significant influence on Filipino culture due to colonial history. The word "ninong" traditionally refers to the male godparent who plays a significant role in a child's life, often participating in important ceremonies such as baptism and weddings.