Mano Po, Ninong

It is a tradition for Filipino children to kiss or touch to their forehead the hand of an old person they meet. This is called mano, from the Spanish word for hand. When done to their godfather or godmother, kids expect a monetary gift, especially during Christmas.


ORIGINAL TAGALOG SONG LYRICS

Maligaya, maligayang Pasko kayo'y bigyan
Masagana, masaganang Bagong Tao'y kamtan
Ipagdiwang, ipagdiwang araw ng Maykapal
Upang manatili sa atin ang kapalaran
At mamuhay na lagi sa kapayapaan

Mano po Ninong, mano po Ninang
Narito kami ngayon
Humahalik sa inyong kamay
Salamat Ninong, salamat Ninang
Sa aginaldo pong inyong ibinibigay


Narito kami ngayon
We're here now

Humahalik sa inyong kamay
kissing your hand

Salamat
Thank you

mano
to kiss the hand or lift it to touch the forehead


Maligayang Pasko
Merry Christmas!

ninong
godfather

ninang
godmother